With the approach of Pitru Paksha, astrologer and Sunday Tribune Herald commentator Mahesh Bang has provided a guide on how to properly observe this period, including recommended practices, dietary restrictions, and things to avoid.
According to Hinduism, human birth entails three duties: duty towards God, duty towards sages and saints, and duty towards ancestors and parents. This is why observing the rituals of 'Pitru Paksha' or 'Shraddha' is immensely important, as it helps the souls of ancestors achieve peace and liberation.
This year, the period will begin on September 27th and conclude on October 10th. The sacred scripture Srimad Bhagavad Gita states that the body is subject to decay, while the soul is immortal. The Brahma Purana mentions that on the night of Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwin, the Lord of Death, 'Yamaraja,' grants freedom to all souls so they can accept and consume food prepared by their children for Shraddha.
The purpose of performing Shraddha is to try to discharge the debt owed to ancestors and express gratitude to them. Furthermore, if a soul (ancestor) is trapped between the earth and its surrounding planes, performing Shraddha allows it to advance to a higher level, thereby blessing its descendants.
Myths to Avoid
The common belief that all prayers should cease during 'Pitru Paksha' is incorrect. One can continue regular prayers and chants, as well as light lamps in the morning and evening. Moreover, during this period, it is recommended to invoke the name of God more frequently so that the ancestors receive more blessings and bestow grace upon you. However, performing 'Anushthan' (a specific type of prayer) is not permitted.
Food to Offer
Ancestors only accept vegetarian 'Sattvic' food, even if they consumed non-vegetarian food during their lifetime. The Garuda Purana makes no mention of offering meat. Since these ancestors are in another form of life, they are repelled by non-vegetarian food and remain dissatisfied if proper offerings are not made.
Sattvic food excludes onions, garlic, meat, fish, or other non-meat products, as well as alcohol and eggs. According to Hinduism, everyone must observe 'Pitru Paksha' for their ancestors, and during these days, one must adhere to vegetarianism. A person performing Puja Shraddha during Pitru Paksha must do so with complete dedication; assistance can also be sought from a knowledgeable priest.
Shraddha should be performed on the ancestor's death anniversary. It is necessary to consult a priest to determine the correct Tithi (Indian date). The priest will advise a suitable date for the ritual, or this information can be sought online. If difficulties arise in finding the Tithi, the corresponding ritual can be performed on 'Sarva Pitru Amavasya,' which falls on October 10th this year. Nevertheless, the Shraddha during the full moon (offering of food) must be performed on September 26th.
One can invite a priest and his wife and feed them. After lunch, five different items such as an umbrella, handkerchief, clothing, etc., along with a sum of money generously, should be presented to them.
Items for donation include ghee (clarified butter), rice, Gangajal (water from the Ganges River), mustard oil, wheat, steel utensils, shoes, socks or sandals, clothing (towels, dhotis, kurtas), fruits, vegetables, black til (sesame seeds), and milk.
Special note: In addition to Brahmins, crows are also fed, as it is believed that crows are messengers of Yama. Dogs and cows are also fed along with the crows.
Tulsi leaves (Devi) should be included in the offering. It is important to remember that Tulsi should not be placed in food containing onion and garlic.
Causes of Pitra Dosha
When ancestors are unhappy, resulting in the next generation facing numerous problems, this is called 'Pitru Dosha,' which can also be found in certain horoscopes. Pitru Dosha arises if anyone in the family dies unnaturally. Sometimes, the cause of Pitru Dosha can be the killing of a cow by a family member, the destruction of a fetus in the womb, or causing hardship to parents shortly before their death.
Most importantly: according to astrology, the best way to avoid 'Pitru Dosha' in one's horoscope is to care for parents and support them in old age.
Things to Avoid During Pitru Paksha
During this period, one should refrain from performing all the following actions:
Firstly, conducting any auspicious events such as weddings, birth ceremonies, or moving into a new home is strictly prohibited. Secondly, one should try to refrain from cutting hair. Throughout the entire Pitru Paksha period, the whole family must avoid consuming meat products. If possible, one should avoid eating at someone else's house, except for extended families, but this does not apply to priests.