The dark half of the Hindu month of Ashwin (September-October) is called Pitri Paksh. Hindus pay tribute to the departed souls during this period by offering tillanjali or water with black sesame seeds, in the name of their departed ancestors. Parnaava Sradha is also performed on the lunar day on which the ancestor departed from the physical body. Sradha is the act of giving with devotion to the ancestors.
Parents make tremendous sacrifices during their lifetime for their children. They suffer great financial, physical and mental strains so that they can address the needs of their children. Therefore, it becomes important to repay these debts at some point in time. Dharam Shastras recommends that this be done at Pitri Paksh because when it is done at this time, it benefits both the living and the dead. The departed becomes pleased when the offerings are made in their name and they bestow their blessings on their descendants who have made such offerings.
As part of the proceedings, Pinda Daana or the ceremony involving the offering of the rice balls should also be performed and the appropriate gifts or charity be given to deserving Brahmins or the priestly class of people. Giving charity in the name of the departed has the benefit of bringing prosperity to the giver. These ceremonies performed during this fortnight of Pitri Paksh reaches the Pitris immediately which is why this period is dedicated specifically to them.
The last day or the day of the new moon in Pitri Paksh is a very important and special day. On this day by the grace of Yama or the Lord of Death, offerings made to departed souls even though it might be made from outside their own lineage, will be received by all and sundry. Those who have departed this world and their date of death are unknown, if the appropriate offerings are made in their name on this day, they too will receive the benefit of the offerings immediately. Those people who met with violent, untimely or unnatural death, they are afforded the opportunity to receive any offering made on the Amawasya (new moon) day of Pitri Paksh.
Finally, those who departed this world and had no children will have a chance of redemption if the necessary offerings are made on this day by a friend, a relative or by anyone at all. Pitri Paksh therefore, provides a medium whereby the Hindu of the current existence keeps in contact with his ancestry of another existence in a different realm.
email: trinihindu@lycos.com
email: trinihindu@lycos.com
