Sraddha (Pitr-Paksha) Shraddha & Tarpan / Pitr-Paksha

Pitr Paksha (The Memorial Period for the dead)

The dark fortnight of Ashvina [September-October] is known as Pitr Paksha or Mahalaya Paksha.
The Pitr (forefathers) Paksha (phase of the moon) or simply "The auspicious period for remembering those who have passed away" is very significant in the Hindu culture. In writing this article we hope to enlighten people from all cultures as to why we honour this very auspicious period of 15 days which comes in the dark half phase of the month of Ashwini (around September), set aside as a Memorial and thanksgiving to the departed souls, who, when on this Earth, made some contribution to make it a better place. We acknowledge our indebtedness to these ancestors at this period. It is an observance accompanied by intense bhakti (devotion) to the Supreme Lord. This year (2005) Pitr Paksa is between 18th September to 3rd October.

Especially in South Africa many Hindus observe this very important period for just a few days. Now that is just not right. On the 18th September Pitr Pakse starts and continues for 15 days (until the 3rd of October). Many offer food after three days when they are performing their havan. That is incorrect. This memorial period is not only for three days rather it is for 15 days. If a guest comes to your house will you make the guest starve? No of course not then why are they being not fed daily. Remember you do not have to cook 10-15 preparations. Whatever you cook for yourself on that day you can offer to the Pitrs. How is this done? On a tray place a banana leaf. On the banana leaf place a teaspoon of all the food that was cooked. Then in a corner of your yard in a clean place offer the food together with a small cup of water or milk. Say " all my ancestors please partake in this prashad". Then leave that food. One should do this for 15 days. On the last day you can either perform a havan or donate in charity (whatever you like and can afford - like 3 three types of grains, fruits, vegetables..) to your family priest or a poor person.

All religions, sects, even tribes follow different observances when a member of the family passes on. The rites are based on certain beliefs and convictions enshrined in religion. One of the cornerstones of Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) is the belief in the eternity of the Atma (Soul). The Atma leaves the body at death but life does not end there but continues after death as Lord Krishna says in Bhagavata Gita 2.20 "For the soul there is neither birth nor death at any time. The soul is unborn, eternal, ever existing and primeval. He is not slain when the body is slain."

The final rites after death are called Antyeshti, during which the body is cremated or buried depending on the age of the deceased. The ceremonies performed after the 10th, 13th day followed by the 6th, 12th month, and yearly ceremonies are all called Shraddha. The annual Shraddha performed during Pitr Paksh falls into the same category of rituals.

The Sanskrit word Pitr embraces God in all His aspects, the earliest sages, and our immediate ancestors to the third generation, and all our departed friends and relatives.

The followers of Sanathan Dharma (Hindus) express their gratitude and devotion by oblations of water (Tarpan) in memory of these ancestors. Oblations are made to God, to the Devi/Devas, Rshis and to our ancestors. The offerings are performed daily for 15 days. Tarpan is done as follows: In a dish of half filled water add some milk, sugar, honey, a few grains of barley, a few drops of ghee, and flowers petals - mix these items. Now face East and keep 3 pieces of Kush grass across both palms forming a cup and offer this water in the dish - NOT on the ground - in the name of as many deities as possible. Then face north and offer water in the name of the rishis. Then face south and now add til (Sesame seeds) into the water and offer this in the name of the pitrs (forefathers). Remember that the water is only offered in the dish. Only after all offerings have been completed then the dish of water is dropped on a plant. This can be repeated as many days as one desires in the 15 days.

Havans (except Wedding, Sacred thread ceremonies, Katha and Jhunda and so forth are not performed) during this period is recommended. Food prepared MUST FIRST be offered to the Supreme Lord Sri Krsna/Rama/Vishnu then that offered food becomes sanctified food (Prashad) and only then must that prashad be offered to the forefathers. By performing it in this way the forefathers bless that family immensely since they are eating Vishnu prashad, which relieves them very quickly, from whatever bad situation they are in. Charity should also be performed at this time, as this is most beneficial.

Types of Shraadh :  There are 12 types of Shraadh in the Hindu religion.

1. Nitya Shraadh
   It is done daily. And in this ceremony sesame seeds, grains, water, milk, fruit, vegetables and food are offered to the departed soul daily.
2.  Neimitik Shraadh
   It is also known as Ekodisht Shraadh. In it food is offered to an odd number of priests say 1, 3, or 5 in number.
3. Kaamya Shraadh
   n it prayers and respect is offered to the departed soul with the aim of fulfilment of some wish.
4.  Vriddhi Shraadh
   It is done for gain of prosperity and children. Only persons who have gone through Upanayan Samskar should do it.
5.  Sapindan Shraadh
   In it four clean vessels are taken and in each some water mixed with fragrance and sesame seeds is taken.
6.  Paarvann Shraadh
   It is done on a moonless night or on some special occasion
7.  Goshtth Shraadh
   It is done for gain of cattle.
8.  Shurdhyarth Shraadh
   It is done with the help of priests for gain of wealth, amd for appeasing scholars and ancestors.
9.  Karmaang Shraadh
   In it prayers are offered to the ancestors when a woman becomes pregnant or when Seemaantonayan and Punsavan Samskars are being accomplished.
10.  Deivik Shraadh
    In it oblations are made with ghee in the holy fire for good luck in travels and to seek the well wishes of deities.
11.  Oupcharik Shraadh
    It is done for physical health and riddance from diseases.
12.  Saanvatsarik Shraadh
    It is best among all Shraadhs and it is accomplished on the day on which the soul departed. It is a very important ritual for in the text Bhavishya Purann Lord Sun says - I do not accept the prayers of a person who does not perform Saanvatsarik Shraadh and neither do Vishnu, Brahma, Rudra and other deities.

Is Pitr Puja Necessary?

Some people are of the opinion that Pitr Puja should not be performed because the Atma or the deceased has already taken birth again. It might have been born as an animal, bird, insect, human form or whatever form that the soul would receive in accordance with the karmas (actions good or bad) of previous lives. After the Sapindi ceremony (the 13th day ceremony performed 13 days after the cremation of the deceased), the Pitr Puja becomes obligatory on the descendants. Every human being has to pay three debts with which he is reborn and that is (1) indebt ness to the Supreme Lord, (2) to the Rishis, and (3) to the forefathers. Now what does it matter if the soul is re-born? A simple analogy from everyday life will make it clear. A person named Ram owes a sum of money to Gopal who was residing at a certain address at the time when the debt was incurred. Subsequently, Gopal changes his place of residence, and begins to live at another place. Does this absolve Ram from his indebtedness? No. After all death is the leaving of one body by the Atma and birth is the taking on of a new body. Bhagavad Gita (2.22) aptly describes the process "Just as one removes old clothes and puts on new ones, so does the Jivatma abandon an old body and obtain a new one" For further elucidation we may liken transmigration of the Soul to one abandoning a house which is old and beyond repair and taking residence in another home. Besides, Pitr Puja is a memorial service in which the devotee remembers as well as prays, addressing the departed he says: "O Pitrs in whichever form you may be, wherever you may be, we wish to remember and pray for your peace and welfare". Auspicious mantras are recited for the welfare, prosperity and peace of all beings.