Pitru Paksh 2019 : Know the Shradh Tithis and Puja Vidhi

Perform these Shradh rituals to provide salvation to your forefathers. Pitru Tarpan helps the entire generation to attain deliverance, happiness and prosperity.

Bhadrapada Purnima Tithi of the Hindu Panchang is also known as Shraddha Purnima. According to Hindu religious beliefs, it is quite an important Tithi. This Tithi also marks the arrival of Ashwin Krishna Paksha, which is also known as Pitru Paksha, which ends on Ashwin Amavasya. This year, Pitru Paksha is starting from 13th September and will end on 28 September 2019, which will provide us with an opportunity to pay off the debts towards our ancestors. We are given a fulfilling occasion to show our adoration and respect for them. The scriptures mention three debts (rin) of human beings.

Pitru Paksha 2019 Tithis and Days

Shradh Karam for Ancestors During Pitru Paksha 

It is only due to our ancestors that our existence has enough validation. During the Pitru Paksha, Shradh ceremony is performed for our departed ancestors. It is believed that our our forefathers get appease because of its successful commemoration and the good fortune of human beings increases. No auspicious work is carried out in this entire duration. It is also forbidden to stitch or buy any new clothes during this time. Taking an oil massage and haircut is also considered a taboo during this period.

The commencement of Shradh is also important for the redemption of the souls of those natives who die accidental or unnatural death in one’s family. From an astrological point of view, by performing the Shradh rituals during Pitru Paksha helps one to get relief from Kaal Sarp Dosh present in his/her Kundli.

Special Rituals to Follow During Shradh  

There are two categories of Shradh, which are Parvan and Ekodisht namely. It is very necessary to differentiate between the two types of Shradh. The Parvana Shradh ritual is carried out during the afternoon period, which is performed in between the tenth and the twelfth Muhurat after sunrise, on the day of one’s ancestor’s death. During the Parvana Shradh, one’s father, paternal grandfather, great grandfather, maternal grandfather and great grandfather and maternal grandmother and their wives are worshiped. On the other hand, Ekodisht Shradh is performed in between the seventh and ninth Muhurta in the midday period, on the day of the ancestors’ death anniversary. During this occasion, one’s Guru, father-in-law, uncle, maternal uncle, brother, brother-in-law, nephew, disciple, paternal uncle, son, friend and their wives are worshiped.

Shradh Karma Rituals for Departed Ancestors 

The death of a relative which took place on a particular Chandra Tithi, his/her Shradh is performed on the occurrence of the same Tithi during the Krishna Paksha of Ashwin month. 

• The Shradh of blessed female natives are performed on Navami Tithi. 
• The one of Sages and hermits are commenced on the Dwadashi Tithi. 
• The ones who lost their lives in flight accidents, snake bite or being attacked with a weapon, the shradh of such relatives should be commenced on Shradh chaturdashi. 
• The ones whose death details are not available should also be given tributes by organizing their Shradh on the Amavasya of Ashwin month. 
• Individuals whose death annivrsary falls on Purnima, their shradh is commenced on  Bhadrapad Purnima or Ashwin Amavasya.

Shradh Karam Rituals 

1. During Pitru Paksha, wake up early in the morning of the day on which someone’s Shradh will be performed. 
2. Take a bath in a holy river or with Gangajal. 
3. Offer a tribute to the departed by taking sesame seeds, Akshat and Kusha(made of grass) by performing a Jalanjani. 
4. As per the rules to be observed during Shradh, the rituals should be performed during mid day and the afternoon hours of the day. 
5. Consume food only after offering it to Brahmans.

Special Importance Of Offering Pind Daan in Gaya 

Gaya is an ancient city situated on the banks of river Phalgu in Bihar. On the occasion of Pitru Paksha, thousands of devotees flow into this place to perform Tarpan for their forefathers. It is believed that by making the pindaan in Gaya on the occasion of Pitru Paksha, the dead attain salvation. His/her soul departs from the cycle of life and death. Also, the upcoming seven generations of the person making the pindan also become worthy of obtaining fortune when the task gets completed successfully.

Steps To Perform Pind Daan

In Hinduism, the last rites of Pind Daan is said to bless one with the grace of one’s ancestors. All the challenges and obstacles in life are eliminated after performing this sacred ritual, and one attains the grace and blessings of their forefathers and ancestors. When performing Shradh rituals, PInd Daan is carried out. According to Mahabharata, below are the steps to perform Pind Daan ritual during Shradh ceremony:

• Gayatri Mantra and Somay Pitrimate Swaha Mantra must be chanted.
• The first Pind must be offered to the flowing water. Pind inside the water pacifies the Moon, who in turn satisfies the Gods, ancestors and forefathers for whom the Pind Daan is carried out.
• The second Pind must be fed to the wife or spouse of the native who is performing the ritual. When a woman consumes the Pind with the permission of the Gurus, then the ancestors fulfil the desire of the man who wishes for a boy.
• The third Pind must be offered to the fire. Doing this satisfies the ancestors and fulfills the wishes of human beings.

We hope that this blog written on Pitru Paksha will prove to be insightful for you. Thankyou for staying connected with AstroSage!