According to the tenets of Sanatan Dharma, humans are born with inherent debts which are repaid by yagyas or sacrifices. These sacrifices, referred to as Panch Maha Yagyas are considered to be the obligatory duties of life. They are: Deva yagya (sacrifice to God); Rishi yagya (sacrifice to the sages); pitri yagya (sacrifice to the ancestors); manushya yagya (sacrifice to society) and bhuta yagya (sacrifice to lower forms of creation).
The period of Pitra Paksh relates to pitri yagya and is a 15-day period set aside to reflect on the contribution of our ancestors and to show our gratitude to them. It is a time dedicated to the worship of the Supreme Soul, through the medium of the individual soul. This year, this auspicious period occurs from September 2 to 16, 2020.
During the Pitra Paksh period, we reflect on those who have gone before us. We all know that one day, we too, shall depart this earthly plane of existence. We pray that when that time comes, it happens in a peaceful way. Life, as we know, is unpredictable. Today we are alive, but tomorrow, circumstances might change. This is a compelling reason why we should pray to Mrityunjai Bhagavan. In the process of reaching that ultimate death, many other forms of death will take place. Death is not only for the physical body; there are many ways we can die. We all have positive and negative aspects in ourselves. We pray that the negative temperament in us should die and that the good qualities should be strengthened.
The performer of the sacrifice, usually the male/s in the family, observes strict spiritual discipline like meditation, jap (recitation of mantras), moun (vow of silence), brahmacharya (continence) and mitaahaara (control of diet) during the period of observance.
He performs tarpan for a period of five days to 15 days. Tarpan is a special water-offering that is made after performing regular jal offering to Soorya and Shiva Bhagavan. The tarpan offering consists of water, black til and white rice. Tarpan is offered on a freshly planted khus grass with the leaves knotted at the top. The offering is made with hands while facing south. Offerings are made in the names of the departed souls while mantras are recited. Each mantra together with offering can be done five times. Pitra havan may also be performed. Suggested ingredients for this havan are: ghee, goggul, black til, sugar, sweet rice and sohari. Food and gifts to the holy ones may also be distributed.
The mantras below are used both in the tarpan-offering as well as pitra havan:
- Grandfather: Om Maha Pita Pitra Swaadhaa
2. Grandmother: Om Maha Maataa Pitra Swaadhaa
3. Father: Om Pita Pitra Swaadhaa
4. Mother: Om Maataa Pitra Swaadhaa
5. Brother: Om Bhraataha Pitra Swaadhaa
6. All departed ones: Om Sarva Pitra Swaadhaa
7. Supreme Soul: Om Aryamaa Pitra Swaadhaa.
The individual who performs such actions repays his debt to his ancestors and experiences growth, elevation, prosperity and success in all aspects of his life. By engaging in such acts of piety he also sows the seeds of goodwill for future generations. Additionally, the departed ones also receive merits of the sacrifice done on their behalf. It should be noted that in addition to the offerings made during the Pitra Paksh period, pitri yagya should be done at every opportunity and every day. The maintenance of the values the ancestors stood for, the further enhancement of their traditions and the constant striving to upkeep principles are the offerings that truly sustain and nourish them.
