Pitru paksha katha
The importance of Pitru Paksha katha is immense in Indian culture, and it is considered a time of dedication and reverence to ancestors in Hinduism. This is the period of 16 days, when people perform tarpan, shraddha and Pind daan for their ancestors (ancestors). This period is not considered inauspicious but sacred, as it is the time to bring peace and liberation to the souls.
Beginning of Pitru Paksha katha
The story of the beginning of Pitru Paksha katha is believed to be associated with the Mahabharata period. It has a direct connection with the legend of Karna, one of the most important characters of Mahabharata. Karna, who was a great warrior and a charitable king, had a life full of struggles. He was born as the son of the Sun but was abandoned at the time of his birth. Karna’s life was spent mostly in the struggle for an identity which he never received fully from society.
Karna’s Charity
Karna was known for his charity. He never returned a petitioner empty-handed. Whatever he had, he used to donate to the needy. But his donation was not limited to material things only, but he also donated his bravery and valour. Karna spent his entire life helping poor and needy people on earth, but he never performed the shraddha or tarpan of his ancestors.
Even during the war of Mahabharata, Karna showed his valour in the war and eventually attained martyrdom at the hands of Arjuna. When his soul reached Yamlok, he was given entry into heaven there. In heaven, they were given gold utensils, ornaments and other valuable things to eat. But when Karna tried to take that food, it all turned into gold.
Meeting Yamraj
Karna was very sad about this, and he asked Yamraj the reason for this. Yamraj said that he donated a lot on earth throughout his life, but never did shraddha or tarpan to his ancestors. They never offered it to their ancestors, so they are experiencing it as food in heaven.
Karna prayed to Yamraj to send him back to earth so that he could perform the shraddha of his ancestors. Yamraj accepted his prayer and sent Karna back to earth for 16 days. During this time, Karna performed tarpan and shraddha for his ancestors and offered food and water to them.
Beginning of Pitru Paksha katha
After this deed of Karna, the Pitru Paksha started. It is said that since this time it has been a practice that people remember their ancestors for 16 days, perform shraddha for them, and offer water so that their souls get peace. In the Pitru Paksha, people especially perform Pind Daan and Tarpan, in which water and food are offered to the ancestors.
Importance of Pitru Paksha katha
During Pitru Paksha katha, it is believed that the souls of the ancestors come to earth and wait for tarpan and pind daan from their descendants. Those who remember their ancestors at this time and perform Shraddha for them, they get the blessings of the ancestors. This period is considered very sacred, and the religious works done in it have special significance.
According to the scriptures of Hinduism, the Shraddha and Pind Daan performed in the Pitru Paksha satisfies the ancestors and brings peace to their souls. In addition, those who do not show reverence to their ancestors at this time may face difficulties in their lives, and ancestors may be unhappy with them.
Process of Shradha and Tarpan
The process of Shradha and Tarpan is mainly performed during Pitru Paksha katha. Shraddha means “reverence” or respect and love for one’s ancestors. In Shradha, people offer food and water in the name of their ancestors and give them the feeling that their ancestors are satisfied, and they get peace.
Tarpan means “fulfilment”. During Tarpan, people offer holy water in the name of their ancestors. In this, Ganga water or any holy river is used. It is believed that this water satisfies the ancestors, and their blessings are received by the descendants.
The ritual of performing Shradha and Tarpan is done in a specific way. To do this, people sit in a holy place or courtyard of their house and duly remember their ancestors with mantras. Pind Daan also has special significance, in which grain balls are made and offered to the ancestors.
Things to keep in mind in the ancestral side
During Pitru Paksha katha, it is necessary to take care of many things. At this time, no new work such as marriage, Griha Pravesh, or new work is started. It is not considered inauspicious, but a time of dedication for ancestors.
During Pitru Paksha katha, there is a law to take Satvik food. Meat, fish, garlic, onions and other tamasic substances are not consumed. This is a time of purity and restraint, and life is governed with this in mind. Apart from this, the observance of celibacy is also considered necessary in this time.
Influence of Patriarchy on Society
Pitru Paksha katha is not only a religious ritual, but it is also a social and family fabric. This period inspires us to show respect and reverence to our ancestors and elders of the family. This tradition has been going on in Indian society for centuries that we honour our ancestors and pray for the peace of their souls.
It also teaches us how important family is in life, and whatever we achieve in our life is the result of the blessings of our ancestors and their hard work. Thus, Pitru Paksha gives us the message to stay connected to our roots and remind us that we are nothing without our ancestors.
Pitra Dosha and its Prevention
Another important aspect of Pitru Paksha is “Pitra Dosha”. If a person’s ancestors are unhappy or Shraddha, Tarpan and Pind Daan are not performed for them, then it is called Pitra Dosha. The impact of this can be seen in the form of many problems in the life of the individual, such as health problems, financial difficulties, and unrest in the family.
For the prevention of Pitra Dosha, it is considered necessary to perform Shradha and Tarpan in the Pitru Paksha. Along with this, going to holy places and donating pind is also very fruitful. Pind Daan has special significance at pilgrimage sites like Gaia, Haridwar, and Pushkar, and people go here and pray for the peace of their ancestors’ souls
conclusion
Pitru Paksha katha teaches us how important the tarpan and shraddha are to honour our ancestors and the peace of their souls. This period keeps us connected to our values, traditions and culture, and teaches us that we cannot achieve any success in life without the blessings of our ancestors.