What is Oona Masikam and how is it different from regular Masikam?

Oona Masikam (literally “deficient monthly”) is a special additional monthly ceremony performed in Tamil tradition when the death date and the regular monthly Masikam dates do not align with specific tithis — typically the 3rd, 5th, 7th, or 9th month. Oona Masikam is performed to “complete” or rectify the monthly sequence and ensure the soul receives continuous spiritual support during its Preta state. Tamil Vedic pandits determine Oona Masikam dates through careful tithi calculation based on the exact nakshatra of death. Our Tamil-speaking pandits include Oona Masikam in the complete 12-month ceremony package, ensuring the family observes the scripturally-correct sequence without gaps.