Pitra Paksh

According to the tenets of Sanaatan Dharma Man is born with inherent debts which is repaid by yagyas or sacrifices. These sacrifices, referred to as Panch Maha Yagyas are considered to be 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 fellow-man) and Bhuta Yagya (sacrifice to lower forms of creation).

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 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 period is observed after the Bhaadon Poornima and ends just before the Nau Raatri period. This year this auspicious period lasts from September 23 to October 07, 2010. Tadacip http://www.wolfesimonmedicalassociates.com/tadacip/

The ritualistic observance of Pitra Paksha is carried out by male members of the family who derive much benefit by performing such actions. The departed ones also are sustained and merits reach them wherever they are.

OBSERVANCE

The performer of the sacrifice, the male/s in the family, observes 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.

He performs ‘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. 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. How to get Phentermine online http://www.pharmacynewbritain.com/phentermine/

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.

1. Grand- father: Om Maha Pita Pitra swaadhaa
2. Grand-mother: 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. Super Soul: Om Aryamaa Pitra Swaadhaa.

Food and gifts to the holy ones may also be distributed.

BENEFITS

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, however, 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.