There are times in life’s journey when we pause to remember those who came before us. Pitra Paksha is one such sacred occasion. It is a period in the Hindu calendar dedicated to our ancestors. This devotional memorial fortnight carries a deep spiritual significance. People perform rituals to honor and seek blessings from the departed souls. Let us delve into the details of Pitru Paksha and explore its essence, history, significance, and rituals to please our ancestors.
What is Pitru Paksha?
Pitru Paksha is also known as Shradha Paksha. The word “Pitru” implies the ancestors and the “Paksha” marks a fortnight. It is the 15 days lunar period in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. It generally comes in September or October, depending on the lunar calendar. During this time, Hindus pay homage to their ancestors with prayers, sacrifices, and rituals. On the ancestral side, it is believed that the souls of the ancestors descend to earth and the rituals performed help them achieve peace and freedom. It is a time for us to accept the commitments of our ancestors to make our lives.
The Pitru Paksha’s ritual is performed by the male members of the family, usually the eldest son. Offerings made at this time are believed to reach the ancestors directly to bring prosperity in their afterlife.
Story of Pitru Paksha
Pitru Paksha has its origins in ancient time. One of the most famous stories associated with this period is the story of the Mahabharata. Karna is said to have died and ascended to Swarga (heaven). Instead of real food, however, he was given gold and precious stones to eat instead of food. When he asked this question to Lord Indra, he was told that he had donated money and lots of gold during his lifetime but he had never given food to his ancestors. Realizing his mistake, Karna requested permission to return to Earth for 15 days to perform Shradha rituals and feed his ancestors. This period is believed to have come to be known as Pitru Paksha. It emphasizes the importance of feeding the departed souls.
Another story tells how Lord Rama performed Shradha for his father King Dasaratha during his exile. This act of dedication is said to have brought peace to the soul of Lord Dasaratha. It symbolizes the noteworthiness of these customs among the people.
Significance of Pitru Paksha
Pitru Paksha occupies a great spiritual importance all over the world. During this time, it is believed that ancestors bless the well-being, health and happiness to their descendants. The Shraddha Tarpana (water offering) ritual performed on Pitru Paksha is known as ‘Pitru Rin Mukti’. It is believed to be a way to repay the ancestors and for us to get their blessings.
The rituals that people perform are not only to please the departed souls. They are also a reminder of the impermanence of life and the importance of doing our duties with integrity and dedication. The action of food donation to the poor needy people and Sadhus, and offering prayers is a mark of gratefulness.
Pitru Paksha also emphasizes the concept of karma. It teaches us that our actions in this life affect us and our ancestors. By performing these rituals, we seek forgiveness for sins that may have caused distress to our ancestors and ensure their spiritual well-being.
What to Do to Please Ancestors in Pitru Paksha?
- Perform Shradha: The Shradha ceremony involves offering food, water and prayers to the ancestors. Generally, items like rice, dal, vegetables, and sweets are cooked in a clean place. The ancestors are believed to accept the offerings and bless the descendants.
Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva 91.42
शृणु तात प्रवक्ष्यामि श्राद्धस्य विधिमुत्तमम्।
दानं श्राद्धेषु यत् प्रोक्तं तद् ब्रह्माणाः प्रचक्षते॥
Meaning: This verse expresses the purity of donations made during Pitru Paksha. It emphasizes that donating, especially during Shradh rituals is considered an important act. By offering charity, one fulfils their duties toward their ancestors and pleases the souls of the departed.
- Tarpana Sanskar: Tarpana is the ritual of giving water to the ancestors. It is usually performed by the male members of the family on the banks of a river or in a sacred body of water. This is offered to seek ancestral blessings for the well-being of the family.
- Give to those in need: Giving food to the poor is one of the important parts of Pitru Paksha. Food, clothing and other gifts to the poor are considered to please the ancestors. The act of giving is seen as a way of sharing the blessings received from the ancestors with those in need.
Bhagavad Gita 3.13
यज्ञ-शिष्टाशिनः सन्तो मुच्यन्ते सर्व-किल्बिषैः।
भुञ्जते ते त्वघं पापा ये पचन्त्यात्म-कारणात्॥
This verse expresses the importance of offering food as a sacrifice, especially during rituals like Pitru Paksha. It suggests that feeding others, including donations is a way to gain spiritual merit.
- Fasting: Fasting during Pitru Paksha is a way to purify the body and mind. It is believed that through fasting one can gain spiritual benefits and please one’s ancestors. Some people fast completely, while others eat a simple diet avoiding certain foods.
- Mantra recitation: A particular mantra chanted on Pitru Paksha is believed to invoke the blessings of the ancestors. The “Hare Krishna Mahamantra” must be listened and recited throughout the duration to ask apologies for any mistakes and ensure the peace of the departed souls.
- Visiting holy places: During Pitra Paksha, many people visit holy places like Gaya, Varanasi and Haridwar and perform shraddha rituals. These places are considered very auspicious for ancestral rituals and it is believed that if rituals are performed here, the ancestral souls are liberated.
- Prepare a special meal (Pinda Dana): Pinda Dana is a special ritual in Pitri Paksha. It involves Pindas (balls made of rice cooked in milk and water) mixed with sesame seeds, Ghee (clarified butter), Honey, and Jaw seeds. These Pindas (balls) are given to the ancestors, expressing their eternal connection to the earth and the cycle of life.
This ritual is usually performed by male members of the family at sacred places, such as the banks of sacred rivers. It is believed that offering the remains helps the ancestors attain moksha (liberation) and relieves them of all suffering.
- Lighting candles for ancestors: Lighting candles (diya) in front of Shri Krishna in memory of ancestors is a simple yet powerful way to honor them. The light symbolizes the eternal flame of life, which guides the souls of those who have progressed to peace. This lamp is usually lit near a basil plant or in a place of worship in front of Lord Krishna.
- Perform Homam (Havan): Homam or Havan is a fire ritual performed to invoke blessings of gods and ancestors. During Pitra Paksha, the homa dedicated to the ancestors is believed to purify any bad karma associated with them. The ritual includes sacrifice.
- Avoid fun celebrations and activities: Pitru Paksha is a serious time for reflection and reminiscence. It is best to avoid fun activities like festivals, weddings and other events during this period. Instead of participating in festivals, they should focus on performing rituals and prayers to the ancestors.
- Read Holy Scriptures: Reading holy books including Shrimad Bhagavatam and Shrimad Bhagavad Gita are believed to bring peace to the departed souls. These scriptures provide spiritual wisdom and guidance, and spiritual freedom for the living and the dead.
- Meditation and reflection: Meditation during Pitru Paksha enables you to connect with the spiritual realm and receive guidance from your ancestors. It is a time to reflect on the teachings and values we have been given, and to express gratitude for the impact they have had on our lives.
Importance of Gratitude and Spirituality During Pitru Paksha
By remembering our ancestors, we accept the heritage that shaped us. Their experiences, sacrifices, and blessings helped sustain us, and this season allows us to honor that relationship.
Through rituals and sacrifices, we show respect and love for the departed souls. This belief helps us create positive energy around us, attract blessings, and clear any obstacles in our lives. It is believed that the ancestors bring us prosperity, health, and happiness when we sincerely perform Pitru Paksha rituals.
May the blessings of Shri Shri Radha Madan Mohan bestow upon your ancestors and they attain eternal peace, and may the blessings of your ancestors guide you on your journey and bring peace and prosperity to your life!
