"Pitru Paksha 2023: Why is it only 16 days long?
Pitru Paksha, also known as Shraddha or Pitrupaksha, is a 15-day ritual observed by Hindus to honor their ancestors. During Pitru Paksha, the eldest son of the deceased offers oblations and performs rituals for the departed souls of their ancestors who reside in the realm known as Pitru Loka (the space between heaven and earth). Pitru Paksha typically begins on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Shukla Paksha in the Bhadrapada month.
Pitru Paksha concludes on the day of Ashwin Amavasya, known as Sarva Pitru Amavasya.
During Pitru Paksha or Shraddha Paksha, various rituals are performed for the ancestors, including Tarpan (offering of water), Pindadan (offering of rice balls), Shraddha (rituals), and Panchbali karma, among others. According to religious beliefs, performing these rituals during Pitru Paksha helps satisfy the departed souls of one's ancestors, remove Pitru Dosha (ancestral afflictions), and bring prosperity, peace, and well-being to the family.
Pitru Paksha 2023: Significance
According to Hindu mythology, the souls of the three previous generations reside in Pitru Loka, the realm between heaven and earth. In Pitru Paksha, rituals are performed only for the last three generations of ancestors.
Why is it necessary to perform Shraddha during Pitru Paksha?
During Pitru Paksha, individuals perform Shraddha (rituals) for their ancestors based on their respective death dates. It is believed that those who do not offer Tarpan (water oblations) to their ancestors during Pitru Paksha incur Pitru Dosha (ancestral affliction). Performing Shraddha brings satisfaction and peace to the souls of the departed ancestors. They bestow blessings upon the individuals and their entire families. Every year, people visit holy places to perform Pindadan (offering of rice balls) for the peace of their ancestors' souls.
If you do not know the exact death dates of your ancestors, you can still perform Shraddha on Sarva Pitru Amavasya, a day dedicated to offering rituals to both known and unknown ancestors."
Why Is Shraddha Only 16 Days Long?
According to scriptures, it is believed that a person's death can only occur on one of these sixteen specific days, and no other dates are considered for the passing of ancestors. Hence, Pitru Paksha lasts only for sixteen days. However, on days when the Tithi (date) is deficient, the Shraddha rituals are observed for fifteen days but never exceed sixteen days.
How to Perform Shraddha
Shraddha can be performed at home or by the banks of a sacred river. During this ritual, offerings are made to satisfy the ancestors. The main components of the ritual include Pindadan (offering of rice balls) and feeding a Brahmin.
If you cannot perform these rituals at home or by a sacred river, you can also do them at a cow shelter (Goshala).
Here is a brief overview of how to perform Shraddha:
Take a bath before sunrise.
Wear clean clothes and make a sankalp (a solemn vow) for the Shraddha and charity.
Do not eat until the completion of the Shraddha.
Perform the Shraddha ritual during the eighth Muhurta of the day, known as Kutup Kaal, which lasts from 11:36 AM to 12:24 PM.
Sit facing the south, bend your left leg, and keep your right knee on the ground.
Fill a copper vessel with offerings, including barley, sesame seeds, rice, raw milk from a cow, Ganga water, white flowers, and water.
With a clump of Kush grass in hand, chant prayers and pour the water from the vessel into another container eleven times.
Offer kheer (rice pudding) to your ancestors.
Afterward, offer food to deities, cows, dogs, crows, and ants separately.
Mistakes to Avoid During Pitru Paksha
Shraddha Paksha involves performing rituals like Shraddha, Tarpan, and Pindadan to appease the souls of the departed ancestors. It is believed that making mistakes during this period can lead to difficulties in life. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Avoid consuming meat and alcohol during this period as it is considered impure.
Do not initiate any auspicious activities like weddings, engagements, or housewarming ceremonies during Pitru Paksha as it is inauspicious.
Refrain from cutting your hair or nails for the entire fifteen days of Pitru Paksha, as it is considered inauspicious.
Do not disturb or harm animals and birds during this time. Instead, feed them as it is believed to bring good fortune.
Avoid buying new clothes during Pitru Paksha and do not wear new clothes during the rituals.
Follow the rules and customs of Pitru Paksha to show respect to your ancestors and seek their blessings."
Please note that these practices and beliefs may vary among different regions and sects within Hinduism.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Pitru Paksha:
What is Pitru Paksha?
Pitru Paksha, also known as Shraddha Paksha or Pitrupaksha, is a 15-day ritual observed by Hindus to honor and pay respects to their deceased ancestors.
When does Pitru Paksha occur?
Pitru Paksha begins on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Bhadrapada month in the Hindu calendar and concludes on Ashwin Amavasya (Sarva Pitru Amavasya), which usually falls in September or October.
Why is Pitru Paksha observed for 15 days?
According to Hindu scriptures, a person's death can only occur on specific dates, and these are limited to sixteen days. Therefore, Pitru Paksha lasts for 15 or 16 days to ensure that the rituals align with the ancestors' death dates.
What is the significance of Pitru Paksha?
Pitru Paksha is significant as it is believed to bring peace and prosperity to the family by satisfying the departed souls of ancestors. It is also a way to remove Pitru Dosha, which is considered an ancestral affliction.
How do you perform Shraddha during Pitru Paksha?
The Shraddha ritual typically involves offerings like Pindadan (rice balls), Tarpan (water oblations), and feeding Brahmins. It can be performed at home or by the banks of a sacred river.
Can Pitru Paksha rituals be performed in a temple?
Yes, Pitru Paksha rituals can be performed in a temple, but they are commonly conducted at home or by a sacred river.
What should one avoid during Pitru Paksha?
During Pitru Paksha, one should avoid consuming meat, alcohol, and certain vegetables like onion and garlic. Additionally, it's best not to initiate any auspicious activities like weddings or housewarming ceremonies.
Is it necessary to know the exact death date of ancestors for Shraddha?
It's ideal to know the exact death date of ancestors, but if you don't, you can perform Sarva Pitru Amavasya rituals on the last day of Pitru Paksha, which is dedicated to all departed ancestors, known and unknown.
What is the significance of performing rituals for ancestors in Pitru Paksha?
Performing rituals for ancestors during Pitru Paksha is believed to bring solace to their souls, remove ancestral afflictions, and bring blessings, peace, and prosperity to the family.
Why do people not cut their hair and nails during Pitru Paksha?
It is considered inauspicious to cut hair and nails during Pitru Paksha as it is believed to disrupt the spiritual significance of the period and bring bad luck.
Are there any specific timings for performing Pitru Paksha rituals?
Yes, the rituals are usually performed during the eighth Muhurta of the day, known as Kutup Kaal, which lasts from 11:36 AM to 12:24 PM.
What should be done if one cannot perform Pitru Paksha rituals at home?
If you cannot perform the rituals at home, you can also do them at a cow shelter (Goshala) or at the banks of a sacred river.
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