Pitru Paksha has special significance in Sanatan Dharma. According to religious belief, this is 16 days when ancestors come to earth to meet their children and know about their well-being. During Shraddha, their descendants perform Shraddha Karma, Pinddaan, and Tarpan for the peace of the souls of their ancestors. No new item should be purchased during this period. It is said that the ancestors are pleased with the people who take care of these things and they bless their descendants.
According to religious beliefs, it is considered forbidden to buy any new item during the 16-day-long Pitru Paksha. During this time, the souls of the dead ancestors keep wandering in the mortal world. This is the time when you can please your ancestors. Pinddaan, donation, devotion, and Tarpan should be done to please them. Apart from this, it is also believed that new things like houses, cars, clothes, gold, etc. should not be purchased during Pitru Paksha. Starting any new work during Pitru Paksha is considered forbidden. Buying anything new at this time can hurt the person. Therefore, buying new things or shopping during Pitru Paksha is not considered auspicious and it is better not to do such work during this time.
Can We Buy Gold in Pitru Paksha?
During this time, Shradh Karma, Pinddaan, and Tarpan are performed for the peace of the souls of the ancestors. During these 16 days, doing any kind of auspicious, mangal work is forbidden. Buying gold, silver, or other things is forbidden during this time. During Shradh Paksha, people do not do any auspicious work nor buy any goods. In such a situation, you should buy gold or any new items before the start of Pitru Paksha.
On the Ashtami date falling in Pitru Paksha, Mother Lakshmi riding an elephant is worshiped. That is why Gajalakshmi fast is observed on this day. That is why this day is called Ashtami or Kalashtami of Krishna Paksha. In the month of Ashwin, worshiping ancestors and goddesses is considered to be the best in both the fortnights i.e. Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha.
Mahalaya means worship of the union of ancestors and Dev Matamaha. Durga Puja starts after a week of Mahalaya. It means that Mahalaya is the link connecting ancestors and gods. On this day, after performing the Shradh of Ashtami Tithi, you pray for the successful life of your living son. On this day, women wish to get rid of sorrow.
The Ashtami of Pitru Paksha is dedicated to Lakshmi ji. On this day, people especially buy gold. It is believed that buying gold on this day increases gold eight times. That is why, buy gold on the day of Gajalakshmi Vrat. Buying a silver elephant on this day is also considered very auspicious.
Do Feed the Crow
According to the Hindu religion and scriptures, feeding a crow a full meal during Pitru Paksha satisfies the ancestors. It is also said that ancestors cannot be satisfied without feeding crows. According to many beliefs, crows are considered to be the form of ancestors. In such a situation, when the crows are satisfied, it is believed that our ancestors are also satisfied.