By Dr. Shambhu Panwar
In Indian culture, the Krishna Paksha of Ashwin month is dedicated to ancestors. In Hinduism, Pitru Paksha is considered to have a very special importance. Shraddha is the liberated act performed with respect and affection towards one's mother, father, ancestors. Performing Shraddha with respect makes ancestors happy and they remain satisfied throughout the year. The happiness of ancestors gives long life, wealth, education and happiness, prosperity to the Shraddha performer and salvation after death. According to religious beliefs, for the liberation of the soul of a person after his death, ancestors get salvation by performing Shraddha on his Nirvana Shraddha date by his son or grandson. In Hinduism, Pitru Rin is considered supreme. Pitru Rin means mother, father and ancestors. According to Sanatan Dharma, performing the shraddha rituals of ancestors with devotion liberates us from the debt of our ancestors. The good deeds and faults of the previous birth, planetary defects, Pitra Dosh have a very deep impact on the present life. Therefore, by performing pind daan and tarpan of ancestors with devotion, all wishes are fulfilled. Blessings of ancestors are received. As a result of which man gets age, fame, prosperity, fame, grandeur, happiness of children, and wealth.
*16 days of Pitra Seva*--
According to Hinduism, Pitra Paksha is of 16 days. There is a mythological belief that in these 16 days, ancestors come to the earth. Pind daan and tarpan should be performed to ancestors during these days. By this, blessings of ancestors are received. For the peace of ancestors, Pitra Paksha Shraddha is performed every year from Bhadrapada Shukla Purnima to Ashwin month Krishna Paksha Amavasya. During Pitru Paksha, the ancestors should prepare their favorite food and feed it to Brahmins with devotion and also feed cows, crows, dogs, ants. According to beliefs, if they consume the food, it is believed that the ancestors receive the food.
*Donate in Pitru Paksha*
Donating the following items in Pitru Paksha brings blessings of ancestors.
*While donating any item for Tarpan in Pitru Paksha, donate black sesame seeds as well. Doing so protects from upcoming troubles and problems.
*Donate items made of silver metal to please ancestors and get their blessings.
*Donating salt brings peace to the soul of ancestors. Pitru Dosh ends. There is happiness and prosperity in the family.
*Dhoti and dupatta should be donated.
Crows have special importance in Pitru Paksha. According to spiritual beliefs, crows are considered to be the form of ancestors. If crows are seen on the day of Shraddha, food must be fed. Otherwise, if they get angry, the family faces many types of problems and troubles due to Pitru Dosh. One has to face problems like loss of money, problems from children, defamation etc. It is said that before pleasing the gods, a man should keep his ancestors happy. It is believed that the house in which the urn of ancestors is installed and ancestors are worshipped regularly, the blessings of ancestors always remain on that house. If there are more than one sons, then the eldest son should perform the Shraddha of the father. If there is no son, then the wife or grandson, great grandson can also perform the Shraddha. If there is no son, the adopted son is also entitled to perform the Shraddha. It is believed that the daughter's husband, grandson can also perform the Shraddha. By offering Shraddha to ancestors in Pitru Paksha with reverence and according to the scriptures, there is always happiness, prosperity and auspicious work in the family. There is respect in the society, progress in business.