History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v5.c75.574

v5.c75.574

Mahālayaśrāddha, see 'ascetics'; follows procedure of pārvanaśrāddha 532, is so called because it is the abode (ālaya) of the *maha* (festival for pitṛs) 531, is the most eminent among all śrāddhas 532, latter half of Bhādrapada when the sun is in Kanyā is called Mahālaya and Gajacchāyā 532, to be performed in the dark half of Bhādrapada when the sun is in the zodiacal sign *Kanyā* or *Tulā* 530-531, is performed not only for benefit of paternal and maternal ancestors, but also for several deceased relatives together with their wives (such as son, uncles, aunts, sisters, father-in-law, friend, pupil) 533, various views as to the exact date on which M should be performed 532, when the sun enters the sign of scorpion and no śrāddha is performed the pitṛs lose hope, pronounce a curse on their descendant and return to their abode 531