SRADDHAAYA CHARITAM SRAADDHA - Mahaalaya Pithru Paksham

Frequently asked questions & answers

Mahaalaya Pihru Paksham

Why? What? When? Where? & How? 

When to perform a Paksha Sraaddha? 

As we approach towards middle of Bhaadrapada Masam as per Hindu Lunar Calendar, it is time to worship the departed souls (forefathers).  This worship is held for a period of 15 days during the waning period (dark period) of Moon in the second fortnight called as Krishna (Bahula) Paksha of Bhaadrapada Masam that generally occurs during the months of September–October every year. The period of 15 days starting from Bhaadrapada Bahula Prathama to Bhaadrapada Bahula Amaavaasya is called Pithru Paksha or Apara Paksha or Paksha Masam when Sun will be transiting Kanya (Virgo) raasi in the zodiac. This period is totally dedicated and earmarked for worshiping the departed souls (forefathers).  

Why only during this period?                                                       

Actually oblation to Pithrus is prescribed to be performed on a daily basis through Brahma Yagna; through Shannavathi (96 specific days during a year); during Parva kaala like Uttaraayana; Dakshinaayana; Eclipse etc; during Pithru Paksha (Bhaadrapada maasam); through annual ceremony; theertha/kshethra sraaddha etc.  Out of which the one during Pithru Paksha is given greater prominence.

Mahaalaya Pithru Paksha occurs during Dakshinaayana; also known as Pithraayana Dakshinaayana represents Pithrus. It is believed that Pithrus descend on Earth during the period of Dakshinaayana in anticipation of their progeny perform sacred rites enabling them to attain better placement in other worlds. Hence, lot of significance is given during this period for performing Pithru related activities. Pithru Paksha also coincides with Chaaturmaasam the most sacred period for worshiping both Deities as well as Pithrus.  It is the most auspicious time to pay our obeisance and salutations to forefathers.   Hence, it is specifically referred to as Pithru Paksha.

It is also called Mahaalaya. Maha means great or big or large. Laya means destruction. Mahaalaya means great destruction. It is said that during one of the occasions of Deva-Asura Sangrama (war between Deities and Demons) large number of Devathas and Rishis had died at the hands of Raakshasas starting from Bhaadrapada Bahula Prathama (Paadyami) to Amaavaasya. This Mahaalaya is also called as Sasthrahatha Mahaalaya. These Deities and Rishis are like our forefathers and it is befitting to worship the departed souls during this fortnight that coincides with Mahaalaya.  Hence, this period of 15 days has become very sacred and celestial for performing sacred rites to forefathers.

As per Hindu time element one month for human beings is equivalent to one day for Pithru Devathas out of which Sukla Paksha (waxing moon days) 15 days is the day time and Krishna Paksha (waning moon days) 15 days is the night time for Pithrus.  It is believed and said that sacred rites like Thila Tharpana and Pinda Pradhana (offering of rice balls) performed during Pithru Paksha acts as food for the departed souls that will be adequate for them throughout the year. Hence, Paksha Sraaddha is required to be performed during dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) of Bhaadrapada maasam.

What are the specified days for Paksha sraaddha?

Paksha sraaddha is actually prescribed to be performed on all the 15 days except on Ekaadasi day. Since it is not practically possible to perform on all the days; it should at least be performed for one day preferably on the day corresponding to the Father’s Thithi (death day). Rest of the days at least, Thila Tharpana should be given to Sarva Pithru or at least to Dwaadasa Pithru (three generations on paternal side and three generations on maternal side). On the day of Mahaalaya Amaavaasya Thila Tharpana should be given to all the eligible forefathers.

In case a person due to some reason misses to perform the rituals on the said date; or doesn't know the Father’s death thithi; it can be performed on any one of the other specified days viz.

Ashtami; Dwaadasi; on the day coinciding with Bharani star; On the day of Vyatheepaatha Yoga; Mahaalaya Amaavaasya.

During Krishna Paksha there will be no Pournami thithi. Hence, for those Pithrus whose thithi (lunar day of death) happens to be Pournami (full moon day), rites should be performed on any of the other specified days mentioned above.

If one misses to perform even on any one of the specified days; still one can perform on any day before Aaswayuja Sukla Panchami. Even then if it is not possible; still one can perform Paksha Sraaddha on any of the specified days mentioned above during Thula Masam when Sun is in Thula Raasi (Libra) before He transits into Scorpio (Vrischika Raasi).

