Shraddha on Pitra Paksha

The word “Pitra Paksha” comprises of two words ‘Pitra’ means ancestors and ‘Paksha’ means phase of the moon. The auspicious period in the dark fortnight of Ashwini (September – October) is known as Pitra Paksha. This is an occasion to pacify the departed ancestors by performing rites to repay debts to the ancestors. This year Pitra Paksha will start on 28th September (from 9.00 am onwards) and will continue till 12th October 2015. 

Pitra Paksha is observed from the 1st day or Tithi of the Ashwin month and continues till the following new Moon day which is known as Amavasya. During this period of 15 days, the Shraddha or Tarpan of the ancestors is performed on the Tithi on which they met eternity. Apart from this, each day is dedicated to the Tarpan of all the ancestors in this period.

Dates                          Day                 Tithi

28th September          Monday              Pratipada Shraddha

29th September          Tuesday             Dwitiva Shraddha

30th September          Wednesday        Tritiya Shraddha

1st October                Thursday           Chatturthi Shraddha

2nd October                Friday                Panchami Shraddha

3rd October                Saturday            Shasthi Shraddha

4th October                Sunday              Saptami Shraddha

5th October                Monday             Ashtami Shraddha

6th October               Tuesday            Navami Shraddha

7th October               Wednesday        Dashami Shraddha

8th October               Thursday           Ekadashi Shraddha

9th October                Friday               Dwadashi Shraddha

10th October              Saturday           Travodashi Shraddha

11th October              Sunday             Chatturdashi Shraddha

12th October              Monday              Sarva Pitru Amavasva

According to Hindu Mythology, there exists a zone between heaven and earth which is known as Pitra Lok. All the ancestors or Pitra dwell at this place. This zone is governed by Yamadeva or god of earth. The person of first generation goes to heaven only when the person of second generation dies. Hence, the death rites or Shraddha for the person of first generation are not completed. Therefore, in Pitra Paksha, the Shraddha of ancestors of three preceding generations is done to propitiate them. 

In Bhagwat Gita, Lord Krishna says, “the soul never takes birth and never dies at any time nor does it come into being again when the body is created. The soul is birthless, eternal, imperishable and timeless and is never destroyed when the body is destroyed.” The Pitra Paksha rites liberate a soul from the vicious circle of life and death and it attains salvation. The Shraddha of Pitra Paksha involves oblations to three preceding generations by taking their names and also by taking name of the family tree or Gotra. These rites are performed by current generation to repay the debts of ancestors.

It is essential that rituals of Shraddha be performed by the eldest son or any male relative of the paternal branch of the family limited to the preceding three generations. However, on Savapitra Amavashya, the daughter’s son can offer Shraddha for the maternal side of his family. The Shraddha involves Pind-Dan to the ancestors. Brahmans are offered food, new clothes and dakshina. 

The performance of Shraddha during Pitra paksha will get more peace and happiness for yourself and your family. As per Markandya Purana, if the ancestors are content with the Shraddhas they bestow health, wealth, knowledge and longevity and ultimately heaven and salvation to the performers.

Posted by: Admin

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