MAHALAYA PAKSHA -- PITHRU YAGNA (The Glory of Mahalaya Pithru Paksham)

Pitrupaksha Starts 30th September 2012 – 14th October 2012
Mahalaya Maha Amavasya 14th October 2012

The fortnight (15 days) preceding the Dasara or Navaratri is known as Mahalaya Paksha or Pithru Paksha. This period is important for honoring our ancestors. Men, whose fathers or Mothers have passed away, offer their obeisance

(shraddha) to their ancestors during this period.
The last day of this period called as Mahalaya Amavasya, the new moon day, is considered as the 

most important day in the year for performing obsequies and rites.

As per Hindu Philosophy, it is said that having taken birth on this sacred Earth one should get discharged mainly from three types of Rinas (Debts) viz.Deva Rina, Rishi Rina and PithruRina (that also includes Mathru Rina).

For the purpose of this article let us confine ourselves to the third one that is Pithru Rina. It is said and believed that one will get discharged from Pithru Rina by begetting a son (continuity of generation), by serving the Parents and also by performing Pithru Yagna (sacred rites to forefathers). It is the duty and responsibility of a son to serve his parents not only when they are alive but also after their death. One may get a doubt as to how one can serve his parents after their death. This is where Vedas/Upanishads come into picture and prescribes certain rituals to be performed in a Vedic way to please not only the forefathers but also the Pithru Devathas. We find many sacred texts (Puranas) like Garuda Purana, Vayu Purana, Agni Purana, Matsya Purana, Markandeya Purana referring about the sacred rites to be performed to forefathers and its merits and also implications of not performing. As we approach towards the middle of Bhadrapada Masam as per the Lunar Calendar, it is time for us to worship the departed souls (forefathers). This worship is held for a period of 15 days during the waning period (dark period) of Moon in the second fortnight called as Krishna (Bahula) Paksha during Bhadrapada Masam that generally occurs in the months.
List of items to bring for Shradh.
Rice 1 lb
Moong dal(yellow) ½ lb
Plantain and other few vegetables 2
Betel leaves and nuts 5
Banana 4
Coconut 1
Quarter coins change $ 5
Dakshina

Pancha Patra uddharani and plate for tarpan (tumbler/soon/plate)

(Father/Mother not alive, and their parents (grand parents) not alive)
Write all your forefathers/Pitru gothra and names (Pita Vargam, Mata Vargam.Paternal and Maternal side) in a Paper and bring it to the Priest for performing Tarpan.