Vedic Festivals to Watch: Pitris Paksha – September 17 to October 1
Over the past five years, I have been fascinated by the influence of our ancestors on our present-day karma. It didn’t start with youreminds us that the unresolved sufferings of our ancestors, often unknown to us, painfully bind us to them. Our depression, anxiety, pain, phobias, obsessions are often inherited genetically from our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. In Vedic astrology, we can often see this in the Varga charts on ancestral lineage, D-40 and D-45. As we trace our family tree, it becomes all the more fascinating to discover that our sufferings are the sufferings of our ancestors, and they are rooting for us to achieve what they could not. We are so grateful for the sacrifices and dedication they made to raise our family and continue our lineage. In my Varga 2 classes, I do 3-4 lessons on ancestral karma.
The ancient Vedic culture understood this well: in the Vishnu Purana it is stated that the Sraddha performed on the day before the Virgo new moon is equivalent and has the same efficacies as the Sraddha performed on the banks of sacred rivers and holy places such as Gaya.
So what is the significance of this holiday? My jyotish teacher, Komilla Sutton, tells us:
“Shraddha is also known as Pitris Paksha. Paksha lasts for two weeks and Pitris Paksha always falls during the waning moon period, Krishna Paksha. Shraddha is usually observed 10 days after Ganesh Chaturthi. This fortnight is a period of offering prayers to the dead. The new moon in Virgo marks the end of Shraddha.
If you want to remember your loved ones who have passed away, now is a good time to do so. Feed the poor, make donations, and celebrate their lives by having a feast in their memory — usually vegetarian and sattvic food. Honor their memory and remember them fondly.” (Komilla Sutton)
If there is no Hindu temple nearby, you can do it yourself by bringing out three generations of family photos, lighting candles, giving thanks, making donations to the poor, and even chanting mantras for your ancestors. My Swami encourages daily chanting and encourages everyone to join in the prayer.om Mata Pitriviam Nama”
As we heal and remember, we heal and honor their light with gratitude.
Shraddha means faith and respect. According to Hindu beliefs, it is one of the important duties of every person. Shraddha is performed on the Krishna Paksha (waxing moon) before the Virgo new moon (September 7-20). Rituals performed during this period have great religious merit. Every effort is made to worship the ancestors and fulfill their wishes so that they may rest in peace for the rest of the year.
Why should we perform Shraddha (offerings) to the deceased?
The reality is that without our ancestors we would not be here and would not be who we are. If we owe money to Mr. X and he moves away before we can repay the debt, the debt does not go away just because he is somewhere else, right? With this prayer to the Pitris, we say, “Oh! Pitris, whatever form you may be in, wherever you may be, we wish to remember, pray to and offer offerings to you with selflessness, peace and happiness. Please bless us and forgive our mistakes and omissions in our life with you on this earth.” May we all express our gratitude to our ancestors and God during this Mahārāya Paksha.
The last day of Pitrith Paksha October 1st (The dark night before the new moon) – This occurs when the Sun and Moon are in conjunction in Virgo. On this day, prayers are offered to all ancestors. It is believed that they all come down from their abodes to earth and join the mortal world for one day.
Source: ASTRO BLOG Archives – Applied Vedic Astrology – www.appliedvedicastrology.com
