Human beings owe much to their ancestors. They are responsible for our birth. Their contributions have made our lives easier. So we have a lot to thank them for. The life we live today is a gift from them. And it is not just our immediate ancestors like parents and grandparents, but also those who came before them whom we should thank.
So how do we thank people who are no longer there in our midst, in the land of the living? People whom we have never seen or even heard about? And is it really important that we should thank them? The answer is ‘yes’. But how? There are ways to do it. In fact, many religions and cultures have some rituals or traditions to remember the dead.
Hindus, for instance, perform Shraddh ceremonies for dead ancestors. They include rituals like Tharpanam, Tila Homam, Pinda Daanam, etc. The Irish, Mexicans, Red Indians, Japanese, and many other peoples of this wide world consider it very important to remember and honor their late ancestors.
But why is it important? Can the dead be offended if we fail to remember them? Can they harm us? Death robs them of all power and agency, after all. So what does it matter if we forget them?
It matters a lot. It matters because the displeasure and anger of departed ancestors can blight our lives in many ways. A person who forgets to honor his ancestors can suffer many problems. He may lack money, happiness, and peace of mind. Success may elude him, despite his best efforts. Marriage may be delayed, and even if it does take place, it may not be happy. He may lack progeny, and his health may be poor. In short, the person may face many obstacles and challenges in life. All this could be the result of Pitru Shaap or Pitru Dosha.
Thai Amavasya and Ancestors
For Hindus who wish to honor their ancestors, Thai Amavasya is a very important day. Thai is a Tamil month (Dec-Jan), and Amavasya means New Moon. The first New Moon in Thai month is very important for performing ancestral worship. In Thai, the Sun begins its journey north, and this is a very auspicious time. Sun represents the soul in Vedic astrology. It also helps us to receive ancestral blessings during this time. Doing Thai Amavasya Tharpanam is important because, in Thai month, the Sun enters Capricorn, which is Saturn’s house. Saturn, too, has a role in eliminating negative ancestral karma. The Tamil harvest festival, Pongal, is also celebrated in Thai month.
Story behind Tharpanam
According to legend, the Barhishadhas, divine beings who live on soma juice or divine nectar, had a ‘manasa putri’ or mentally conceived daughter called Acchoda. Achchoda longed for a mortal father. But due to this desire, she lost her divine and yogic powers and fell from heaven. While she was falling, she prayed that someone would rescue her. While passing through Pitru Loka, the world inhabited by departed spirits, her prayers fell on their ears. They saved her and advised her to be born as King Amavasu’s (‘Amavasya’ comes from Amavasu) daughter. After she took birth as Amavasu’s child, she regained her powers. Acchoda then performed a ritual for the Pitrus to express her gratitude. Since then, people have followed the practice of honoring the Pitrus. This is also known as Pitru karma, which is a prayer to our ancestors, invoking their blessings and protection.
Importance of Tharpanam
The souls of dead people live in Pitru Loka until they are reborn. In Pitru Loka, they feel hungry and thirsty. To survive, they depend on the offerings we make to them. It’s why people perform Shraddh ceremonies like Tarpanam to appease the ancestors. They also feed the poor on such occasions. Rituals like Tila Homam and Pinda Daanam are also performed
to appease ancestral souls. Through such rituals, the Pitrus get food and water. Failing to do them can cause Pitru Shaap or Pitru Dosha.
People offer sesame seeds and water during Tarpanam to their ancestors. This can supposedly free 7 generations of descendants from past karmas, past sins, and curses. Also, it can fulfill the desires of their ancestors, who will bless them. Ancestral blessings can supposedly resolve all kinds of problems in life.
Thai Amavasai Celebrations
Rameshwaram, Kanyakumari, andDhanushkodi (all in Tamil Nadu) are very renowned spots where people perform Thai Amavasai Tharpanam for their ancestors. Abishekam, Pooja, and Archana are also done at temples to appease ancestral souls. Tarpanam rituals are usually performed on the banks of sacred seas or water bodies.
The Ramanatha Swamy temple in Rameshwaram attracts many people who wish to perform Tharpanam. Sethukarai, Devipattinam, and Muhuntharayarchatram are other popular places.
New moon or Amavasya days are conducive to connecting with ancestors. Thai Amavasai is one of the most auspicious days for such rituals. When our ancestors are pleased with the offerings we make, they can make our lives better in many ways.
Thai Amavasya 2024 is on Friday, February 09, 2024.
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