Pitru Paksha

Pitru Paksha is a combination of two words.It is a Hindu cultural religious sacrificial rite taken from the word Pitru which means ancestors and paksha meaning season or fortnight. While the Shraddha is similar to the concept of ancestor worship, the 16-day affair entails people making sacrifices and devotions. This pilgrimage is a major religious event involving performing Bhagavat Puja that is a sacred rite aimed at honoring spirits of the forefathers and requesting their blessings. As numerous as this is, that is the extent of the services this book will provide about Pitri Paksha and the reasons behind the rituals, Bhagavad Gita worship and the remedies that are employed during the 15 days of this sacred occasion.This year, pitru paksha begins September 17th and ends October 2nd.During this period, people pray, honor, and present tarpan to their ancestors.

According to Shastras, one must perform daily poojas for one’s ancestors, or Pitru. If performing pooja daily is not possible, one must do it on Amavasya or Sankramanam each month. If performing Pitru pooja on Amavasya or Sankramanam is not possible, one must perform it on the ancestors’ death anniversary. If the pooja cannot be performed on the anniversary of their deaths, one must perform it during Pitru Paksha, the 15-day period between Bhadrapada Bahula Padyami and Amavasya.

The beginning of the pitru paksha

The origin of Pitra Paksha goes back to ancient Indian history, with its roots deeply embedded in the epic Mahabharata. The story revolves around Karna, a great warrior who met a different fate in the afterlife. After his death in the battle of the Mahabharata, Karna’s soul ascended to heaven, but to his surprise, he received gold and precious stones instead of his favorite food. Bewildered, Karna asked Indra, the lord of the heavens, about his celestial covering.

Lord Indra told Karna the truth. Karna had given generously to others during his life, he explained, but he had never given anything to his forefathers. This information greatly affected Karna, who had no idea of his ancestry during his materialistic life. As a result, Lord Indra gave him permission to spend 16 days on Earth performing rites and presenting food to his ancestors. The purpose of these 16 days, which came to be known as Pitru Paksha, was to comfort and save the souls of the departed.

Pitra Ekadashi: 

The Indira Ekadashi is regarded as one of the most significant Vrats in the Hindu religion. This Ekadashi is celebrated in Pitra Paksha month . This Ekadashi occurs in September on the Gregorian calendar. The ekadashi tithi starts on September 27, 2024, at 01:20 PM, and ends on September 28, 2024, at 02:49 PM.

Among the 24 Ekadashis, Indira Ekadashi is particularly significant. Because it falls in the Pitru Paksha, this Ekadashi is also known as Shradh Ekadashi. In Hindu tradition, this Ekadashi has immense religious significance.People believe that if a person’s ancestors experienced immense misery in the afterlife, they tend to be freed from all the pain and misery they have endured. On this day, the Yamraj forgive their ancestors for all of their misdeeds if members of their family keep a fast. Additionally, keeping a fast on Indira Ekadashi helps our ancestors achieve Moksha.

Below are some of the rituals and what they mean.

Purification of Aasan: The ceremonial place to sit is consecrated by the ritualists, representing the sacredness of the place of ancestral invocation.

Sharer Cleansing: One performs a ritual of physical cleansing in preparation for giving gifts to their ancestors.

Pavitrakaran: The ritualist performs a religious cleansing of the water, an important step because it is considered the sacred ancestral medium of communication

Ganga Ahavahana: The ritualist invokes the holy Ganga and brings her purification water to the ritual site.

Shikhabandhana: The ritualist ties a sacred thread on his or her wrist —usually made of kusha grass, which represents the connection to the ancestors.

Swastivachan: The ritualists invoke blessings and good fortune if the rituals proceed smoothly.

Shantipath: The ritualist says prayers for harmony and peace for the souls of the dead and the living.

Sankalp: The person seriously discusses their intentions and goals for the ritual, as well as the names of the ancestors they honor.

Deva Tarpana, Rishi Tarpana and Pitri Tarpana: The ritualists make offerings of water and other sacred objects to Devas, Rishis and Ancestors.

Pinda Dana: The ritualist offers a rice ball containing millet and sesame seeds to the ancestors, representing the feeding of the departed souls.

The Five Grass Ceremony: The ceremonial performer uses five different sacred grasses during the ritual to create a symbolic boundary and establish a connection with the ancestors.

Sarva Pitru Amavasya: 

Mahalaya Amavasya or Sarvapitra Amavasya is the last day of Pitra Paksha and Shraddha Paksha. Falling on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 this year, Sarvapitru Amavasya serves as a very convenient option if one is unable to perform tarpan and pindan on other Shraddha Paksha days or if he does not know the date of his ancestors’ death. Sarvapitru Amavasya also known as Mahalaya Samapan, Mahalaya Visarjan, or Pitra Visarjan Amavasya, Mahalaya Day is when the souls of all ancestors depart. On Sarva Pitru Amavasya, which is the Amavasya day of the Bhadrapad month, people believe that the soul of an ancestor visits the home of its descendant with the eagerness of receiving Shradh or Tarpan. However, if they do not perform Pind Daan for the ancestors, the souls will return unsatisfied. Therefore, on the day of Sarvapitru Visarjan, it is absolutely necessary to perform the Shradh for one’s ancestors, or Pitru.

Convictions about Sarva Pitru Amavasya:

It states that the souls of departed ancestors pay an uninvited visit to their family’s home during Pitru Paksha. Once satisfied, they bless the children and depart. People say that if our ancestors are not happy, we will face many challenges in life. The restless souls of our forefathers can lead to problems with children, financial loss, and failure in every aspect of life.On Sarva Pitru Amavasya Day, you should perform Tarpan or Pind Daan rituals for your ancestors if you are unable to perform the Shradh rituals for Pitru Shanti on other days of Pitru Paksha festivities. However, if you miss the religious ritual honoring your ancestors on this day, you will suffer from emotional, psychological, and financial difficulties because your ancestors will be disappointed.

Limitations and Taboos During Pitru Paksha 

There are dos and don’ts’ that are followed as part of the Pitru Paksha rituals but there are certain prohibitions that are to be observed for the peacefulness and well-being of the ancestors. undefined

Avoiding non-vegetarian food: There are certain restrictions, such as abstaining from non-vegetarian food during pitru paksha as it is said to agitate the spirits of the ancestors. 

Refraining from purchasing new apparel and accessories: There are restrictions on buying new clothes or any new items during Pitru Paksha, as this is believed to be inauspicious. As a gesture of respect for the deceased souls, this is done.

Avoiding auspicious ceremonies: There is always no Marriage or house-warming or any other festive occasions during Pitru Paksha to avoid any interference with the rituals performed for the ancestors.