Introduction:
Pitru Paksha roots have started from the Rig Veda. It is for the ancestors who left their heritage of wisdom, love, protection, and material wealth. As far as we can tell, ancestors are parents, grandparents, great – -grandparents from the last seven generations. During this time, people pay tribute to their late spouse, children, siblings, aunts, uncles, and parents-in-law. Even on this occasion people even perform shradh to friends, teachers, and all beloved people who passed away.
Pitru Paksha is also known as Shradh, paying homage to your dead ancestors who have departed from us, as per the Hindu calendar. The period lasts for 16 days during the Krishna Paksha or the time between Purnima and Amavasya in the Hindu months of Ashwin or Bhadrapada. This Shradh is performed for three generations of ‘Pitras’.
The period is marked by offering prayers, daan, and food. All the rituals are performed in respect and remembrance of the dead ancestors.
In 2023, the Pitru Paksha starts on Friday 29 September and ends on Saturday, October 14.
The story behind the Pitru Paksha Shradh.
According to Hindu mythology, Karna, the first son of Kunti, was killed in the Mahabharata and his soul ascended to Heaven. Interestingly, he was served gold there instead of food. Karna was confused, hence Karna asked for help from Lord Indra. Lord Indra said he offered gold ornaments since he donated the material to poor people during his lifetime. He never offered food to the souls of his ancestors. Karna replied that he was unaware of the rituals of offering food to ancestors, in order Lord Indra agreed to send it to the earth for 15 days so that could prepare food and offer it to his ancestors. This period eventually came to be known as Pitru Paksha Shradh.
Significance of Pitru Paksha.
Hindus follow Sanatan Dharma, a Lifestyle with the most importance for values and respect for living beings in the universe as well as those who left us. One of the most important traditional practices in Hinduism from ancient times is paying homage to our ancestors. Pitru Paksha is one of the traditions followed by Hindus every year. It is also known as “Shradh karma”. Shradh is performing rituals for a few days as per the Hindu calendar, according to Hindu scriptures the soul will wander in several worlds till it gets the next body. The soul has to enter the next body based on the law of Karma. Santhana dharma also talks about liberation in human life, Moksha or liberation is achieved through selfless actions or godly activities. It is believed that in Pitru Paksha ancestors visit on earth and they will receive everything that their families offer to them
These days it is very auspicious to perform Pitru Tarpan, Pind Daan, and Shardh. Devotees call brahmins at home and offer them sattvic food, clothes, and daks, hin, and in the last of rituals they touch the feet of brahmins and take their blessings. It is also known that their forefathers received it through Brahmins. It is believed that the departed soul becomes satisfied and peaceful when these rituals are performed by their loved ones. These rituals help the soul to burn bad karma and get a body to reach the state of liberation.
The occasion of Pitru Paksha also shows that our Life is not just limited to the body. It also shows that our connection with loved ones goes beyond the limits of the physical body. The offering in Pitru Paksha is considered the drama of those who continue to live in this world. It is beneficial for both those who live and those who have passed away. Those who have passed away will get their journey towards Moksha
Another benefit is we get closer to cosmic forces that are outside of human control proximity. Offering Prayers will certainly benefit with good luck and fortune. It also brings happiness, good wealth, and harmony in family and relationships.
What does Shard mean?
“Shrad” is an Sanskrit word the combination of the word “Say” and “Adahar”. Sat means truth and Adahar means function or base. It shows the rituals that are performed with faith and sincerity with a noble cause in the mind
The 16 days, dates, and Thiti of shradh are:
- Purnima Shradh – from 28 September 2023,
to 29 September 2023
- Pratipada Shradh – from 29 September 2023 to 30 September 2023
- Dwitiya Shradh – from 30 September 2023 to 1 October 2023
- Tritiya Shradh – from 1 October 2023 to 2 October 2023
- Chaturthi Shradh – from 2 October 2023 to 3 October 2023
- Panchami Shradh – from 3 October 2023 to 4 October 2023
- Shashti Shradh – from 4 October 2023 to 5 October 2023
- Saptami Shradh – from 5 October 2023 to 6 October 2023
- Ashtami Shradh – from 6 October 2023 to 7 October 2023
- Navami Shradh – from 7 October 2023 to 8 October 2023
- Dashmi Shradh – from 8 October 2023 to 9 October 2023
- Ekadashi Shradh – from 9 October 2023 to 10 October 2023
- Dwadashi Shradh – from 10 October 2023 to 11 October 2023
- Trayodashi Shradh- from 11 October 2023 to 12 October 2023
- Chaturdashi Shradh – from 12 October 2023 to 13 October 2023
- Amavasya Shradh – from 13 October 2023 to 14 October 2023
Rituals of Pitru Paksha:
The most important offering is the “Pinda Pradan” – a ball prepared with boiled rice, mustard, and water Rituals of Tarpana is also performed, where sesame seeds and water is taken in palms and offered by chanting Mantras along with the name of ancestors. There is also a tradition of feeding dogs, cows, crows, and beggars on this day
Worship method for Pitru Paksha:
- The Shradh pooja rituals are generally performed by the elder son of the family.
- On Puja day, the devotees should wake up and bathe early in the morning, and wear a dhoti and a ring prepared from Kusha grass.
- After this, the ritual of Pinda Pradana is conducted by offering sesame seeds, water, barley, and boiled rice balls in remembrance of ancestors.
- The devotees seek the blessings of Lord Vishu by offering another grass “Darbha grass”.
- Once rituals are done a portion of food that has been prepared for the ancestors is offered to a crow, as believed the crow is the messenger of Lord Yama Raja. If the crow eats food it is considered very auspicious.
- Finally, food is offered to Brahmins and Dakshina is offered to them for the rituals performed.
- By reading Garuda Purana, Agni Purana are auspicious during Pitru Paksha Shardh.
Things not to do in Pitru Paksha.
During the period of Pitru Paksha devotees should avoid starting a new business. This period is considered inauspicious for doing new things in life. People should avoid purchasing or wearing new clothes, shaving beards or hair, and washing clothes should be avoided especially on the last day which is Mahalaya Amavasya, and should avoid consuming onion, garlic, and non-veg items on Pitru Paksha. Marriage, naming ceremony, and moving to a New house should be done before Pitru Paksha or, after the Pitru Paksha.
Frequently asked questions about Pitru Paksha Shradh
- When will Pitru Paksha will begin in 2023?
Pitru Paksha will start from 28 sel 2023
- When will Pitru Paksha end in 2023
Pitru Paksha will conclude on 14 October 2023
- What is Pitru Paksha?
Pitru Paksha is 15 day most auspicious day in Hinduism. Which is dedicated to the worship of ancestors. It is believed that in these 15 days, our ancestors will visit Earth.
- Which Pooja is done in Pitru Paksha?
Shradh Puja is performed in Pitru Paksha. Where all Hindus will pay homage to their ancestors.
- What is the mantra for ancestors?
The mantra “Aum Namo Vah Pitrah Saumyah Svaha” requests Divine guidance, assistance, and healing from them.
