Pitru Paksha is 16 days from Purnima to Amavasya. According to religious texts, we believe that no one dies on any other day except these 16 dates. That is why there are 16 days in this fortnight. One psychological aspect is that during this period we convey our feelings to our ancestors. Since this fortnight comes after the rainy season, it is believed that the sky has become completely clear and the path is easy for the movement of our feelings and prayers. Astrology and religious texts say that this period is also considered best for the ancestors because in this the Sun remains in Virgo and this astrological calculation is favorable for the ancestors.
Importance of Tarpan and Its Benefits
According to Hindu mythology, the souls of our previous three generations live in ‘Pitru Lok’, which is said to be the region between heaven and earth. This region is headed by Yama, the god of death. It is believed that when someone from the next generation dies, the first generation is taken to heaven, bringing them closer to God. In Pitru Lok, only the previous three generations are given Shraddha Karma.
In Pitru Paksha, Shraddh is performed for one’s ancestors as per their date of death. It is believed that those who do not offer Tarpan to their ancestors during Pitru Paksha suffer from Pitru Dosha. Performing Shraddha gives satisfaction and peace to their souls. They will be pleased with you and bless the entire family. Every year people go to Gaya and perform Pind Daan for the peace of the souls of their ancestors.
According to the scriptures, it is believed that no person dies on any date other than these sixteen dates. That is, whenever the shraddha of ancestors is performed, it should be done according to their death date. Therefore, Pitru Paksha lasts for only sixteen days. However, when the date wanes, the number of shraddha days increases to 15 but never increases.
Why Are No Auspicious Works Performed For 16 Days?
Shraddhpaksh is related to death, hence it is considered an inauspicious period. Just like after the death of our family member we remain in a period of mourning and stop our other auspicious, regular, auspicious, business activities, the same feeling is associated with Pitru Paksha as well.
During this period, we remain connected to our ancestors and the ancestors remain connected to us. Therefore, by abstaining from other auspicious activities like starting new projects, we maintain full respect and concentration towards our ancestors.
Importance of Dog, and Cow in Shraadh
- In Shraadh Paksha, there is a tradition of offering grass to cows, dogs, and crows for the ancestors, apart from ancestors, Brahmin, and relatives.
- The cow is considered to be the abode of gods, hence cow is important.
- Dogs and crows are the carriers of ancestors. Since Pitru Paksha is inauspicious, it is prescribed to offer grass to the one who eats the leftovers.
- One of the two is terrestrial, the other is aerial. Chara means moving. Both are found near householders and everywhere.
- The dog stays near and provides protection and is considered loyal, hence is the symbol of ancestors.
- Crows are considered to be the carriers of Pinddan and water given in Shraadh between householders and ancestors.
Calendar of Shraddha Calculation
Shraddha Paksha is from Bhadra Shukla Purnima to Ashwin Krishna Amavasya. There are 16 dates in this period and everyone dies on these dates. The rule on the death of a married woman is that her Shraddha should be performed on the Navami date because this date is considered as Avidhava Navami in Shraddha Paksha. The number nine is considered auspicious in Indian philosophy. The date of Shraddha of Sanyasis is considered to be Dwadashi (twelfth). The date of people killed by weapons is considered to be Chaturdashi. There is also a rule that if there is no knowledge of someone’s death or there is no proper information about the ancestors, then Shraddha should be performed on the day of Sarva Pitru Amavasya.