Pitru Paksha, also known as Shraaddha or Mahalaya Paksha, is a 16-day period in the Hindu lunar calendar dedicated to honoring and paying homage to one's ancestors or departed forefathers. This period typically falls in the lunar month of Bhadrapada (usually September to October) and is considered an important time for performing rituals for the deceased.
The story behind Pitru Paksha is rooted in Hindu mythology and comes from several ancient texts, including the Mahabharata and the Garuda Purana. One of the most well-known stories associated with Pitru Paksha is that of King Karna from the Mahabharata.
King Karna, who is one of the central characters in the Mahabharata, was known for his exceptional generosity and charitable deeds. However, he was unaware of his true lineage for most of his life. Karna was born to Kunti (the mother of the Pandavas) through a divine boon granted by Lord Surya (the Sun God). Because of his lowly birth, Karna faced discrimination and humiliation throughout his life, particularly due to the caste system prevalent at the time.
When Karna died in the Kurukshetra War, his soul ascended to the heavens. There, he was granted celestial comforts and grand feasts, but he realized that he had not performed any rituals or offerings for his ancestors during his lifetime due to his ignorance of his lineage. As a result, he was unable to access those comforts. This troubled Karna, who then sought a solution from Lord Indra, who granted him a special 16-day period on Earth to make amends for this omission.
During this time, Karna returned to Earth in the form of a wandering soul, allowing his descendants to perform rituals and offerings for him. This period became known as Pitru Paksha, during which Hindus perform tarpan (offering of water and food) to honor their deceased ancestors and seek their blessings and forgiveness.
Pitru Paksha is a time of reflection, respect, and gratitude toward one's forefathers. It is believed that by performing these rituals with devotion, individuals can alleviate the suffering of their ancestors and ensure their peaceful transition to the afterlife. It is an important tradition in Hindu culture and is observed with sincerity and reverence by many families.
This 16-day period is considered an unfavorable time to start a new venture, get married, buy a house or a car.
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