Let us know Mahalaya and its significance in the Hindu Culture. This day has a lot of meaning as it marks the beginning of Devi Paksha and the end of the Pitru Paksha. It signifies the onset of Durga Puja.
Mahalaya and its significance is mentioned in the ancient texts which say that this is the period which marks the victory of good over evil. The day is an auspicious occasion that heralds the arrival of Goddess Durga. I
n the present times it is celebrated through various rituals by the Hindu community across the country.
Mahalaya and its significance
So what does the word Mahalaya mean? The word has several connotations. ‘Maha’ simply means ‘great’ and ‘Alaya’ means ‘abode’. Few other say ‘Maha’ means great but here it signifies ‘the Goddess’ or Durga and ‘alaya’ means ‘coming’.
On this day, Pitru Tarpan is observed this is the last day for such rituals that started during Pitru Paksha. The offering of water, with sesame and Kusha, a kind of grass, is given to the ancestors. Ancestral rites are traditionally kept for the daytime that is after 12 pm.
Pitru Paksha to considered be an inauspicious period, because shradhh or death rites are performed during this phase. It is a 16-day lunar period during which people remember and pay homage to their ancestors.
However, Mahalaya Amavasya marks the end of this day and the beginning of festivities. The much awaited grand festival of the advent of Maa Durga begins. This also makes the entire atmosphere happy and joyful.
People start preparing for the Goddess and her comfortable stay on this Earth. The puja pandal preparations also speed up. Mahalaya and its significance is largely felt as the entire city becomes filled with hustle and bustle. This marks a positive and happy phase in the Hindu culture.
We at The Utkal Post wish you all a very Happy Mahalaya. And pray that may the Goddess be kind to all of us.
