Pitru Paksha, also known as the Mahalaya Paksha, is a significant period in the Hindu calendar dedicated to honouring one’s ancestors. This 16-day period falls in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, which typically spans from mid-September to mid-October. The observance of Pitru Paksha involves performing various rituals and offerings to seek the blessings of one’s forefathers. In this article, we will explore the significance of Pitru Paksha and the various rituals involved in this observance.
Pitru Paksha: Belief & Reason
Pitru Paksha is believed to have originated from the story of Karna, a warrior who was denied offerings by his ancestors due to his low birth status. As a result, Lord Indra allowed him to visit the underworld during Pitru Paksha to receive offerings from his ancestors. This is believed to be the reason why Pitru Paksha is considered a crucial period for honouring and paying respects to one’s forefathers.
Performing rituals and offerings during Pitru Paksha is believed to help one’s ancestors attain moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. It is also considered a way to express gratitude towards one’s ancestors who have contributed to one’s existence and progress. Additionally, it is believed that performing these rituals can help one attain blessings and overcome obstacles in their life.
Rituals and Traditions of Pitru Paksha
The most significant ritual of Pitru Paksha is the offering of Tarpan, which is the act of offering water mixed with black sesame seeds, barley, or rice to one’s ancestors. The ritual involves reciting specific mantras and offering the water towards the south direction.
Another essential ritual of Pitru Paksha is Shradh, which involves offering food and other offerings to one’s departed loved ones. The offerings usually include cooked rice, lentils, vegetables, and sweets. The food is offered to Brahmins or priests, and it is believed that the ancestors partake of the offerings through them.
Navagraha Shanti Puja is also performed during Pitru Paksha to seek the blessings of the nine planets and appease any malefic influences that may affect the family’s well-being. It is believed that performing this puja during Pitru Paksha has a higher significance and brings more significant benefits.
Pitru Paksha 2023 Dates
Purnima Shradh – September 20, 2023 (Tuesday)
Pratipada Shradh – September 21, 2023 (Wednesday)
Dwitiya Shradh – September 22, 2023 (Thursday)
Tritiya Shradh – September 23, 2023 (Friday)
Chaturthi Shradh – September 24, 2023 (Saturday)
Panchami Shradh – September 25, 2023 (Sunday)
Shashthi Shradh – September 26, 2023 (Monday)
Saptami Shradh – September 27, 2023 (Tuesday)
Ashtami Shradh – September 28, 2023 (Wednesday)
Navami Shradh – September 29, 2023 (Thursday)
Dashami Shradh – September 30, 2023 (Friday)
Ekadashi Shradh – October 1, 2023 (Saturday)
Dwadashi Shradh – October 2, 2023 (Sunday)
Trayodashi Shradh – October 3, 2023 (Monday)
Chaturdashi Shradh – October 4, 2023 (Tuesday)
Why do we perform Pitru Paksha?
We perform Pitru Paksha to pay homage to our ancestors and seek their blessings. It is believed that the ancestors’ souls visit the earth during this period and accepting the offerings made to them can provide them with peace and comfort. By performing the rituals and offerings during Pitru Paksha, we express our gratitude towards our ancestors, who have contributed to our existence and progress. It is also believed that seeking the blessings of ancestors during this period can bring prosperity, health, and happiness to the family.
Conclusion:
Pitru Paksha is a period of great significance in Hinduism as it provides an opportunity to honour and remember one’s ancestors. It serves as a reminder of the contributions made by our forefathers and the importance of expressing gratitude towards them. By performing these rituals, one can seek blessings and overcome obstacles in their life while also attaining spiritual growth and connection with their ancestors. The observance of Pitru Paksha is a way to connect with one’s roots and preserve the legacy of our ancestors.
FAQs
Q. What is Pitru Paksha?
Ans. Pitru Paksha is a 16-day period in the Hindu calendar dedicated to honoring one’s ancestors.
Q. When is Pitru Paksha observed?
Ans. Pitru Paksha falls in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, which typically spans from mid-September to mid-October.
Q. Why is Pitru Paksha significant?
Ans. Performing rituals and offerings during Pitru Paksha is believed to help one’s ancestors attain moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. It is also considered a way to express gratitude towards one’s ancestors who have contributed to one’s existence and progress.
Q. What are the rituals of Pitru Paksha?
Ans. The most significant ritual of Pitru Paksha is the offering of Tarpan, which is the act of offering water mixed with black sesame seeds, barley, or rice to one’s ancestors. Other rituals include Shradh, offering food to Brahmins or priests, and Navagraha Shanti Puja.
Q. Can anyone perform the rituals of Pitru Paksha?
Ans. Yes, anyone can perform the rituals of Pitru Paksha. It is not limited to any specific caste or community.
Q. What is the significance of Navagraha Shanti Puja during Pitru Paksha?
Ans. Performing Navagraha Shanti Puja during Pitru Paksha is believed to bring more significant benefits as it helps to seek the blessings of the nine planets and appease any malefic influences that may affect the family’s well-being.
Q. Which Paksha is good for baby birth?
Ans. The Shukla Paksha, which is the waxing phase of the moon, is considered auspicious for childbirth. This period is believed to be favorable for the healthy growth and development of the fetus. It is believed that if a baby is born during the Shukla Paksha, he or she will have a long and prosperous life. On the other hand, childbirth during the Krishna Paksha, which is the waning phase of the moon, is considered inauspicious. However, it is important to note that the timing of childbirth is ultimately determined by various factors, including medical considerations, and should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.
