According to the religious scriptures of India, the first fortnight of the Ashwini nakshatra has been appointed for the purpose of karmic cleansing and performance of rituals and prayers for our ancestors and forefathers. This 15-day period is known as the Pitri paksha or the Mahalaya paksha. Efforts and spiritual works that lead to karmic cleansing fro begetting prosperity, happiness and a blissful state of those who have departed from the earth an d were related to us, are performed.
As per Sanatan Dharma, there are 16 Sanskaras during the lifetime of individual and also some rituals are carried out after the death of individuals. The journey takes place from birth to death and then form death to another birth, he cycle continues till a soul attains salvation. During the period between death and birth, the jeevatma undergoes a state of bodiless existence.
Sometimes, this state is not very pleasant for the soul due to debt of bad karmas and unfulfilled duties in lifetime. Thus, the bodiless ancestors stay in form of till their next birth. It is interesting to note that due to high level of attachment with family, the ancestor, when acquires body, takes birth in the very same family where he or she was born in previous birth. Thus, the lineage continues. However, the karmic debts of previous lives keep following the individual whether he or she is in body or in bodiless state.
Thus, for a simple understanding, it is said that we reap the fruits of actions of our ancestors in form of prosperity and misfortune as per their karmas (which are actually our own karmas in past births). During pitri paksha, when we perform rituals of daanam or donation and sharing, we get blissful results. These positive actions done in this special period bring us great benefits due to feeling of sharing and daanam associated with them. The peace that is bestowed within the hearts of recipients is directly transferred to ancestors to bring salvation.
In Garud Puraan , a detailed description of the journey is given alongside the remedial measures that can be taken for pacification of the problems.
In the 15-day period, the sarva-pitru amavasya or the new moon night has greatest significance. This day is also known as Mahalaya amavasya. The legend goes that when the churning of the primordial ocean was being done, many of the Rishis and Devas were killed by Rakshasas on this day. Thus, this day is specifically dedicated to them. Doing a Tarpan on this day holds great significance and helps to resolve karmic debts of ancestors.
The souls of our ancestors are said to be closest to the earth on the day of sarv-pitru amavasya. Yamraj, the lord of death has given boon to humans due to prayers of Karna that anyone who would do prayers, Tarpan and perform Shraadh karma for the peace and wellness of their ancestors on this day would bring peace and exaltation of their ancestors.
In normal case, the Shraadha of an ancestor is done in the name of the person who left on a particular date. However, in case one is not aware of the date on which any ancestor left, then sarv pitru amavasya comes to the rescue of the person. It can be done for all departed souls whether they were children, females, childless or ancestors who have died unnatural deaths.
Performing the Pitri pooja on this day, also helps in the pacification of pitri rin an even pitra dosha. The Indian subcontinent or Jambudweep as it is mentioned in the scriptures has a plethora of shakti spots or pitra mukti sthaans. These places are having energy grid where remedy or Tarpan actions, Arghya, Shraadh are directly accepted by relevant forces of nature. These include Badrinath, Gaya, Rameshwaram, Kaashi, Poovalur.
The easiest to perform amongst all rituals is Trapan and it can and should be done throughout the pitru paksha. Water is taken along with rice grains, black sesame seedsin ones hand; one should stand facing the south (after taking bath) and pour the water in the name of the ancestors. Food should also be prepared for crow, cow, dog and Brahmin or a saintly figure on this day. The energy of the Pitras gets liberated with the help of these rites and rituals on this day. Basically, any act of kindness towards beings is of great significance and its effect is directly transmitted to ancestor that help s them to make a peaceful journey ahead.
It is believed when you help your ancestors with rituals and rites done in this way, they send you back blessings and positive energies that help bestow peace, prosperity and happiness in the household.
In order to get more information regarding Shraadha karma or find solution of problems that are present in your horoscope, contact famous astrologer ji here.