Pitru Paksha-Ritual to Dead Ancestors

Pitru Paksha:

It is a ritual performed by parents or relatives for the departed souls of dead ancestors. Tarpanam and Shradha are performed on all Amavasya days. The most important period to perform Shradha is the Pitru Paksha period during the Krishna Paksha ie in the Ashvin month ie September – October.

Cultural Beliefs:

The Shradh that is performed on the Ashwin Pitru Paksha touches the ancestors instantly and their souls will rest in peace. In Hindu Puranas especially in the Agni Purana, Garuda Purana and Matysa Purana details about the Shradh are mentioned. Yama, the god of death is the one has explained the importance of Shradh performed on Pitru Paksha.

As per Matysa Pura, Agni, Vasus and Rudras act as mediators during Pitru Paksha and take the rituals and food offered to ancestors. The ancestors will bless the one's who perform the shradha ritual. In some places, the last day of the Shraddh is of great importance. The ritual is conducted near temples or on river banks.

Karna the hero of mahabhartha has never ever saod to any one who asked him for help.He has donated wealth and done many kinds of charity except donation of food.When he lef the world and reached heaven there was only material world and no food at all.He then realized that he has not done any kind of food dontation.He prayed god of death to sent him back on earth fpr 14 days to make up his deficiency.Karna then came to earth and fed the poor and brahmins for 14 days of Mahalaya Paksha.On his return to heaven he had food and all kinds of benefits from the deaparted souls.

How to Perform?

In the fifteen days period of PitruPaksha, people have to honor their ancestors with a pure heart on the thithi of their ancestor's death. They should involve some spiritual practices like meditation, chanting mantras. By invoking the blessings of the ancestors it results in good health, wealth, courage and protection.

This is a powerful period in which persons make every possible effort to satisfy their Pitras in order to attain wisdom, protection, loving life. Along with this, people should avoid to start any new project or major undertakings during this time. 

Interesting Facts:

People should do special care of this ritual in order to eliminate conflicts among the family members.people can avoid other problems like  unemployment, serious illness, unsuccessful marriage life, developing addictions, giving birth to a physically or mentally handicapped child etc.

• People should not start any new activities like settling marriages, or any new other projects.
• People fast on the day. Non-veg food has to be avoided
• People should not consume onion, garlic, outside food, processed foods, drumstick, etc.
• People should donate food & clothes to the poor people in compliance with their needs and convenience.
• Shaving should be avoided during the entire 15 days of Mahalaya Amavasya.
• Individuals should read some puranas like Garuda Puranam, Nachiketa story from Upanishads and Ganga Avatarana chapter from Shrimad Valmiiki Raamaayanam.

Science:

In this period lot of diseases like viral, jaundice are spread. Mosquitoes are spread in large numbers which brings diseases. People have to care of hygiene and cleanliness and should clean their houses. So this is the reason there are not advised to start any new activities.