Pitru Paksha has begun, which is considered a sacred time for expressing respect, reverence, and gratitude to one's ancestors. According to beliefs, during these sixteen days, our ancestors arrive from the spirit world to bless or send signs to their descendants.
According to Gurdhar and religious scriptures, during Pitru Paksha, our ancestors may appear in the form of an animal right at your doorstep. If certain animals appear in your home or ask for food during this time, they must not be chased away or harmed. In astrology, this is seen as a direct sign that the ancestors are pleased, and prosperity and well-being will come to the household. Below are five animals considered extremely auspicious to appear during Pitru Paksha and what they signify.
The Significance of Five Animals Appearing
Crow
The crow holds special religious significance during Pitru Paksha. In sacred texts, the crow is considered an incarnation of ancestors or their messenger. If a crow comes to the roof or balcony of your house and makes sounds, or calmly eats food left by you, it means your ancestors are very pleased. This phenomenon leads to the removal of ancestral sins (pitru dosh) and the recovery of blocked funds.
Black Ants
The appearance of a group of black ants in the yard or near the kitchen is considered an auspicious sign. If black ants march in a line during Pitru Paksha, it indicates that the ancestors are freeing your home from poverty. They should be offered sugar or flour, which brings benefit to business and eases debt burdens.
Black Dog
The dog is considered the mount of the god Bhairava and is also called the gatekeeper of Yamaraja. If a black dog comes to the main entrance of your home or waits for food while wagging its tail during Pitru Paksha, it must be fed bread or biscuits. This prevents misfortune, removes the negative influence of Rahu and Ketu, and the pleased ancestors provide a protective shield.
Cow
In Hinduism, it is believed that 33 quintillion deities reside in a cow. The tradition of extracting 'gomutra' during Shraddha is mandatory. If a cow approaches your home door on its own and moos during Pitru Paksha, it is considered the best omen. Feeding the cow the first portion of bread or food for Shraddha brings health, growth of the lineage, and lasting happiness to the home.
Sparrow or Bird
Singing to or feeding a bird in the yard, on the balcony, or near a Tulsi plant is considered very auspicious. If a bird builds a nest in your home or pecks at grains you have left during Shraddha, it is a sign of ancestral satisfaction. This helps eliminate Vastu defects and soon brings good and favorable news.
Important Points to Note During Pitru Paksha
One must not hit or chase away any animal or bird that comes into the house. Clean water and grain (rice and millet) must be left for birds on the roof or balcony. On the day of Shraddha, after preparing food, a separate portion (panchabali) must be set aside for the gods, the cow, the dog, the crow, and the ants.
