Purpose of Pitru Paksha

The logic behind Pitru Paksha is deeply rooted in the belief that performing rituals such as Shraddha prayers, and making Tarpan, and Pind Daan offerings during these days allows one’s ancestors to receive nourishment, find peace, and progress toward liberation. It is a sacred time for descendants to honor their lineage, express gratitude to their ancestors and seek their blessings, and repay karmic debts owed by them. This ritual observance strengthens the connection between the living descendants and the departed ancestors and ensures prosperity and harmony dwells permanently in the family. Since, Hindus believe that the departed wander in a realm between heaven and earth (‘Pitru Lok’). Here, they are restless and still attached to worldliness (‘Maya’). Therefore, our prayers and ritual offerings during Pitru Paksha free the souls and help them transit toward ‘Brahma Loka’ or heaven.

​The story behind Pitru Paksha

​The origin of Pitru Paksha comes from the Hindu epic Mahabharat. when the generous hero Karna, after his death, was offered only gold and jewels in heaven and no food. His hungry soul learned that while Karna was alive, he donated gold and silver to many people and also, he had never donated food to his ancestors. This is all happening to him due to his karma. His soul prays intensely to correct his karma and was permitted to return to Earth for a fortnight to perform ritual offerings for his ancestors, and establish the custom of Pitru Paksha. Since then, during Pitru Paksha, families performing Shraadh rituals and honor their ancestors by offering them prayers, food, water, and to ensure their souls find peace and the living descendants receive their ancestors’ blessings.  

Why Shraddha is done?

According to Garuda Purana, after thirteen days of the death soul starts its journey for Yamapuri and it takes seventeen days to reach there. The soul travels through Yamapuri for another eleven months and only in twelfth month it reaches to the court of Yamaraj. During the period of eleven months, it has no access to the food and the water. It is believed that Pinda Dan and Tarpan done by the son and family members satisfy the hunger and the thirst of the soul during its journey till it reaches the court of the Yamaraj. Hence Shraddha rituals are considered very important during first year of the death

Pitru Paksha 2025 -- Period and Duration

Pitru Paksha is also known as Mahalaya Paksha. In 2025, Pitru Paksha started this Sunday, September 7, with the Purnima Shraadh. The period concludes with the observance of Sarva Pitru Moksha Amavasya, or Mahalaya Amavasya, on September 21, 2025.  Mahalaya Amavasya. Mahalaya Paksha Shraddha is the most significant day of Pitru Paksha. In West Bengal Mahalaya Amavasya marks the beginning of Navratri festivity. It is believed that Goddess Durga was descended on the Earth on this day.

Each lunar month is divided into two equal Paksha which are known as Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha. Each Paksha consists of fifteen lunar days. According to North Indian Purnimanta Calendar, fifteen days period falls during Krishna Paksha of Ashwin month that is known as Pitru Paksha. But according to South Indian Amanta Calendar, fifteen days period falls during Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada month and is known as Pitru Paksha. It is interesting to note that it is just nomenclature of lunar months which differs and both North Indians and South Indians perform Shraddha rituals on similar days.

Amavasya Tithi Shraddha serves as a last resort to perform rites for those deceased family members who died on Amavasya Tithi, Purnima Tithi, and Chaturdashi Tithi and for those unable to perform Shraddha on their respective dates. Amavasya Shraddha is a universal Tithi for all departed souls, providing a single, powerful opportunity to offer prayers, perform Pinda Daan (offerings of food), and conduct Tarpan (offerings of water). It is considered the most appropriate day to perform Shraddha for ancestors when their specific death date or Tithi is unknown or has been forgotten. That is why Amavasya Shraddha is also known as Sarvapitra Moksha Amavasya.

The most auspicious times for performing Shraddha include Kutup (कुतुप) Muhurat - 11:50 AM to 12:38 PM; Rohina (रौहिण) Muhurat - 12:38 PM to 01:27 PM; till Aparahna (अपराह्न) Kaal - 01:27 PM to 03:53 PM gets over. Tarpan (तर्पण) is done at the end of the Shraddha.

The ceremonies are usually conducted in a calm and sacred space within the home, often with an image of the departed and an assortment of flowers, incense, and candles.  Performing Shraddha on this day is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and karmic resolution to the family, with blessings from the ancestors. The rituals typically involve offering food, gold, and making donations to Brahmins, along with other offerings to the departed ancestors.

Core Practices of Shraddha rituals

The main performer, often the eldest son, conducts the rituals with reverence. 

·       Vishwa deva Sthapana (विश्वेदेव स्थापना): is the invocation of universal deities that serves as a foundational step in the Hindu Shraddha ritual, which honors deceased ancestors (Pitrus).

·       Homa: A fire ritual where offerings are made to the god of fire, Agni, to transmit prayers and sustenance to the ancestor's souls.

·       Pind Daan (पिण्डदान): The offering of cooked rice balls mixed with water and sesame seeds. These are considered to symbolize food for the ancestors and are offered to three generations of departed relatives. 

·       Tarpan (तर्पण): is the act of pouring water mixed with sesame seeds as an offering to the ancestor

·       Feeding the Brahmin (ब्राह्मण भोज)- the ritual concludes with feeding Brahmin priests and the poor, who are seen as representing the ancestors. Giving food and gifts to Brahmins is a crucial part of the ritual, with the belief that whatever is given to them will reach the deceased. 

·       Charity (Dana): giving clothing, cash, or other necessities to the impoverished, offering food or other essentials to those in need earns merit for the departed soul, ensuring their well-being and the family's prosperity.  

·       Offerings to Crows and Cows: Food offered as Pinda is placed on the roof, and its acceptance by a crow is seen as a sign that the ancestor has received the offering, as crows are considered messengers from Yama or the spirits themselves. 

For more information on various services and for upcoming events, please visit the temple website:

https://satyanarayanmandir.org/

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