Pitru Paksha is a significant period in the Hindu calendar, lasting for 16 lunar days. Pitru Paksha, also known as Apara Paksha,. It involves paying homage to one’s ancestors through rituals, especially food offerings. This period is considered inauspicious due to the death rites performed. t falls in the second paksha (fortnight) Hindu lunar month of Bhadrapada (September) and follows the fortnight immediately after Ganesh Utsav.
Ancestral Beliefs in Hinduism:
According to Hindu beliefs, the souls of three preceding generations reside in Pitruloka, governed by Yama, the god of death. Yama facilitates the transition of souls from Earth to Pitriloka and plays a vital role in Shraddha rites. Pitru Paksha serves as a time to pray for the liberation of both ancestors and those performing the rituals.
Timing of Pitru Paksha:
Pitru Paksha starts when the sun enters Virgo (Kanya) and ends with a full moon when the sun enters Scorpio (Vrischika). During the first half of this period, it is believed that the spirits of ancestors reside in their descendants’ homes.
The Legend of Karna:
Apara Paksha,’s origin is linked to the story of Karna from the Mahabharata. After Karna’s death, he experienced extreme hunger in heaven, and any food he touched turned into gold. Karna’s ancestors, trapped in limbo, cursed him for not offering them food in shraddha rituals. To make amends, Karna was allowed to return to Earth for 15 days to perform shraddha and offer food and water in their memory, leading to the establishment of Pitru Paksha.
Regional Variations:
In southern and western India, Pitru Paksha falls in the second fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Bhadrapada (September). In North India and Nepal, or for cultures following the purnimanta or solar calendar, it may correspond to the waning fortnight of the luni-solar month Ashvina.
Apara Paksha, is a time for Hindus to honor and remember their ancestors and seek their well-being in the afterlife. It reflects the deep spiritual and cultural significance of ancestral worship in Hindu tradition. Despite its inauspicious nature, Pitru Paksha plays a vital role in maintaining the connection between the living and departed souls.
