Pitru Paksha Shraddha: Paying

Homage to Ancestors For the

Peace of Souls
PostedbyTempleConnect|Oct01,2015|260views

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In Hinduism, Shraddh is the rituals performed by relatives for the departed

souls of ancestors, parents and relatives. It is a way of telling them that they
are still an important part of the family and they still reside in our memories.
Period of Shraddh is also known as Pitru Paksha. Pitru Dosha arises if one
does not perform the rituals of Tarpan in Shraddh.

When to Perform a Paksha Shraaddha?

As we approach towards middle of Bhaadrapada Masam as per Hindu Lunar
Calendar, it is time to worship the departed souls (forefathers). This worship

is held for a period of 15 days during the waning period (dark period) of
Moon in the second fortnight called as Krishna (Bahula) Paksha of
Bhaadrapada Masam that generally occurs during the months of September
October every year. The period of 15 days starting from Bhaadrapada Bahula
Prathama to Bhaadrapada Bahula Amaavaasya is called Pithru Paksha or
Apara Paksha or Paksha Masam when Sun will be transiting Kanya (Virgo)
raasi in the zodiac. This period is totally dedicated and earmarked for
worshiping the departed souls (forefathers).

Pitru Paksha 2015 Dates

According to the Hindu Calendar, the important days of Shraaddh in 2015
during Pitru Paksha are from September 28 to October 12, 2015.
28 September 2015 Purnima Shradh, Pratipada Shraddh
29 September 2015 Dwitiya Shraddh
30 September 2015 Maha Bharani, Tritiya Shraddh
01 October 2015 Chaturthi Shraddh
02 October 2015 Panchami Shraddh
03 October 2015 Shasti Shraddh
04 October 2015 Saptami Shraddh
05 October 2015 Ashtami Shraddh
06 October 2015 Navami Shraddh
07 October 2015 Dasami Shraddh
08 October 2015 Ekadasi Shraddh
09 October 2015 Magha Shradh, Dwadasi Shraddh
10 October 2015 Trayodasi Shraddh
11 October 2015 Chaturdasi Shraddh
12 October 2015 Sarva Pitru Amavasya Shraddh Amavasi
The last day of Pitru Paksha is also known as Mahalaya Amavasya Shraddh
because on this day one can perform the Shraddha of anyone.

Why Should one Perform Pithru Shraddha ?

Maathru Devo Bhava; Pithru Devo Bhava; Aachaarya Devo Bhava; Athithi
Devo Bhava; Worshipping these four is given highest significance and
importance in Hindu Dharma. Among the four, Mathru (Mother) and Pithru
(Father) Aachaarya (Guru) have attained greater prominence since they are
the people who are responsible for our birth, culture (samskaara) and
existence. They are the one who have contributed for our welfare and
growth; they are our friends; philosophers and guides; they are our
mentors and our role models. Maata-Pithru seva (serving parents) when
they are alive and performing Pithru Yagna after their departure has been
prescribed as the best way to get discharged from Pithru Runa.

Why only During this Period ?

Actually oblation to Pithrus is prescribed to be performed on a daily basis

through Brahma Yagna; through Shannavathi (96 specific days during a
year); during Parva kaala like Uttaraayana; Dakshinaayana; Eclipse etc;
during Pithru Paksha (Bhaadrapada maasam); through annual ceremony;
theertha/kshethra sraaddha etc. Out of which the one during Pithru Paksha
is given greater prominence. Mahaalaya Pithru Paksha occurs during
Dakshinaayana; also known as Pithraayana Dakshinaayana represents
Pithrus. It is believed that Pithrus descend on Earth during the period of
Dakshinaayana in anticipation of their progeny perform sacred rites enabling
them to attain better placement in other worlds. Hence, lot of significance is
given.
During this period for performing Pithru related activities. Pithru Paksha also
coincides with Chaaturmaasam the most sacred period for worshiping both
Deities as well as Pithrus. It is the most auspicious time to pay our
obeisance and salutations to forefathers. Hence, it is specifically referred to
as Pithru Paksha.
It is also called Mahaalaya. Maha means great or big or large. Laya means
destruction. Mahaalaya means great destruction. It is said that during one of
the occasions of Deva-Asura Sangrama (war between Deities and Demons)
large number of Devathas and Rishis had died at the hands of Raakshasas
starting from Bhaadrapada Bahula Prathama (Paadyami) to Amaavaasya.
This Mahaalaya is also called as Sasthrahatha Mahaalaya. These Deities and
Rishis are like our forefathers and it is befitting to worship the departed
souls during this fortnight that coincides with Mahaalaya. Hence, this period
of 15 days has become very sacred and celestial for performing sacred rites
to forefathers.

As per Hindu time element one month for human beings is equivalent to one
day for Pithru Devathas out of which Sukla Paksha (waxing moon days) 15
days is the day time and Krishna Paksha (waning moon days) 15 days is the
night time for Pithrus. It is believed and said that sacred rites like Thila
Tharpana and Pinda Pradhana (offering of rice balls) performed during Pithru
Paksha acts as food for the departed souls that will be adequate for them
throughout the year. Hence, Paksha Shraaddha is required to be performed
during dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) of Bhaadrapada maasam.

What are the Specified Days for Paksha Shraaddha?

