Shraddh Paksha: A Time for Honouring Ancestors!

Shraddha Paksha, also known as Pitru Paksha or Sorah Shraddha, is a 16-day period in the Hindu calendar dedicated to ancestor worship. Shraddh Paksha, also known as Pitru Paksha, is a Hindu festival dedicated to honouring and remembering ancestors. It is believed that around this season, the spirits of deceased ancestors return to Earth to receive offerings from their offspring.

Pitru Paksha (fortnight of the paternal ancestors), also known as Pitri Paksha, is a 16-day lunar period in the Hindu calendar during which Hindus pay tribute to their ancestors (Pitrs), particularly with food offerings. The era is also known as Pitri Paksha (Pitr-Paksha), Pitri Pokkho, Sorah Shraddha ("sixteen shraddhas"), Kanagat, Jitiya, Mahalaya, Apara Paksha, and Akhadpak.

Pitru Paksha is considered unfavourable by Hindus due to the death rite done at the ceremony, known as Shraddha or Tarpana. In southern and western India, it occurs in the second paksha (fortnight) of the Hindu lunar month of Bhadrapada (September), immediately following Ganesh Utsav. It begins on the Pratipada (first day of the fortnight) and ends with the no moon day known as Sarvapitri Amavasya, Pitri Amavasya, Peddala Amavasya, or Mahalaya Amavasya (just Mahalaya). Most years, the autumnal equinox falls during this time.

What is the meaning of Pitru Paksha (Shradh)?

Pitru Paksha lasts 16 days this year. When the Shradh is performed during this time, a variety of food that the deceased person used to enjoy while on earth is served. These 16 days represent a strong time frame for making the souls of the deceased ancestors happy and content. It is a ritual used to remove impediments and free the souls of deceased ancestors from their attachment to worldly objects and people on Earth. This tradition makes the voyage to paradise go smoothly.

 According to Hindu tradition, the karmas of the previous life are carried over into this life, thus we must fulfill the unfinished karmas owed to our ancestors in order to soothe them and support them in completing their trek to the celestial planes without interruption.

Shradh's significance is briefly referenced in holy writings like the Agni Puran, Vayu Puran, Garuda Puran, and a few other sacred works. Shradh is an ancient tradition practiced in Hinduism and many other religions. It is a long-standing ritual carried out in honor of the deceased souls.

 

Shraddh Paksha Celebration Date and Time:

Shraddh Paksha is traditionally observed in the Hindu month of Ashwin, which corresponds to September or October in the Gregorian calendar. The exact dates change each year depending on the lunar cycle.

Significance of Shraddh Paksha:

Hindus believe that a son's performance of Shraddha during Pitru Paksha is required to ensure that the ancestor's spirit ascends to heaven. The scripture Garuda Purana states that "there is no salvation for a man without a son" in this context. The scriptures teach that a householder should worship ancestors (Pitris), gods (devas), elements (bhutas), and visitors. According to the Markandeya Purana, if the ancestors are satisfied with the shraddhas, they would give health, prosperity, knowledge, and longevity on the performer, eventually leading to paradise and salvation (moksha).

• Honouring Ancestors: The primary purpose of Shraddh Paksha is to show respect and gratitude to ancestors. It is believed that by performing Shraddh rituals, one can ensure the well-being of their ancestors in the afterlife and receive their blessings.
• Relieving Ancestral Distress: It is believed that if ancestors are unhappy or restless, it can negatively impact the lives of their descendants. Shraddh rituals are believed to alleviate any such distress and ensure the peace of the ancestors.
• Seeking Blessings: It's also believed that ancestors can bestow blessings and protection on their descendants when honoured properly.
• Family Bonding: Shraddh Paksha often brings families together for rituals and celebrations, strengthening familial ties.

 

Rituals and Offerings

The specific rituals performed during Shraddh Paksha can vary depending on regional traditions and family customs. However, some common rituals include:

• Tarpan: Tarpan is an offering water to the ancestors as a symbolic gesture of sustenance. This is a significant ritual involving offering water, Jau (Barley Seeds), Til (Black Seaseme Seed), Raw Cow Milk, Chandan (Sandalwood Powder), Kumkum, Akshat (Rice), White Flower to the deceased ancestors through Kusha (Desmostachya bipinnata) by the thumb of right hand in south direction which the place of ancestors. It is believed that the water quenches their thirst and ensures their well-being in the afterlife. The Garuda Purana states that the Kusha grass is born of the hair of Vishnu and it is known to be the purifying object for the religious rituals.
• Pind Daan: Pind Daan means Offering cooked rice balls to the ancestors. This involves creating symbolic food offerings (pindas) for the ancestors. These pindas are placed on the ground and offered to the departed souls. These balls are believed to represent the physical body.
• Shraddh Puja: Shraddh Puja means performing a special puja or worship to appease the ancestors. A more elaborate ceremony might be performed, involving prayers, mantras, and offerings. The specific rituals can vary depending on regional traditions and family customs.
• Feeding the Hungry: Providing food to the needy and the homeless as a way to honor the ancestors.