Those performing daily Thila tharpanam or Paksha Sraaddha during Paksha maasam should perform on all days except Ekaadasi; including Yati Mahaalaya and Ghaatha Chaturdasi.

When not to perform Paksha Sraaddha?

These ceremonies should not be performed on the day of Ekaadasi (day of fasting). If father’s death corresponds to Ekaadasi Day; rituals should be performed on the next day (Dwaadasi) except during Pithru Paksha when it should be performed on any one of specified days mentioned above other than Dwaadasi.  Also read Yati Mahaalaya

Paksha Sraaddha should not be performed if Pithru thithi corresponds with Chaturdasi.  However it can be performed on any one of specified days as mentioned above. Performing of Paksha Sraaddha on Chaturdasi day is earmarked for those who had accidental or unnatural death. This day is known as Ghaatha Chaturdasi.

Paksha Sraaddha should not be performed during the period of Asoucha due to birth (janana-asoucha) or death (marana-asoucha) in family. In such a case it should be performed only after the period of asoucha on any one of the specified days if possible during Pithru Paksha or else it should be performed during Thula maasam as said above.

Similarly in case of the deceased; Paksha Sraaddha should not be performed till completion of one year from the date of death; i.e. during the Mrutha Varsha (year of death).

When Baadrapada maasam happens to be Adhika maasam?

In case Adhika maasam coincides with Bhaadrapada maasam then, Mahaalaya Sraaddha that is required to be performed during Krishna Paksha of Bhaadrapada maasam has to be performed twice; in Adhika maasam as well as in Nija maasam. While Dharma-Saastra Dharpana of Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt, Mantralayam has affirmed this; Dharma Sindhu differs in this regard. Those who differ may follow according to their sampradaya.

In case Pithru annual ceremony falls during Paksha Masam!

In such a case Pithru’s annual ceremony has to be performed on the said day (thithi) and Mahaalaya Sraaddha has to be performed on any one of the specified days.

Where to perform the Paksha Ceremonies?

As per sacred texts it is suggested to perform Paksha ceremonies on the banks of sacred rivers or in sacred and celestial places like Gaya, Kaasi, Prayaaga, Kurukshetra, Naimisharanya, Rameswaram etc. If it is not possible they should be performed at least in one’s house. But in view of several practical difficulties and intricacies involved, they are being performed at various temples and religious mutts specifically meant for that purpose. For example; all branches of Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt; Sri Uttaradi Mutt; Udupi Mutt and other dhaarmic institutions across the country provide such facilities to the Karthas.

Who can perform these Ceremonies?

One who is a Dwija (undergone the process of Upanayana) should start performing these ceremonies, only after the death of his father. In such a case it should be performed by the son and not by the daughter. When more sons are available it should be performed by all collectively in case they are staying together; otherwise individually at their respective places.  In case a person doesn't have sons, widow of the deceased by making a proper sankalpa can get it performed through a Brahmin.

To whom the ceremonies are to be performed?

The ritual should be addressed or performed only to the deceased and not to those who are alive; even though they figure in the eligible list. Apart from one’s kith and kin, it should be performed to one’s Guru, Teacher, Priest (Purohit), Friend or to any person whom one has come across in life and from whom has received help. In case father is alive; question of performing Sraaddha does not arise at all. Similarly in case Mother is alive; Sraaddha should not be performed to Pitaamahi (paternal grand-mother) and to Prapithaamahi (paternal great grand-mother); for list of eligible Pithrus see Annexure below.

How to reckon a particular day as Sraaddha thithi?

Availability of particular thithi that is spread beyond noon (Aparaannah) is prevailed upon for considering a day as Sraaddha thithi. Sometimes two thithis also occur on the same day. In such a case, Sraaddha will be performed on the same day for both the thithis. Sraaddha should not be performed on Ekaadasi day. Similarly sometimes there will be Sraaddha Bhaava (non availability of Sraaddha Thithi); then also Sraaddha should not be performed.

What are the items required for these ceremonies?

Dharbha (Kusa Grass); Cooked Rice; Black Sesame (Thila seeds); Water; Thulasi leaves; Ghee; Honey; Pavithra (made with Dharbha); Vishnu Paadam (foot print impression of Lord Vishnu); Kalasha; Panchapaatre; Uddharne; Copper plate; Poorcha; Areca nuts; Coins; Betel leaves; Plantains (Bananas); Gopichandana, Yagnopaveetha etc.

