Mahalaya 2021: Mythology, History, Overview, and Significance

The day in which Goddess Durga vanquished the monster Mahishasura, is commemorated and celebrated by the Hindus as Mahalaya. For the Bengali people, it marks the conclusion of Pitru Paksha Shradh or the start of Durga Puja. Pitru Paksha in Hindu mythology refers to a time when people revere their predecessors and seek blessings for their spirits. Even though as previously stated, Mahalaya signifies the start of the Durga Puja celebrations in West Benga, it is also observed by the community at large residing beyond the state. The goddess is said to have landed on Earth on the day of Mahalaya. It is also the starting day of month Ashwin. However, the beginning of this brilliant fortnight is also known as Matamaha or Dauhitra meaning "Mother's father" and "Daughter's son" respectively.

Mahalaya 2021

Mahalaya in the year 2021 is to be observed on October 6. People following the Bengali traditions listen to songs like Mahishasura Mardini which is an audio version of the recitations of Chandipath with scriptural passages of Sri Sri Chandi along with other devotional music after they wake up early in the morning. On this day, the goddess is said to embark on her voyage down from Mountain Kailasha to the plains which is where her maternal abode in Earth is. She travels on a boat, a palanquin, a horse, or an elephant. Goddess Durga's arrival on the boat usually refers to rain and fears of blood but assures good yield. Her arrival on the palanquin means that a plague might follow but she will rescue everyone through it. When she arrives on a horse, it means that she is fighting with all the negativity and evils to bring us a better future. And while arriving on an elephant, she brings peace, prosperity, and good fortune.

Mahalaya 2021, History

Goddess Durga visits her parental home, Earth, on the day of Mahalaya, as per Hindu mythology. According to popular mythology, Maa Durga was created by Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar (the three most powerful Gods, Tridev) for killing and destroying the monster Mahishasura. The devil was extremely powerful, and as a result neither the devatas nor the humans could defeat him. However, The Devatas put up a valiant battle, but they were all defeated by the strong and monstrous Asura. It was then, Mahishasura gradually conquered over the Devaloka (land of the Gods) and became its ruler. When the situation worsened to such an extent, the Devatas along with Lord Vishnu worshipped Adi Shakti (Half power, other half being Lord Shiva) to save them from demons. Thus goddes Durga appeared with ten hands following which she was given several weapons by several Gods to defeat the demons. She battled Mahishasura very fiercely for nine days, and then on the tenth day, the goddess finally killed him. To observe this, the festival of Navratri and Durga Puja begins on this day. Varied states have different ways of commemorating this. The earliest ancestors bid farewell to Maa Durga before she sets off to earth on Mahalaya Amavasya morning.

Benefits of Paying Tribute To Forefathers (According To Mythology)

On Mahalaya, there are several benefits of paying tribute to forefathers. When worshippers commemorate and pay respect to their predecessors on the day of Mahalaya Amavasya, it is thought that the ancestors become liberated from their suffering. Following below are some of the advantages of honouring and commemorating your ancestors:

• Bad karma would be washed away.
• Your family members may look forward to a brighter future and improved health.
• Because your predecessors' bad karma has been cleansed, you can achieve your ambitions.
• Your forefathers and mothers will help you succeed.
  
  

  Pind Daan

  The foods offerings made for the ancestors are usually cooked in silver or copper vessels and typically offered on a banana leaf or cups made of dried leaves. It will be offered to crows.

  Timings:

  The Amavasya tithi begins at 7.04 pm on 5 October and ends at 4.34 pm on 6 October, as per Drikpanchang.

  Kutup Muhurat - 12:03 PM to 12:50 PM- Duration - 00 Hours 47 Mins

  Rohina Muhurat - 12:50 PM to 01:38 PM- Duration - 00 Hours 47 Mins

  Aparahna Kaal - 01:38 PM to 04:00 PM- Duration - 02 Hours 22 Mins

  Amavasya Tithi Begins - 07:04 PM on Oct 05, 2021

  Amavasya Tithi Ends - 04:34 PM on Oct 06, 2021