Priya Vrata Dikshit Shraddh ceremony : 19 Sep to 4 Oct 2013 Pitru Paksha, Mahalaya Paksha or Shraddh have started from 19th September 2013. This is a period of 15 days and an occasion to perform rites and offer respect and devotion departed ancestors of the family to keep their souls indebted for years. Pitra paksh, popularly called as “Shraddh Days” or “Kanagat” are observed during the dark fortnight of Ashvina (September-October) month. Shraddh is performed for the departed immediate ancestors or relatives usually up to 3 preceding generations (The father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather). Each of these 15 days is dedicated to the shradh of those ancestors who had met the eternity of that particular day/tithi. Shraddh is a Sanskrit word which means “anything done with sincerity and faith.” It is the time of remembrance of the death tithi or date of the deceased ancestors by their family members and they perform rituals to pay homage to their ancestors. Shraddh also means “Shraddha” which means unconditional reference. The elder son or grandson of the family performs Pitra shraddh in honor of his deceased ancestor. It is believed that only after the performance of the shraddh ritual, the soul of the deceased relative attains moksha. During the shraddhs, Brahmins are fed and provided with Daan-Dakshina (donation), for it is believed that whatever is given to Brahmins also reach the departed souls. Legends Of Pitr Paksha : The one of the most important personality Mahabharta, Karn (the son of Kunti-Surya and supposedly brother-like to Pandavas) , popularly known as “Danveer Karn”, made lots of charity in form of jewels, money and lands. When he died and ascended to heaven, he got all that he gave in form of charity in multiples. But, he didn’t get food as he did not give food-charity. He starved for days and finally asked the “Yamaraj” if he could get a chance to make for this deficiency. Yamaraj allowed him and granted a period of 14 days to go back to the earth and make for it. These 14 days were used by Karan to give numerous food-charities and he also offered Shraddh to his ancestors. When he finally returned to the heaven, there was plenty of food available to him. Thus, in Hindus, it is considered very auspicious to donate food in form of Shraddh to poor, as whatever donated is supposed to reach directly to one’s ancestors. During these days and especially on the day of new moon it is believed that the souls of the dead ones are permitted by Yamaraj to reach earth and receive the benefits of these rites from their children. According to Lord Krishna “The soul never dies”, it only transforms from one external form (body) to another. Thus it is believed that in whatever form our ancestors exist, the charity during this time surely reaches them. The sons performing the rites of Pitru Paksha are free of any Pitr dosh and are eligible for Pitr Lok. Do’s and Don’ts of Pitr Paksha According to the Hindu religion, Shraddh is a very important and auspicious period. During these days, there are certain austerities (non-indulgences) that should be followed keeping in mind the sanctity of the ritual. These austerities are: During this time, avoid shaving and haircuts as well as consumption of non-vegetarian food, onion, garlic and junk food. If the Shraddh rite could not be performed on the death Date/Tithi for whatever reason, then try to donate some food to the poor according to the time of convenience. Recite Garuda Puraanam (depicting passage of a soul), Nachiketa story from Upanishads and Ganga Avatarana chapter from Ramayan. These recitals are stated to grant satisfaction of Pitrs and thereby ensure their blessings upon us. Tarpan ~~ Offering of water to
Posted on: Sat, 21 Sep 2013 00:57:21 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015