Prayagraj. For the salvation and peace of the souls of ancestors, the Pitru Paksha, starting from the full moon of Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadra to the new moon of Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwin, is starting from Tuesday. The fortnight-long Pitru Paksha, starting from the full moon of Bhadra Shukla Paksha and continuing till the new moon of Krishna Paksha of Ashwin, will begin on Tuesday, 17 September at 11 am and will continue till 8.41 am on the next day, 18 September. Udaya Tithi is not considered in this. Therefore, the Shradh of Purnima will be performed on 17 September and Pratipada on 18 September.
The main Shradh dates that last for a fortnight include Padwa Shradh on Pratipada date on September 18, mother’s Shradh on Maatru Navami on September 26, saints’ Shradh on Dwadashi date on September 29, Shradh of those who died due to weapons or untimely death on Chaturdashi date on October 1 and Amavasya’s Shradh on October 2. In Sanatan Dharma, the time of Pitru Paksha is considered important for the soul peace and salvation of the ancestors. It is a religious belief that ancestors attain salvation through Shradh, Tarpan and Pinddaan in this month.
It is believed that by performing Shraddha Karma, one gets the blessings of happiness, prosperity, peace and growth of progeny in life. Every year during Pitru Paksha, ancestors come to earth from Pitru Lok and after receiving Shraddha, they are happy and go back to Pitru Lok after blessing them with good health, longevity, wealth and well-being of the family. Hindus remember their ancestors with devotion and offer Pind Daan for them. It is also known by the names ‘Solah Shraddha’, ‘Mahalaya Paksha’, ‘Apar Paksha’ etc. Beliefs related to transmigration of soul are also found in Smritis and Puranas and in these too, the importance of Shraddha rituals for Pitru Parpan is reflected.
For the welfare of ancestors after death, ten donations should be given on the first day and other donations should be given for the next ten to eleven days. With the help of these donations, the dead soul takes a new body and is repeated according to its karma. The tradition of Pinddaan is only in Prayag, Kashi and Gaya, but the Pinddaan and Shraddha rituals of ancestors begin with shaving the head in Prayag. Every year, during Pitru Paksha, a large number of people from all parts of the country come to Sangam for Pinddaan. Being called the first and main gate of Pitru Mukti, Pinddaan and Shraddha rituals have special importance in Sangam city.
In religious scriptures, Lord Vishnu is considered the god of salvation. Lord Vishnu is present in twelve different forms in Prayag. It is believed that Lord Vishnu resides in the form of Bal Mukunda in Triveni. Prayag is considered the first and main gate for Pitra Mukti. Kashi is called the middle gate and Gaya is called the last gate. In Prayag, the Shraadh rituals begin with the Mundan Sanskar.
Also read- Modi Government-3 completes 100 days, Congress targets it, says PM has no vision to deal with the problems of the country
