Pitra Visarjan | Mahalaya |Shraddh Samapan
, 7 min reading time
, 7 min reading time
Pitra Visarjan is the last day of Pitra Paksha, the 15 day period of welcoming the ancestors on Earth back. The way of doing this Puja, and how it will help our existance is extensively covered in this blog.
Pitra Paksha, also called Pitru Paksha, Pitr Paksha Mahalaya, and Pitri Paksha is the last day of a 16 day lunar period in Hindu religion when it is believed that the ancestors of mankind visit them. The devotees worship their ancestors and pay homage to them for being a part of their lives. Also, they request their ancestors to rest in peace and bless the living a healthy and peaceful life devoid of any pains, sufferings, and sorrows. Pitra Paksha or Mahalaya is considered of high value in the lives of the devotees because it is a common belief that the ancestors hold more power over the Gods and can make magical things happen. It is also believed that Pitra (ancestors) hold the power to grant more happiness and complete satisfaction from bad omen and evil spirits more than any sacred items. It is very important to treat our ancestors with the utmost respect and provide a feast of food and happiness for them so as to last another year whiles they stay up in heaven. Also, it is believed that in case of their reincarnation, they can be reborn into a good atmosphere and can make themselves feel comfortable.
Story of Pitra Paksha
It is said that when Karna went to heaven, he was given lots of gold and jewels over there as food. But Karna really had no idea why he was not provided with actual food. He asked the God of Death, Yama, the reason for him not receiving food. Yama replied that because Karna had donated gold all his life to the needy, he is getting back what he gave. This made Karna realize his mistake. He requested Yama to help him with this as he was unaware of donating food. Yama allowed Karna to go back as Pitra (ancestor) on Earth for 15 days (16 lunar days) and donate food. These 15 days came to be known as Pitra Paksha. The last day when he was going back, his people gave him food and water and a delicious offering with a request to stay happy and satisfied in heaven without any pains and suffering. This day was called the Mahalaya.
It is also believed that it was on this day when Goddess Durga killed Mahishasura, the demon who tricked Lord Brahma to give him immortality but lost to the Lord’s wit of blessing him with immortality from men and children. When Mahishasura tried to capture the Gods and overthrow them, Goddess Durga was born as Shakti and she killed Mahishasura with her Trident (Trishul). Mahalaya is the day to welcome the arrival of Goddess Durga on Earth to gain victory over Mahishasura in the coming 9 days.
Reasons for Pitra Paksha
Pitra Paksha is a way to pay homage to the ancestors who have departed from Earth after completion of their life here. It is believed that due to Pitra Paksha, a person gets to know about the 6 generations of their family and thus, not only strengthen ties but also provide a shield of protection from any evil spirits and demons and devilish thoughts. The last day of Pitra Paksha is called the Pitra Visarjan or Mahalaya and the ancestors are all set to return to the place of Lord Yama, the God of Death. The people have to bid farewell to their ancestors by treating them with amazing delicacies and homemade food so that they can have a quota of the entire year before they return next year.
Timeline of Pitra Paksha
Place of Shraaddha
There are 2 places mentioned in the Vedas where Pitra Paksha Shraddha holds value:
Myths and Facts about Pitra Paksha
Fact: Women are equally eligible as men for Pitra Paksha Pooja.
Fact: Unstitched cloth should be worn.
The preferred color is white But it does not mean that only white color should be worn.
Fact: Ignoring Pitra Pooja is the worst crime to anger the ancestors and should be completely avoided.
Note
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