How to perform? (Brief about the Ritual & Significance)

"Sraddhaaya charitam Sraaddha"; literally Sraaddha means the one that need to be conducted with utmost sincerity, attention, care and devotion. While essence remains same; procedure, customs and rituals may differ from region to region; according to sampradaya; based on Varnaasrama dharma. Sraaddha should be performed wearing a ring made with Dharbha called Pavithra.

Strictly speaking Sraaddha has to be performed in the direct presence (Pratyaksha) of two Brahmins. In view of practical difficulties it is performed generally with their symbolic presence by using Dharbha called Dharbha Braahmana; one representing Pithru Devathas called Pithru Braahmana; the other representing Visvedevathas called Daiva Brahmana. Agni Kaarya will be performed first and then Pithru Kaarya. In view of intricacies involved in the process; it is better performed under the guidance and supervision of a learned Purohit who is specially trained for the purpose.

Pindaas are made with cooked rice and mixed with Thila (sesame seeds); During Pinda Pradhaana; rice balls (Pindaas) are arranged in a specific order on Vishnu Paada (foot print of Lord Vishnu) kept on Dharbha (Kusa grass).  Left over Anna (cooked rice) after making Pindaas will be treated as Pithru Prasaada (Pithrusesha). Specification for the size of Pindaas is “Sameepathra Pramaanena” that means it should be of the size of a Samee tree leaf.

What is the significance of Dharbha; Anna (cooked rice); and Thila?

Dharbha; Thila (black sesame seeds); cooked rice are the three major items widely used during the rituals. They are highly sacred and celestial. Dharbha from hair; Thila from the sweat have surfaced from the body of Lord Vishnu. Dharbha is used for sanctity. Anna (cooked rice) is so sacred and celestial that it is called ParaBrahma Swaroopa; personification of the supreme Lord Sri ManNaaraayana the primordial person. “Annam ParaBrahma Swaroopam” It is not only used during Pithru Kaarya; but also during Agni Kaarya while performing several sacrifices viz. Homa; Yajna etc. Pindaas made with Anna are symbolic representation of forefathers.

Why & how does Pithrus get satisfied with? 
(Pinda Pradhaana & Thila Tharpana)

It is believed that Pinda Pradhana (offering of rice balls) and Thila tharpana act as food for the departed souls. After the death; the soul (praani) will dwell in different Lokas (worlds) according to its Karma phala. Since we do not know where and in which Loka forefathers are dwelling; it is prescribed to perform Pithru Yagna in seven forms (Saptaanna) the ritual being called Chataka Sraaddha.

Seven types are: Vaiswadeva Homa (Agni Kaarya); Braahmana Bhojana; Pinda Pradhaana; Thila Tharpana; Uchhishta Pinda; Bhoori Bhojana (Anna Daana); Thaamboola+ Dakshine.  Pithrus get satisfied if they are;

Ø  In Deva Loka with Agni Kaarya Ø  In Swarga Loka with Braahmana Bhojana Ø  In Yamaloka (Pithru Loka) with Pinda Pradhaana Ø  In Naraka Loka with Thila Tharpana (Vikiraanna) Ø  In Paisachika roopa with Uchhishta Pinda Ø  In Asura roopa with Bhoori Bhojana (Anna Daana) Ø  In Human form with Dakshine Thaamboola to Brahmins

It is believed and said that the rituals performed reach the departed souls through the rays of Sun God (in Hindu astrology Sun is referred to as the natural Pithru kaaraka); and Vasu, Rudra and Aaditya acting as intermediaries. During Sraaddha three generations of fore fathers are identified as Vasu, Rudra and Aaditya, assumed as Pradyumna; Sankarshana and Vaasudeva forms respectively of Lord Vishnu.

What are other types of Sraaddha?

Type of Sraaddha to be performed depends on one’s (Kartha’s) ability, patience, age, physical fitness etc. It is prescribed and suggested to perform this ritual always as Chataka Sraaddha (Saptaanna) as said above which is considered to be sacred and meritorious.  We find people opting other types of Sraaddha like; Hiranya Sraaddha; Sankalpa Sraaddha etc. according their convenience. Apart from performing rituals one should also offer Anna Dana along with Thaamboola + Dakshina at least to five Brahmins on the day of Pithru Sraaddha.

How to address forefathers while performing ceremonies?

Each Pithru has to be addressed with their name and Gothra. If one does not know or remember the name and Gothra of forefathers, they should be spelled as Yagnappa (Male), and Yagnamma (female) and Gothra to be spelled as Kaasyapa Gothra. Male Pithrus are addressed as Sarma and female Pithrus as Dhaam suffixing their names; for e.g. male as Yagnappa Sarmaanaam and female as Yagnamma Dhaam.

