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 :27^th September,Tuesday.