Just In
- 2 hrs ago Russian Influencer Starves His Newborn To Death With Sunlight Diet, Know Dos And Don’ts Of This Diet
- 4 hrs ago Mahavir Jayanti 2024: Date, Time, History, Celebrations And Teachings Of Lord Mahavir In Jainism
- 5 hrs ago Parineeti Chopra Saree Looks: Check Amar Singh Chamkila Actor's Regal Fashion Statements
- 7 hrs ago Vidya Balan's 'Do Aur Do Pyaar' Urban Boho Style Avatar Is Relatable And Inspiring, Check Her Modern Avatar!
Don't Miss
- Education UP Board Class 10 Result Out, Prachi Nigam Tops the Exam, Check the Class 10 Topper's List Here
- News Collective Newsroom Launches As An Independent News Company
- Sports IPL 2024: CSK coach Stephen Fleming talks about space 'owned' by MS Dhoni, calls 42-year-old heartbeat of team
- Finance Elon Musk Postpones India Trip, Tesla's Indian Market Entry Delayed
- Movies Love, Sex Aur Dhokha 2: The REAL Reason Of Rajkummar Rao And Nushrratt Bharuccha Not Being Part Of The Film
- Technology Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds Under Rs 5,000: CMF Buds Pro, Redmi Buds 5, Realme Buds Air 5, and More
- Automobiles Tesla CEO Elon Musk's Much-Awaited Visit to India Deferred, Leaving Questions Unanswered
- Travel Journey From Delhi To Ooty: Top Transport Options And Attractions
Significance Of Pitra Paksh Or Shraddh
The word Pitra paksh means the time of offering prayers to the departed souls of our ancestors. According to the Hindu calendar the fifteen days of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksh) of the Bhadrapada month is known as the Pitra paksh or the Mahalaya paksh. These are the auspicious days to perform the post-death rites to the departed forefathers.
On all these fifteen days, offerings are made to the departed souls. Puja is also performed for those whose names and manner of death is not known. Rites and rituals like pind daan, shraddh and tarpan are performed on all the days under the guidance of a priest. The last day of the pitra paksh known as the Mahalaya Amavasya is considered the most important and highly sacred.
Story Behind Pitra Paksh:
The story why Pitra paksh is specifically observed during this time span goes back to the time of Mahabharata. According to the legends, Karna, who was one of the heroes of the war could not find food after his death. As his soul went on to the higher realms, he found large amounts of gold and diamonds but no food. This was because though he was a kind hearted person and donated plenty of gold and diamonds, He had never donated any food to the needy.
So, Karna prayed to Lord Yama, the God of death for some solution. With His grace Karna returned to Earth during this paksh or fortnight. He donated food to the hungry and returned to the highest realm where his soul belonged. Hence, annadana or giving food to the hungry forms a central part to this ritual.
Persons performing the rites on these days observe certain disciplines very strictly. Like they do not shave or indulge in any kind of pleasure during this time. No new purchases or business is undertaken during this time. Feeding the deserving and needy Brahmans is a must.
It is believed that the departed souls of our ancestors attain peace through these rituals and rites performed during Pitra paksh. In return they give blessings to the ones who perform these rites. It is also said that the souls for whom these rites have not been performed wander aimlessly on Earth.
Pitra paksh is a fortnight of remembering those who have left us and the time to pray for their souls. Hence the rites and rituals are followed with great devotion and faith.
- yoga spiritualityMagh Bihu 2024: The Rituals Have Ancient Roots, How The Traditions And Celebrations Have Changed Over Time
- yoga spiritualityMondays of This Month is Very Very Special: Know The Benefits of Worshiping Lord Shiva on Mondays
- yoga spiritualityHow to Please Lord Shiva in Sawan Month
- yoga spiritualityDhanush Visits Tirupati Temple In Clean Shaven Head: 8 Popular Rituals Performed At Tirupati Balaji Temple
- yoga spiritualityWhy Do Hindus Do Pradakshina? Meaning, Significance And Rules!
- yoga spiritualityJagannath Rath Yatra 2023: How Gold Broom Is Associated With Chariot Festival Rituals
- healthHyderabad Temple Distributes Fish Prasadam For Asthma After 3 Years
- faith mysticismUgadi 2023: How Ugadi Rituals Vary In Different Regions Of Karnataka?
- faith mysticismDakshina Kali: The Mantra Rituals And Benefits Of Worship
- faith mysticismMool Mantra Of Lord Garuda : Associated Rituals And Benefits
- faith mysticismTypes Of Coconuts Used For Puja And Associated Rituals
- faith mysticismLakshmi Chalisa: Rituals, Benefits, And Important Lakshmi Temples