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Pitru Paksha: Forgot Ancestors' Death Anniversary? Do This on Mahalaya Amavasya!
- •Pitru Paksha, a 16-day period from the first day of Krishna Paksha in Bhadrapada month to Amavasya, is dedicated to ancestor worship.
- •Ancestors are believed to visit Earth from Yamaloka during this time to receive offerings of food, water, and pindadaan from their descendants.
- •According to priest Umesh Bhatt, Pitru Paksha is crucial for alleviating 'Pitru Dosha' (ancestral fault) which causes financial problems, ill health, and family disputes.
- •During Pitru Paksha, feeding Brahmins, donating clothes, offering dakshina, and providing food to crows, cows, and dogs are considered auspicious rituals.
- •Mahalaya Amavasya, the last day of Pitru Paksha, allows those who forgot their ancestors' death anniversaries to perform Shraddha rituals for their salvation.
Key Questions Answered
Mahalaya Amavasya, also known as Sarvapitru Amavasya, is the last day of Pitru Paksha. It allows individuals who have forgotten the exact death anniversary of their ancestors to perform shraddha rituals on this day so that tarpan reaches all ancestors and their souls attain salvation.
According to priest Umesh Bhatt, if a horoscope has Pitru Dosha, it causes financial problems, ill health, and family disputes. Pitru Paksha is the most auspicious time to alleviate this dosha by performing shraddha rituals with devotion to overcome these difficulties.
During the 16 days of Pitru Paksha, a strict sattvic diet must be maintained while completely avoiding non-vegetarian food, alcohol, onions, and garlic. Additionally, no auspicious ceremonies like weddings, housewarmings, or new businesses should be undertaken.