How to dispense with Pindas (rice balls) after the ceremony?

In this regard following tradition is in vogue.

Ø  Feeding to the Crows Ø  Dropping them in water preferably in a river or a canal Ø  Feeding to a Cow Ø  Digging an earth pit and burying them in it

One of the above may be followed according to convenience. They should not be thrown into garbage.

What should be done when sraaddha could not be performed?

As far as possible don’t avoid performing sacred rites on the scheduled date or at least on one of the specified days. In a given situation where, it is not possible to perform Sraaddha due to circumstances beyond one’s control, one can adopt one of the following...

Ø  Perform Pithru Thila Tharpana; Ø  Observe fasting on that day; Ø  Saaka-Paaka Dana to a Brahmin along with Dakshina; Ø  Feed a Cow with grass; plantains; Ø  When nothing is possible; pray & offer a sincere Namaskara.

What is Mahaalaya?

Pithru Paksha is also called as Mahaalaya. Maha means great or big or large. Laya means destruction. Mahaalaya means great destruction. It is said that on one of the occasions of Deva-Asura Sangraama (war between Deities and Demons) large number of Devathas and Rishis had died at the hands of Raakshasas starting from Bhaadrapada Bahula Paadyami to Amaavaasya. It is also known as Sasthrahatha Mahaalaya. These Deities and Rishis are like our forefathers and it is befitting to worship the departed souls during the fortnight that coincides with Mahaalaya. Hence, this period of 15 days has become very sacred and meritorious for performing sacred rites to forefathers.

What is Avidhava Navami?

Vidhava means Widow; Avidhava means not a widow (Sumangali). Navami is a thithi as per Hindu lunar calendar. Avidhava Navami in the context of Pithru Paksha is the day on which ceremonies are to be performed for those Women (Mothers) who died as Sumangali (husband alive). It should be performed by the son (whose father is alive) on the Navami thithi day during Pithru Paksha and the ritual is different from regular Paksha Sraaddha.

What is Dauhithru Sraaddha?

Sraaddha performed by a daughter’s son to his maternal grandparents is known as Dauhithru Karthruka Sraaddha. This is possible only when a person doesn't have a son but has a daughter; in such a case daughter’s son can perform this ceremony. This is an exceptional case where, a person (Jeevat Pithru) performs ceremony when his father is alive. This ceremony is performed on the first day of the bright fortnight during Aaswayuja Masam.

What is Mahaa-Bharani Sraaddha?

Sraaddha performed on the day coinciding with Bharani star during Pithru Paksha is known as Mahaa-Bharani Sraaddha or Bharani Mahaalaya. It is said and believed that it gives merits equivalent to that of Gaya Sraaddha.

What is Yati Mahaalaya?

Though Dwaadasi is one of the specified days as per Dharma Sindhu; in practice, we find this day exclusively reserved for Yatis (Ascetics) called Yati or Sanyaasi Mahaalaya. It is performed by giving Hasthodaka to all those Saints who have made Brundavana pravesa and by performing Anna Santharpana.

What is Kapila Shashti?

If there is coincidence of Bhaadrapada Maasam; Krishna Paksha; Sun in Hastha constellation; Moon in Rohini constellation; Shashti thithi; Sunday; Vyatheepaatha Yoga; that day is known as Kapila Shashti. Any charity, worship, homa, sacred rites performed on this day is said to be highly meritorious.

What else can be done during Pithru Paksha?

People visit Theertha Kshethras like Kaasi, Prayaaga (Triveni Sangam) and Gaya (Pithru Kshethra) for performing Pithru ceremonies during Paksha maasam. At Gaya Kshethra there will be a big rush during this fortnight of Mahaalaya Pithru Paksha.

Garuda Purana can be read (Paaraayana) or listened to during Pithru Paksha. One can also sponsor for Pravachana (talk) of Garuda Purana in any temple or mutt during Pithru Paksha.

One can donate Black Sesame seeds (Thila); Rice; or any other material/s like Ghee, Honey, Thulasi, used for performing Pithru ceremonies to any temple or mutt organizing or conducting these ceremonies. Performing Anna Dana during Pithru Paksha is highly sacred and meritorious.

After knowing these rituals to be performed and intricacies involved one may get a doubt as to why should one perform Pithru sraaddha?

