The period of Pitra Paksha relates to Pitri yagya and is a fifteen-day period set aside to reflect on the contribution of our ancestors, and to demonstrate our gratitude to them in a ritualistic way. It is a time dedicated to the worship of the Supreme Soul, through the medium of the individual soul. This period is observed after the Bhaadon Poornima and ends just before the Nau Raatri period.
The ritualistic observance of Pitra Paksha is carried out by male members of the family who derive much benefit by performing such actions.
OBSERVANCE
- The performer of the sacrifice, the males in the family, observe strict spiritual discipline like meditation, japa (recitation of mantras), moun ( vow of silence), brahmacharya (continence) and mitaahaara( control of diet) during the period of observance.
- They perform ‘tarpan’ for a period of five days to fifteen 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.
- 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 done. Suggested ingredients in this havan are: ghee, gogul, black-til, sugar, sweet-rice and sohari.
- The mantras below are used both in the tarpan-offering as well as pitra havan.
- Food and gifts to the holy ones may also be distributed.
MANTRAS;
- Grand- father: Om Maha Pita Pitra Swaadhaa
- Grand-mother: Om Maha Maataa Pitra Swaadhaa
- Father : Om Pita Pitra Swaadhaa
- Mother : Om Maataa Pitra Swaadhaa
- Brother : Om Bhraataha Pitra Swaadhaa
- All departed ones: Om Sarva Pitra Swaadhaa
- Supreme Soul : Om Aryamaa Pitra Swaadhaa.
