Pitru paksa or

Mahalaya Pakhsa
Compiled by Pandit Sachin Singh
Cell: 082 456 5143
The 15 days of the dark fortnight are called Pitru paksa or Mahalaya Pakhsa These days are considered to be
important for performing the rites for the departed ancestors (Pitras).
Hindus observe this with great reverence for the departed souls, and observe a fast for all the days
in pitru paksha and do not offer meat or eat meat during this time. Offerings of water mixed with
milk, till, jou, dhaan, flowers and Tulsi leaves is offered in the names of the ancestors this is called
tarpaan. Part of the food-offering is also given to the cows and the crows. Brahmins are fed and
given dakshina, for it is believed that whatever is given to the Brahmins also reaches the departed
souls. Kheer, milk is especially prepared and offered to the pitris on this occasion. Hindu familys,
generally observe some austerities during this period, like not shaving the hair and beard, praying to
lord Vishnu, meditation, chanting, and mantra repetition for the benefit of our ancestors and family
happiness during this time of the year. Your daily prayer routine should not be stopped. Pinda Daan
is done at this time to help all souls to attain moksha (salvation) with the blessings of God. It is only
a misconception that one should not pray during pitru paksha.
Where in the scriptures can pitru paksha be found?
In Mahabharata Karna, the great hero was killed in battle and went to heaven there he had all material wealth but no food. Karan then realized that he had donated plenty of wealth but no food! He
prayed to Lord Yama raj (the god of the death), and through his grace, he returned to the earth
during this Mahalayapaksa (pitru paksha), he offered Tarpaan to the Rishis (saints), Devas (gods) and
his ancestors and donated plenty of food on returning back to heaven after the 15 days of pitru
paksha he had gained the good deed paying respect to his ancestors, give food to the hungry and
serving the poor thus in heaven he gained all the merits of his good work .
Scriptures tell us that our ancestors include not only members of our own family lineage, but also
those who have contributed to our welfare in this or previous lives. They include gurus, teachers,
mentors, role models, friends, and those who have walked the spiritual path before us .Throughout
this time, we recognise with gratitude the countless souls who have been the harbingers of grace,
wisdom, protection, and love in our lives. In this heightened state of remembrance, we offer back
the fullness of our love and blessings to these benefactors as a powerful gesture of support for their
souls continued evolution. Hindu religion even remembers those who die in wars and other natural
calamities, even the unseen and unheard of insects and other creatures and upholds the highest celestial standards of dharma.

Shree Nath Dham

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What happens during pitru paksha

During this period called Pitrupaksha, the lord of death,Yamaraja enables all who shed their mortal frames
(bodies) to come back to earth and receive offerings from their descendants for the 15 days.(please note
the time on earth and the time in heaven is different).
The Pitruloka being vacant means that during this period all the departed ancestors of the lineage
descend and come close to their descendents to bless them.
The subtle bodies of the departed ancestors arriving during the Pitrupaksha,
In a life of a hindu we have 5 Debts to pay
1. Debt to the Rishis
2. Debt to the devas
3. Debt to the Pitras
4. Debt to all the creatures in the world
5. Debt to human beings
It is ordained that one must pay off these debts with utmost humility and respect.
The 9th day is allocated to the departed elders in the family
The 13th day is allocated to young children that you lost. Invite 3,5, 7 Children and offer them pawa
and milk.
The 14th Day is alloyed for all those that died unnaturally or in accidents.
The last day of the fortnight,i.e. on the Amavasya oblations are offered to all those dead ancestors
whose tithi of death is not known. In Brahma Purana the significance of this ceremony is described.
Please note that: One should not offer meat, Alcohol, Cigarettes etc, for the Pitras as this prayer is done
for the uplifment of the soul of our ancestors.
The purpose of this note is to inlighten you on pitru paksha because lots of the true meaning of
whindusim has been lost, if you understand what you is doing the it will be full of meaning.

Pitru paksa TARPAN VIDHI

East

Shree Nath Dham

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Website: www.shreenathdham.org
Contact us: sndinteraction@shreenathdham.org