Yati Mahalaya
Yati Mahalaya is an auspicious Hindu
observance that is dedicated to Yatigalu. It is observed on the ‘Dwadashi’
(12th day) of the ‘Krishna Paksha’ (the period of waning phase of moon) in the
Bhadrapada month during the Pitru Paksha period. In the English calendar, the
date corresponds to the months of September-October. On the day of Yati
Mahalaya, there is a ritual to present ‘Hastodaka’ to all the Yatigalu who have
chosen to enter Vrundavana. It is to be noted that on this day, the customary
Pitru Paksha Shraddha is not performed for the forefathers. It is believed that
one can enhance their knowledge and learning ability by performing these
Shraddha rituals. The customs of Yati Mahalaya is more popular in Southern
states of India and is observed with full devotion by the Hindu communities in
Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Yati Mahalaya is also known as ‘Yati Dwadashi’.
Significance
of Yati Mahalaya:
Yati Mahalaya rituals are important
for Hindu communities. This observance is a means to show their respect to the
Yatigalu. Hindus perform the Shraddha rituals on Bhadrapada Dwadashi to relieve
themselves from the ‘Yati Runa’. Hence this day is also referred as ‘Yati
Dwadashi’. The Yatigalus have dedicated their lives to humanity and have
preserved their knowledge in the various Upanishads, vyaakhyaa, shastra
granthas and several other ancient scriptures and puranas. These granthas or
books have helped us in learning the basic principles of life and so we owe a
Runa, known as Yati Runa to them. Yati Mahalaya is observed to repay this Runa
and seek the blessings of the Yatigalu.
Rituals during Yati Mahalaya:
- The Yati Mahalaya Shraddha rituals can
only be performed by Yatiputras. The Yatiputras are people who have taken
the ‘Shastra/Grantha Runa’ from the Yatigalu.
- On this day, Yatiputras perform
hastodaka/annasantarpana to the Yatigalu by the means of offering
‘bhojana’ or food to the Brahmin community. They do not have to give panda
pradhana to the Yatigalus.
- The Yati Mahalaya Shraddha rituals must be
performed in the sacred Hindu pilgrim places like Gaya, Rishikesh,
Varanasi, Haridwar, Allahabad Sangam, Devar Malai near Karur, Ootathoor
and Ramagiri near Surattapalli to name a few.
2016 Date :27th
September,Tuesday.
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