Paksha shraddha is actually prescribed to be performed on all the 15 days
except on Ekaadasi day. Since it is not practically possible to perform on all
the days; it should at least be performed for one day preferably on the day
corresponding to the Fathers Thithi (death day). Rest of the days at least,
Thila Tharpana should be given to Sarva Pithru or at least to Dwaadasa
Pithru (three generations on paternal side and three generations on
maternal side). On the day of Mahaalaya Amaavaasya Thila Tharpana should
be given to all the eligible forefathers. In case a person due to some reason

misses to perform the rituals on the said date; or doesnt know the Fathers
death thithi; it can be performed on any one of the other specified days viz.
Ashtami; Dwaadasi; on the day coinciding with Bharani star; On the day of
Vyatheepaatha Yoga; Mahaalaya Amaavaasya.
During Krishna Paksha there will be no Pournami thithi. Hence, for those
Pithrus whose thithi (lunar day of death) happens to be Pournami (full moon
day), rites should be performed on any of the other specified days
mentioned above. If one misses to perform even on any one of the specified
days; still one can perform on any day before Aaswayuja Sukla Panchami.
Even then if it is not possible; still one can perform Paksha shraddha on any
of the specified days mentioned above during Thula Masam when Sun is in
Thula Raasi (Libra) before He transits into Scorpio (Vrischika Raasi). Those
performing daily Thila tharpanam or Paksha shraddha during Paksha
maasam should perform on all days except Ekaadasi; including Yati
Mahaalaya and Ghaatha Chaturdasi.

Where to Perform the Paksha Ceremonies ?

As per sacred texts it is suggested to perform Paksha ceremonies on the
banks of sacred rivers or in sacred and celestial places like Gaya, Kaasi,
Prayaaga, Kurukshetra, Naimisharanya, Rameswaram etc. If it is not possible
they should be performed at least in ones house. But in view of several
practical difficulties and intricacies involved, they are being performed at
various temples and religious mutts specifically meant for that purpose.For
example; all branches of Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt; Sri Uttaradi Mutt;
Udupi Mutt and other dhaarmic institutions across the country provide such
facilities to the Karthas.

Who Can Perform These Ceremonies ?

One who is a Dwija (undergone the process of Upanayana) should start
performing these ceremonies, only after the death of his father. In such a
case it should be performed by the son and not by the daughter. When more

sons are available it should be performed by all collectively in case they are
staying together; otherwise individually at their respective places. In case a
person doesnt have sons, widow of the deceased by making a proper
sankalpa can get it performed through a Brahmin.

What are the Items Required For These Ceremonies ?

Dharbha (Kusa Grass); Cooked Rice; Black Sesame (Thila seeds); Water;
Thulasi leaves; Ghee; Honey; Pavithra (made with Dharbha); Vishnu Paadam
(foot print impression of Lord Vishnu); Kalasha; Panchapaatre; Uddharne;

Copper plate; Poorcha; Areca nuts; Coins; Betel leaves; Plantains

(Bananas); Gopichandana, Yagnopaveetha etc.

How to perform? (Brief about the Ritual & Significance)

Sraddhaaya charitam shraddha; literally shraddha means the one that
need to be conducted with utmost sincerity, attention, care and devotion.
While essence remains same; procedure, customs and rituals may differ
from region to region; according to sampradaya; based on Varnaasrama
dharma. shraddha should be performed wearing a ring made with Dharbha
called Pavithra.
Strictly speaking shraddha has to be performed in the direct presence
(Pratyaksha) of two Brahmins. In view of practical difficulties it is performed
generally with their symbolic presence by using Dharbha called Dharbha
Braahmana;
one representing Pithru Devathas called Pithru Braahmana;
the other representing Visvedevathas called Daiva Brahmana.
Agni Kaarya will be performed first and then Pithru Kaarya. In view of
intricacies involved in the process; it is better performed under the guidance
and supervision of a learned Purohit who is specially trained for the purpose.
Pindaas are made with cooked rice and mixed with Thila (sesame seeds);
During Pinda Pradhaana; rice balls (Pindaas) are arranged in a specific order
on Vishnu Paada (foot print of Lord Vishnu) kept on Dharbha (Kusa grass).
Left over Anna (cooked rice) after making Pindaas will be treated as Pithru
Prasaada (Pithrusesha). Specification for the size of Pindaas is Sameepathra
Pramaanena that means it should be of the size of a Samee tree leaf.

Significance of Dharbha; Anna (cooked rice); Thila

Dharbha; Thila (black sesame seeds); cooked rice are the three major items
widely used during the rituals. They are highly sacred and celestial. Dharbha

from hair; Thila from the sweat have surfaced from the body of Lord Vishnu.
Dharbha is used for sanctity. Anna (cooked rice) is so sacred and celestial
that it is called ParaBrahma Swaroopa; personification of the supreme Lord
SrimanNaaraayana the primordial person.
Annam ParaBrahma Swaroopam It is not only used during Pithru Kaarya;
but also during Agni Kaarya while performing several sacrifices viz. Homa;
Yajna etc. Pindaas made with Anna are symbolic representation of
forefathers.

Why & How does Pithrus get satisfied with (Pinda

Pradhaana & Thila Tharpana)
It is believed that Pinda Pradhana (offering of rice balls) and Thila tharpana
act as food for the departed souls. After the death; the soul (praani) will
dwell in different Lokas (worlds) according to its Karma phala. Since we do
not know where and in which Loka forefathers are dwelling; it is prescribed
to perform Pithru Yagna in seven forms (Saptaanna) the ritual being called
Chataka shraddha.

What should be done when shraddha could not be

performed?
As far as possible dont avoid performing sacred rites on the scheduled date
or at least on one of the specified days. In a given situation where, it is not
possible to perform shraddha due to circumstances beyond ones control,
one can adopt one of the following.
Perform Pithru Thila Tharpana;
Observe fasting on that day;
Saaka-Paaka Dana to a Brahmin along with Dakshina;
Feed a Cow with grass; plantains;

When nothing is possible; pray & offer a sincere Namaskara.

On these days perform these rituals, without fail, without counting upon the
benefits one has derived from fore-fathers. If not started earlier, start doing
it at least now. Better be late than never. Todays alive are tomorrows
forefathers.

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