Duties during Pitru Paksh

Duties during Pitru Paksh

Pitrus means ‘forefathers’ and it is a concept in Hindu Mythology. Pitrus dwell in Pitruloka (world of ancestors). Tarpana and Shraddha are rituals dedicated to Pitrus. Recitation of mantras influences the Pitrus and is believed to bless those who offer oblation. Pitra Shraad’- Rites in honor of the revered spirit of a dead person, during poornima (full Moon night) of ‘Bhadrapad’ month and the dark half of the lunar month of (i.e. fifteen days) are called ‘Shraad Paksha’or ‘Mahalaya Paksha’. These days are the remembering days of the ancestors and sages and saints. ‘Shraad’ i.e. “Shradehya Yat Kriyate Tat” that means that, which is performed with passionate astonishment. It is believed that by satisfying ancestors and forefathers who are no more in this world, people can have blessings for happy and peaceful worldly life. According to Puran Pitrukshetra have been divided into five parts out of these Bodhigaya as Shirakshetra, Vaitarni as Nabhi kshetra, Pithapur at padarkshetra, Siddhpur at Matrukshetra and Badrinath as Brahmakapali kshetra. Thus, all these five-pitru tirtha are various organs of one body. Bodhygaya Kshetra is very famous, ancient and holy pilgrim for dedicating Pind Dan for ancestors and forefathers. That is situated on the bank of Falgu River in Bihar state. Pitra Paksha Tarpana, also known as Mahalay, is a period of fifteen days selected as time to honor the departed ancestors of family. These 15 days are also known as Sharad. Pitra Paksha is observed during the dark half of Ashwin - a lunar month which corresponds to September / October. A unique element of this fundamental ritual is the offerings of Shradha to the ancestors. Meditation, mantra repetition and prayer also form part of Pitra Paksha. It is considered fortunate to make offerings to the poor and the Brahmins on this occasion. According to scriptures, the sun enters the sign Virgo (Kanya rashi) on this day. It is also believed that the departed souls come down to accept the offerings from their descendants.

The revered spirit of a dead persons and ancestors who worked hard for well-being of their children, who had shed their blood, they must be remembered with admiration so whatever embodiment they are passing through they should be at peace and rest painless offering of a gift or sacrifice of cooked rice be made for the (pitras) manes as also gratification of water be made of, pitru get satisfaction from which they bless their children and feel that after death, children still remember the departed soul. Pitra-tarpan (ancestor worship, also called "shraad- dha") obligates Hindus to honor their ancestors at least once a year when a fortnight is reserved. Shraad’ retains the tradition of Hindus and keeps on to the cultural heritage. People must show thankfulness to manes by worshiping them and paying respect to them during these days.

During ‘Shraad’ period, prayer to this consequence may be made to manes (pitrus) with all faith. Even remaining in their spiritual form, they attain a seat and accepting worship may kindly forgive mistakes. Oblation of cooked rice or kneaded flour (i.e. pindh) is offered to them and gratification (libation of water is made for their satisfaction and gratification) respectively. In such a performance ‘Pind daan’ (offering oblation of cooked rice or kneaded flour) is made for last three progenies i.e. father, grandfather & the great grandfather. It is said that enchanting of Mantras besides reciting name of the ‘Gotra’, person’s names accept to prayers performing ‘Shraad’ for the manes in ‘Shravana’ constellation, instantly remove away the family problems. In Puran twelve types of ‘Shraad’ have been mentioned. The son, who is moral of performing ‘Shraad’. It is one of the reasons, which Indians wish for a male child. In case of having no male child, a widow woman is righteous of performing ‘Shraadh’ for her husband! Even son of the daughter i.e. grandson is also righteous of performing ‘Shraad’ for the parents of his mother. Outstanding to the practical problems, one’s brother (a person of same Gotra) or one having the same Gotra has been given the right of performing ‘Shraad’. In fact, this tradition of performing shraad is another special way of worshipping ancestors of ancestors. Shraad or Tarpan i.e. ‘oblation’ & liberation are made for the appeasement of the parted soul.

When a person perform ‘Shraad’ with total admiration it satisfies not only manes but lord Brahma, Indra, Rudra, both Ashwani Kumars, Ashtvasu, the air, vishavveda, the sages, men & animals, birds, the creatures like snakes and snails all other types of living beings in air, water or ground are also got satisfied. Therefore, a son should make gratification (libation of water) all the sixteen days of ‘Shraad’ i.e. poornima of Lunar Bhadrapad month and fifteen days of the dark half of the lunar ashwani month apart from ‘Shraad’ on his date (Indian Tithi) of death. Crow is symbol of ‘Pitrapaksh’. Offering food to crows & watering the Pipal tree to manes (pitrus) get satisfied in the name of manes and offering food to Brahmin, the crows, dogs, fish & the cows are offered food. Its practical reason is that a part of hard earned money be distributed for social cause which can be used for offering food to others

People, who do not perform oblation & libation to their manes, the manes go weaker and they attain births in lower embodiments such as ghostly life etc. In such a birth, they remain annoyed with people of their family and create obstacles in the works & the progress of their family. Under such circumstances, those who do not make oblation & libation to their ancestors such natives face poverty, meet accidents, suffer family quarrels, marriage life is disturbed, children and job related problems. They have many such unfavorable results. Such a situation is known as ‘Pitradosha’. 

If there is Pitrudosh in a person’s horoscope because of which family doesn’t grow or the family has to face the problems constantly one has to perform Narayan Bali pooja on the bank of Narmada river at Chanod tirtha situated near Dabhoi in Baroda district in Gujarat. This Kshetra is very famous for other Pitrutarpan pooja and dedication to ancestors and forefathers. Learned and well-educated Brahmins are providing all types of facilities and amenities to the pilgrims to the coming here to all over India. Even after death to perform Uttarkriya people are coming here from every corners of the country.