In Hinduism, the ritual of Shraddh is performed during Pitru Paksha, also known as Shraddh Paksha. It is a period of 16 lunar days that falls during the Bhadrapada month, coinciding with August-September. During this period, people pay homage to their deceased ancestors by offering food and water. There is a belief that the ancestors visit Earth during this time to receive these offerings. According to Vastu, there are certain rules that one must follow to invite happiness and ancestors’ blessings.
Pitru Paksha Significance
Pitru Paksha holds great importance to most Hindus and is regarded as an ideal time for rituals such as Pitru Tarpan, Pind Daan and Sharddh. Pitru Paksha or Shraddh Paksha is observed for 16 days, starting from the first day of the fortnight, Pratipada, and the 16th day, Mahalaya Amavasya. During this 16-day period, people visit sacred places such as the River Ganga at Haridwar, Varanasi and Prayagraj and other rivers to offer food, water and other offerings to their ancestors.
Besides inviting peace and prosperity into the household, performing these rituals is beneficial as it brings the blessings of the ancestors and helps remove any Pitru Dosha.
Pitru Paksha rituals and traditions
In India, Pitru Paksha or Shraddh Paksha is observed by people across different parts of the country. According to popular Hindu beliefs, Pitru Paksha is the time when ancestors visit to living relatives to receive the numerous food offerings. It is believed that three generations of ancestors remain in Pitralok after death. During this time, the god of death, Yamraja sets them free to visit their family. People observe the Pitru Paksha by inviting Brahmins to home and offer Satvik food, clothing and dakshina. The Brahmins represent the ancestors.
- Shraddh: During Pitrupaksha, food and water are offered to the ancestors and this ceremony is mostly performed by the eldest male member of the family.
- Tarpan: Tarpan is the ritual of providing water mixed with sesame seeds, barley and grass (Kusha) to the ancestors. The activity is usually done at the bank of a river or any clean water body. This is said to quench the thirst of the departed souls and ensure they are satisfied.
- Maintaining cleanliness and purity: During Pitrupaksha, it is important to maintain cleanliness and purity in the household and in one’s conduct. One should keep the house clean, wear simple clothes and practising self-discipline.
- Feeding brahmins and the needy: The Shradh rituals remains incomplete if the Brahmins are not offered food. This is said to bring the ancestors’ blessings for the family.
- Feeding crows: According to Hindu traditions, people feed the crows, cows and dogs during the Sharddh time as the birds are regarded as the messengers of the ancestors. The food offered to the crows is believed to reach the departed souls.
Pitru Paksha Vastu
Dos
- One should take the holy bath in the morning in the Ganga river or using Ganga water, which is considered auspicious.
- Shradh rituals should be performed each day by offering food and clothes to Brahmins.
- The rituals should be performed by a qualified Brahmin or priest, who can perform the Pitra Tarpan ritual and eat the meal served at home.
- One should feed cows, crows, dogs and ants.
- Organise Gayatri path, which is believed to bring peace for the ancestors.
Don’ts
- Food items such as onion, garlic, meat, egg, etc. must be avoided during this time. Similarly, one should refrain from consuming alcohol.
- Vastu experts say that one should avoid purchasing new clothes or shoes during Pitru Paksha. Similarly, one must avoid organising auspicious events such as Griha Pravesh, Marriage, etc. or purchasing a new house, jewellery, vehicle, etc. during Pitru Paksha.
- Certain activities, such as haircuts and clipping nails, should not be done during Shraddh.
- Avoid placing pictures of ancestors in the pooja room, bedroom or kitchen, as it can cause discord in the family. The pictures should be placed in the Vastu-recommended North direction.
- Avoid using iron utensils or items made of iron during Shraddh Paksha. You can choose silver, brass and copper items or utensils.
Pitru Paksha 2024: Date and timings
Pitru Paksha start date: September 17, 2024, Tuesday
Pitru Paksha end date: October 2, 2024, Wednesday
Kutup Muhurat: 11:51 AM to 12:41 PM (Duration: 49 mins)
Rohina Muhurat: 12:41 PM to 1:30 PM (Duration: 49 mins)
Aparahna Kaal: 1:30 PM to 3:57 PM (Duration: 2 hours, 27 mins)
Purnima Tithi start: 11:44 AM on September 17, 2024
Purnima Tithi end: 8:04 AM on September 18, 2024
Housing.com News Viewpoint
Pitru Paksha is a period dedicated for ancestors and one should avoid performing pujas such as Griha Pravesh or starting any auspicious activity. After the Sharddh time ends, the festival of Navratri begins. This is considered an auspicious time, where one can find an auspicious date after consulting an astrologer and Vastu expert.
FAQs
Can we buy new clothes in Pitru Paksha?
One should avoid buying new clothes during Pitru Paksha as it is regarded as inauspicious.
Why should we not buy clothes during Pitru Paksha?
Pitru Paksha is a time when rituals are performed to honour ancestors and seek their blessings. Traditionally, new clothes are purchased during Pitru Paksha and donated. Thus, one should avoid buying and wearing new clothes during Pitru Paksha.
How can we avoid Pitra dosh?
Pitra dosh can result in unfavourable situations in the house, such as problems regarding marriage, constantly remaining in debt, physical and financial problems, etc. To remove Pitra dosha, one should perform Shraad for their departed ancestors, provide water to the Banyan tree, offer water to the Pitras during Shraad and offer food to Brahmins on every Amavasya.
What are the benefits of Pitru Paksha?
Pitru Paksha is a time when one can perform Shraad and seek the blessing of their ancestors, which brings peace, prosperity and good fortune.
Can we start new business in Pitru Paksha?
One should avoid starting a new business or any auspicious event during the Pitru Paksha.
What should we do on the first day of Pitru Paksha?
Some of the rituals for ancestors that are performed on the first day of Pitru Paksha are Tarpan, Pind Daan, Shraadh and Panchbali bhog.
Can a married daughter perform Shradh?
A married daughter is allowed to perform Shradh only in exceptional circumstances. If the woman does not have brothers, she can perform rituals like Shradh, Tarpan and Pind Daan.
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