It is that time of the year when Hindus need to pay
reverence to their forefathers. Pitru Paksha, beginning from 16th
September and going up to 1st October this year, is the time when
people perform death rites of their ancestors, known as Shraadh or Tarpan. This
period of 15 days starts on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada
(August-September) and ends on the new moon day.
Why the 15 days of Shraadh?
As per Hindu scriptures, it is believed that when the great warrior
Karna died in the war of Mahabharata, he was taken to Heaven, where he was
welcomed and was given gold and jewels to eat. This was because he was a man
who had donated gold and jewels to the needy all his life. Surprised by this
gesture, Karna asked Lord Indra how he could eat all this, upon which Lord
Indra reminded him that in spite of donating all these jewels to the needy, he
had forgotten to pay homage to his ancestors and offer them food. This was why
he was being offered jewels to eat too. Karna realized his mistake and
apologized to the Lord. Upon expressing regret, he was given a chance to return
to Earth for 15 days, where he would worship his ancestors and offer them food.
This period of 15 days is therefore signified as Pitru Paksha every year.
Why the Pitru Paksha?
It is believed that when someone from the oldest generation
of a family dies, his soul heads towards the Pitrulok, which is a zone between
the Earth and Heaven, ruled by Lord Yama. When someone from the next generation
in the family dies, his soul takes up this place, and the souls of previous
generations are departed to Heaven to reunite with God. Thus, Pitru Paksha
involves worshipping three generations of ancestors. During Pitru Paksha, these
souls are believed to leave the Pitrulok and reside in the homes of their
descendants for a month. Therefore, people must worship and please their
ancestors during this period.
What rituals are
performed?
The son of the family is the main individual who is supposed
to perform the rituals of Shraadh. He is supposed to take a purifying bath and
wear a dhoti. All the rituals are performed in the presence and guidance of a
professional Pandit, after which food is offered to the ancestors. It is
believed that if a crow eats this food, the ritual is considered successful
because crows are considered to be the form of ancestors in Hindu mythology.
Apart from these rituals, it is also believed that no new task or undertaking
should be performed during this 15 day period as it is considered inauspicious.
So, if there is a new beginning that is coming up after Shraadh, and you are
only waiting for the new moon to arrive, make sure you get in touch with MakeMyPuja Pujaris to help perform the
most appropriate puja and bring a promising new beginning into your life.
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