Who and for whom perform Shraddha:

Shraddha must be conducted by the son, generally the eldest or male relative of the paternal branch of the family, and only for the previous three generations. If there is no male heir in his mother's family, the daughter's son can offer Shraddha on Sarvapitri amavasya or matamaha. Some castes only practice shraddha for one generation. Before conducting the process, the male should have participated in a sacred thread ceremony. Because the ceremony is deemed inauspicious because to its relationship with death, the Kutch royal family, the king, or heirs to the throne are not permitted to perform Shraddha.

 

Rituals of Shraddha:

The male who performs the shraddha is expected to take a cleansing bath and wear a dhoti. He wears a ring made of darbha grass. The ancestors are then called upon to reside in the ring. The shraddha is typically conducted bare-chested, as the position of the sacred thread worn by him must be adjusted several times during the ceremony.

The shraddha includes pinda dana, an offering to the ancestors of pindas (baked rice and barley flour balls mixed with ghee and black sesame seeds), which is performed alongside the outpouring of water from the hand. It is followed by the worship of Vishnu (via the darbha grass, a gilded figure, or the Shaligram stone) and Yama. The food offering is then prepared, just for the ritual on the rooftop.

If a crow arrives and devours the food, the offering is regarded accepted; the bird is believed to be a messenger from Yama or the ancestor's ghost. A cow and a dog are also fed, and Brahmin priests are served food. After the ancestors (crow) and Brahmins have eaten, the family members can start lunch.

How to do Pitru Paksha Puja Vidhi at home:

The native should feed the Brahmins. Donate money and red clothing to them. To get relief and emancipation from their ancestors, the native should arrange for Pitru Dosha specific pujas to be done. Natives should remember and honor their ancestors by performing the Shradha rites with the utmost sincerity and trust.

During the Shradha, natives should give water to their Pitrus for a fortnight. Aside from that, giving water to the Banyan tree and Lord Shiva on a regular basis reduces the harmful effects of Pitru Dosha in the Kundali. Some other natives use chants to invoke Sri Gurudeva Dattatreya for the same restorative purpose.

As per the Vedic injunction, the eldest son, a male relative of the paternal branch of the family performs the rituals. A woman’s son can perform the ritual if she has no heir in her family.

Following are the steps for Puja to do at home:

- Position a wooden stool in the southern direction.
- Take a white towel and cover the stool.
- Spread barley and black sesame seeds over the cloth.
- Keep a photo of your ancestor on it.
- Instead of the photograph, you can use Kusha grass, which is thought to contain Bhagwan Vishnu particles.
- The next step is to invite the ancestor(s) for whom the pooja is done.
- Call their name (including surname) and say, "We, the entire family, invite you to visit our home during this period of Pitru Paksha."
- Then, fill a bronze or copper utensil with water. To this, add raw cow's milk, sesame seeds, rice, and barley.
- Then keep the vessel in front of the photograph.

 

 

Food Offering Rituals:

- If you are unable to complete the aforementioned ceremony, there is an alternative. Take a roti and spread some ghee and jaggery on it. This should be presented to the ancestor by placing it before their portrait. This can be repeated every day, and the roti can then be fed to a cow. Aside from this pooja, you must also invite a priest to your home and provide him food and new clothes on this day.

-  Another option for an offering to ancestors is to use jaggery and ghee. A cow dung cake should be burned almost completely before being topped with ghee. Then, place a small amount of jaggery on it. If the jaggery piece is completely burnt, we can deduce that the ancestors eaten it.

-  The Pitru Paksha Amavasya Pooja is an expression of gratitude to our ancestors. It's a way to honor and remember them for everything they've given us. When we do the Pooja, we shall receive their blessings since they are delighted with us. This will help us live a happy and rich life.

 

Food offered at Pitru Paksha Puja:

Food offerings to ancestors are traditionally cooked in silver or copper dishes and served on banana leaves or dried leaf cups. Kheer (sweet rice and milk), lapsi (sweet wheat porridge), rice, dal (lentils), spring bean (guar), and a yellow gourd (pumpkin) are all required.

The Shradh meal served to the ancestors includes:

- Kheer (sweet wheat porridge)
- Rice, lentils, guar (spring bean), and pumpkin (yellow gourd).
- These foods are typically prepared in silver or copper dishes and served on banana leaves or cups made of dried leaves.

Why should feed to crow, dog and cow?

All three are considered a symbol of Yama. The cow is said to have helped in crossing the river Baitarani. The crow has been said to be a prophet and the dog a sign of evil. Therefore, food is also given to them during Shraddha. Since we do not know in which life our ancestors went after death, food is symbolically offered to cows, dogs and crows.

Other articles about Shraddh Paksha or Pitru Paksha:

- Legends of Shraddh Paksha: Karna, Yama and Indra Legend about Pitru Paksha!

- Mantrasfor Pitru Paksha Puja and Tarpan in English and Hindi!

Note: The specific rituals and practices associated with Shraddh Paksha may differ slightly between different regions and Hindu communities. It's advisable to consult with a knowledgeable priest or family elder for accurate guidance.