Beginning on the Purnima (Full Moon day) of Bhadrapada, Pitru Paksha is a 16 day long period dedicated to our ancestors and forefathers who have left the world. This period specifically honors the deceased and considered to be inauspicious for conducting any kind of auspicious activities or events. It is believed that our ancestors are with us and around us during Pitru Paksha. Different rituals are carried out and donations are made to appease them and bring peace to their souls. The person performing Shraadh Pujas should strictly follow celibacy (Brahmacharya) to gain fruitful results and blessings of the Pitra (ancestors).
Story of Karna
The legend goes that after Karna died, his soul went to the heaven. There he was given gold, jewels, etc. but no food to eat. This led him question Lord Indra about why he only got gold and no food. Indra said that it was because Karna had donated just gold, flowers and jewellery to his ancestors and never donated any edible items. Upon hearing this, Karna informed Indra that he was unaware who his ancestors were. Indra allotted a span of 15 days to Karna to rectify this mistake. In this period, Karna performed the Shraadh rituals, fed the needy, donated food to animals by remembering his departed forefathers. This act liberated the souls of his ancestors and their unfulfilled wishes. Further, this period has been observed as Pitru Paksh in the memory of our deceased ancestors.
Why should you feed the Needy during Pitru Paksha?
As per Vedic Puranas, the soul or spirit (Atma) of the deceased undergoes a cycle before attaining salvation (Moksha) and reappearing on Earth. After death, the soul is released from Earth but remains in a space ruled by Yama between the Earth and the heaven. In this space, the soul does not get relief from the physical needs and emotions. To give these souls relief and freedom, their succeeding generations should perform ritualistic Shraadh and feed the needy or poor. Making donations in Pitru Paksh and doing Pind Daan appeases the ancestors and frees us from troubles or miseries of life. As their souls are liberated, the “Raja- Tama” energies are transmuted to the animals which is why we also feed the animals such as dogs, cows, crows, etc. Food given to them is said to reach our ancestors and they bestow blessings on us.
What should you feed the animals?
Crows: The most common belief in Hinduism is our ancestors take the form of a crow after death and that is why, one should have lunch only after the food is touched by a crow on the Shraadh day. They are known to be the messengers of Pitri Lok. Shraadh food should be always offered first to the crows.
Dogs: Shraadh food can be offered to the dogs as they signify Yama, the God of death. It is said that dogs guard the gate of heaven and hell which is why feeding the dogs during Pitru Paksha is beneficial.
Ants: Small balls made of flour and sugar should be offered to the ants. This brings good luck and wish fulfilment to the native. Feeding these animals is said to ultimately reach the ancestors.
Cows: Cow is revered as the Divine Mother in Hinduism. Shraadh food and grass can be offered to the Cows for blessings of the ancestors. During Pitru Paksha, feeding the cows makes the Shraadh rites complete. One should not miss offering food to the cows in Pitru Paksha to get good results of the Shraadh Puja.
Benefits of feeding the needy in Pitru Paksha
- Brings blessings of our ancestors
- Pleases the spirits of ancestors and frees them from bondages of Karma
- Attracts good luck and success by removing the obstacles
- Improves family relations and resolves discord
- Creates a harmonious environment in home
- Reduces financial problems and brings stability
- Removes hurdles from success in business and career
- Bestows blessings of progeny to childless couples
- Pacifies the negative effects of Pitru Dosha
- Gives relief from physical and mental ailments
- Blesses the family with good health and ensures well-being
Few things to remember in Pitru Paksha
Pitru Paksh has to be spent considering certain things to receive the blessings of our ancestors and avoid Pitru Dosha. Below are a few things to remember and follow during Pitru Paksh:
- Abstain from consuming non-vegetarian food
- Do not consume alcohol, tobacco or any intoxicating substances
- Treat everyone especially the elderly with respect and do not hurt their sentiments
- Avoid getting involved in bad practices, fight, abuse, etc.
- Keep a positive mind frame
- Auspicious ceremonies should not be conducted during this period
- One should avoid purchasing new house, vehicle, etc.
- Feed the underprivileged in this period and do not disappoint anyone who comes at the door
- Those who want to conduct Pitru Dosha puja can do it in Pitru Paksh