Maathru Devo Bhava; Pithru Devo Bhava; Aachaarya Devo Bhava; Athithi Devo Bhava; Worshipping these four categories is given highest significance and importance in Hindu Dharma. Among the four, Mathru (Mother) and Pithru (Father) Aachaarya (Guru) have attained greater prominence since they are the people who are responsible for our birth, culture (samskaara) and existence. They are the one who have contributed for our welfare and growth; they are our friends; philosophers and guides; they are our mentors and our role models. Maata-Pithru seva (serving parents) when they are alive and performing Pithru Yagna after their departure has been prescribed as the best way to get discharged from Pithru Runa. For more information on glory of Mahaalaya Pithru Paksham please click on the link given below…

Why should one perform Pithru Sraaddha??? - Glory of Mahalaya Pithru Paksham

Sri Krishnaarpanamasthu

For related posts please click on the links given below...

PITHRU YAGNA 

SRADDHAAYA CHARITAM SRAADDHA 

AMAAVAASYA - The Pithru Thithi

Mahaalaya Amaavaasya - Tharpana Vidhi

Garuda Purana - Glory & Significance

Annexure

Sarva Pithru list & how to address them during Thila Tharpana and or Pinda Pradhaana

	Relationship	How to address a Pithru? (Asmath)		Relationship	How to address a Pithru? (Asmath)
1	Father	Pitharam (Vasu Roopa)	17	Brother/s	Bhraatharam TatthPathneem Tatthputhram (Vasu Roopa)
2	Grand Father (Paternal)	Pithamaham (Rudra Roopa)	18	Paternal Uncles’ (Father’s Brothers)	Pithravyam TatthPathneem Tatthputhram (Vasu Roopa)
3	Great Grand Father (Paternal)	Prapithaamaham (Aaditya Roopa)	19	Maternal Uncles’ (Mother’s Brothers)	Mathulam Tattpatneem TatthPuthram (Vasu Roopa)
4	Mother	Maatharam (Vasu Roopa)	20	Daughter (self)	Duhitharam (Vasu Roopa)
5	Paternal Grand Mother	Pithaamahim (Rudra Roopa)	21	Son-in-law	Jaamaatharam (Vasu Roopa)
6	Paternal Great Grand Mother	Prapithamahim (Aaditya Roopa)	22	Grand son (Daughter’s son)	Dauhithram (Vasu Roopa)
7	Step Mother	Saapatni Maatharam (Vasu Roopa)	23	Sister/s (self)	Bhagineem (Vasu Roopa)
8	Maternal Grand Father (Mother’s father)	Maathamaham (Vasu Roopa)	24	Brother–in-law (Sister’s husband)	Bhaavukam (Vasu Roopa)
9	Maternal Great Grand Father (Mother’s paternal Grand father)	Maathu Pithamaham (Rudra Roopa)	25	Sister’s children	Bhaagineyakam (Vasu Roopa)
10	Maternal Great Great Grand Father (Mother’s Great Grand Father)	Maathu- Prapithaamaham (Aaditya Roopa)	26	Paternal Aunts (Father’s sister/s)	Pithruswasa (Pithru Bhagineem) TattBhartharam TattPuthram (Vasu Roopa)
11	Maternal Grand Mother (Mother’s Mother)	Maathaamahim (Vasu Roopa)	27	Maternal Aunt/s (Mother’s sister/s)	Maathruswasa (Mathru Bhagineem) TattBhartharam TattPuthram (Vasu Roopa)
12	Maternal  Great Grand Mother (Mother’s paternal Grand Mother)	Maathu Pithamahim (Rudra Roopa)	28	Father-in-law	Swasuram (Vasu Roopa)
13	Maternal  Great Great Grand Mother (Mother’s paternal Great Grand Mother)	Maathu- Prapithaamahim (Aaditya Roopa)	29	Mother-in-law	Swasruh (Vasu Roopa)
14	Wife	Pathneem (Vasu Roopa)	30	Brother-in-law (Wife’s brother/s)	Syaalakam (Vasu Roopa)
15	Son/s (self)	Sutham (Vasu Roopa)	31	Gaayathri upadesa Guru (One who has performed Gaayathri Upadesa)	Gurum  (it could be Father or any other Aachaarya) (Vasu Roopa)
16	Daughter–in-law	Snushaam (Vasu Roopa)	32	Vidya Guru; teacher; purohit; priest	Aachaaryam (Vasu Roopa)
			33	Disciple	Sishya (Vasu Roopa)
			34	Friend	Sakhaayam (Vasu Roopa)

Above list is also useful while performing Kshethra (theertha) Sraaddha, while giving Tharpana during Parva Kaala (Eclipse; Uttaraayana; Dakshinaayana) and during regular Amaavaasya Tharpana.