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Diwali
Kartik
Krishna Leela
Raam
Nawmi
Janam Ashtmi
Hanuman Jayanti
Guru
Purnima
Raksha Bandhan
Temple
Ganesh
Chaturthi
Pitri Paksh
Ramleela
Nawraatri
Lakshme
Maha Shiva
Raatri
Panchang
Kalmaas
Phagwah or
Holi
Why Hindus Wear The
Tilak
Pooja
Bhajans
Mantra of the month
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Pitri
Paksh.....
The
fifteen days of the dark half of the Hindu month of Ashwin (September-October)is
known as Pitri Paksh.Hindus offer Tillanjali (water with black sesame
seeds)in the name of their departed ancestors during these fifteen
days.They also perform Paarnava Sradha on the tithi or lunar day which
their Pitri departed from the physical body.
We owe three principal debts according to the Dharam Shastras:
1.Debts to the Devtas
2.Debts to Rishis
and
3.Debts to Pitras.
The debt to the Pitras is the greatest of these three;the reason being
that your Pitras were your visible Gods.
Parents made tremendous sacrifices for their children's welfare;suffered
financial,physical and mental strains to look after the welfare of their
children.Hence,they are most worthy to be repaid by their offspring.
The debts to the Pitris are paid through the performance of Sradhas.The
meaning of Sradha is an act of devotion or that which is given in
devotion(to the Brahmins in honour of the manes).It's a term synonymos
with paying our debts to our ancestors.
Karam Kanda texts recommends that as Hindus we should perform Pinda -Daan
and give charity to learned Brahmins and also feed them.
Pinda-Daan at midday is exceedingly beneficial to the Pitras.The Pitras
remain happy throughout the year and bless their offsprings with
happiness.
Greatness of Sradha in Pitri
Paksh.....
The Dharam Shastras state that whosoever perform Sradha during Pitri
Paksh live a long and healthy life,begets sons,fame,wealth and attains
the heavenly regions in the hereafter.Through the grace of their
ancestors,they shall be prosperous and happy in all phases of life.
During the month of Ashwin in Pitri Paksh,the ancestors keep hoping that
their offsprings will perform Pinda-Daan(Sradha)and offer tillanjali to
please them.With this hope they leave the abode of the Pitras and come
to earth.However,when they do not get tillanjali or Pinda they return
disappointed to their abode.
All faithful Hindus,during Pitri Paksh should offer water and Pinda to
their ancestors.
They should also give Daan or charity according to their means.The
Shastras also declares that those who do not perform Sradha for their
ancestors will not get heroic and healthy sons with long life.
Who should perform Sradha.....
The son is the first choice.If there is no son then,the daughter's
son is recomended.If however,there are no children then one in the
family who is eligible can perform the Sradha or an adopted son of noble
linage can perform the Sradha.
If there are many sons,the eldest should perform the rites.If the sons
are living at different addresses then only one should perform the
rite.In the absence of a son,the grandson or great-grandson can also
perform the rite.
Your brother's son,your wife or husband can perform the rite if there is
no son.The husband should NOT perform Sradha for his wife if their son
is alive.
In the absence of all the above,the Shishya(a student of
spirituality)can perform the Sradha.Above all,the Pandit(priest)can
perform the Sradha in the absence of all the above,at all times.
Sradha can be performed and Tillanjali can be offered for
father,grandfather,great-grandfather.mother,grandmother,great-grandmother,both
paternal and maternal also;maternal and paternal
uncles,fathers-in-law,mothers-in-law brothers and sisters.
Pandit Bhadase Maharaj.
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