If you are unaware of the spiritual meaning of pitru paksha and worried about how to perform, you are at the right place. This 2-minute read will debunk all pitru paksha myths and beliefs.

The Spiritual Meaning of Pitru Paksha

“Gone are the days when people refrained from buying new sarees during pitru paksha; these days everything is acceptable”. This short conversation between a shopkeeper and a customer was unsurprising. And what can one expect when people have prioritized everything above spirituality? However, in this fast-paced world, there are still a few rituals that we have to perform for our own sake. And one of them is Pitru Paksha.

The spiritual meaning of Pitru Paksha lies in honoring ancestors among Hindus. Every sanatani can pay regard to their forebears in these 16 days. It is a time when we express gratitude, please our forefathers, seek blessings and pray for peace in our existing world. Truly saying, this is just a bit of what this period holds. 90% of those seeking Shradh or Tarpan are unaware of the lesser-known honors of praying or meditating during this time.                    

The Time from Where Pitru Paksha Started

For the generation that requires logic in every ritual performed, there is a story behind why and when it started. The seeds of Pitru Paksha are to be traced to Mahabharata. Karna, in his afterlife, when not offered food and water, was perplexed. Upon inquiring, he was told that “throughout your life, you have been a generous fellow donating gold but not food. You helped in abundance to the needy but forgot to know about the spiritual meaning of pitru paksha”. Karna was influenced, and in return, he was given 16 days by Lord Indra to offer food and water to his ancestors. (Source: LinkedIn)

Common Practices Followed During Pitru Paksha

As a Hindu, you must know the rituals performed during this period. Inviting a priest, feeding animals (cow, crow, dog and ants), making certain dishes (our forefathers’ favourite), and getting together to pay regards are a few among many. However, have you ever thought all this is enough during this pious time?

Well, there is still a lot that we can do to offer our prayers. Don’t worry if you are unaware of the Pitru Paksha Myths and Beliefs or do’s and don’ts, read ahead to get a better insight.

Liberate Your Ancestors during Pitru Paksha 

 You must have heard of Pitru Dosha if you are a bit ritualistic. It happens due to various reasons and sometimes when our forebears are unhappy with insufficient rituals, disregard or discontented desires.  Pitru Paksha is a way to free the soul still under burden because of tragic demise. Marking this period with purity blended in spirituality helps to mitigate the sufferings of those in another world. By performing Pitr Tarpan, one can ask for forgiveness and blessings. This way we not only help them in liberation but also invite good time and abundance in our lives.

Do’s During Pitru Paksha

This time is the purest period to seek blessings and gain the deepest insights from our ancestors. In brief, it’s the time to regain the fondest memories of those lost and to pay respect. Therefore, every minute detail of performing Shradh or Tarpan must be known.

• Perform Shradh Daily- It is often believed that there is a close connection between the deceased and their closest descendants. That way, prayers must be offered by the eldest son every day during these 16 days. The vibrations of the departed soul and the eldest son feel the closest. Hence, the Shradh Vidhi is completed correctly. If the Tithi or date of the deceased individual is unknown, it should be performed on Amavasya of that month.    
• Right Place for Performing Shradh- Shradh offered at home brings benefits manifold times than offered anywhere else. Ideally, it should be performed on the ground floor. The place where pooja is to be offered should be clean, uncluttered and smeared with cow dung. It can also be done at places such as the banks of the holy river Ganga, Yamuna, or Saraswati. Rituals performed this way have its benefits.
• Feed Animals- Feeding the unspoken is not only a noble cause but has astrological significance. Animals and birds such as Cows, crows, ants and dogs are often fed during Pitru Paksha. Crows are believed to have a great sense of consciousness after humans. Thus, the food eaten by crows indirectly goes to our ancestors.    

Don’ts during Pitru Paksha

• Don’t Purchase Anything – This period is a time to Honor those lost and offer prayers. Clothes, food and water are offered to the ancestors. Hence, it is strictly prohibited to buy anything new. Refraining from buying helps alleviate Pitru Dosha and bring prosperity.
• Avoid Non-Vegetarian Food- Ancestors often visit us during Pitru Paksha. As per Hindu traditions, non-vegetarian or Tamsic food items such as garlic or onion bring negative energies into the home. It’s crucial to stay Satvik and to maintain the sanctity of this pious time.
• Avoid Celebrations- The spiritual meaning of Pitru Paksha abstains from organizing or performing any celebration. This time is considered inauspicious to invest in new relationships, and therefore, no engagement, wedding or Namkaran ceremony takes place.

Staying Spiritual is the Key

Rituals such as Shradh or Tarpan should not be forcefully performed. These should not be done just for the sake of doing. Mind’s sanity is as important as physical presence. Considering this purity and godliness, it’s beneficial to indulge in meditation, spiritual prayers and righteous karmas such as donation. You can also perform hawan puja, prayer meeting at home to admire the life of those lost. Besides calling a Brahmin home to offer prayers, spread happiness among unfortunate. Finally, it’s high time to remember the sacrifices made by our associates’ years ago for the sake of our own soul and life.

Takeaway

This year Pitru Paksha will start from Sep 17 and ends on 2^nd October 2024. Pray together for the well-being of our ancestors and take lessons from the good deeds they left for us!