Om Sai Ram
Tithi in Hindu Calendar on September 9, 2011 – Shukla Paksha
Dwadashi Tithi or twelfth day of waxing phase of moon in Hindu calendar and
Panchang in all places.
Festivals, Vrat
and Auspicious days on 9th Sept - Thiru
Onam in Kerala, Vaman Jayanti,
Shravan
Dwadasi, Pradosh
VratPitru Pandhravda is observed during the Krishna Paksha of
Bhadrapad month – fortnight of waning phase of moon – and is dedicated to the
departed souls – dead parents and relatives in Maharashtra .
Pitru Pandhravda 2011 date is from September
13 to September 27.
This fortnight dedicated to the departed souls is known as
Pitru
Paksha and Mahalya fortnight.
No auspicious ceremony is held during the period. Hindus
only eat vegetarian food during the period.
Shradh rituals are offered to dead ancestors and dead
family members. The most important Shradh is observed on the Amavasya day
(September 27, 2011). Other important Shradh dates include Avidhava
Navami on September 21, 2011.
According to Hindu mythology, the Shraddh performed on
Ashwin Pitru Paksha reaches the ancestors immediately and their souls will rest
in peace. Hindu Puranas are full of details about Shraddh, especially Agni
Purana, Garuda Purana and Matysa Purana. It is Yama, the god of death in Hindu
mythology, who explained the importance of Shraddh performed on Pitru
Paksha.
According to Matysa Pura, Agni, Vasus and Rudras act as intermediaries during Pitru Paksha Shraddh and take the rituals and food offered to ancestors. The ancestors bless those performing the ritual. In some places, the last day of the Shraddh is of great importance. The ritual is usually conducted near temples or on river banks.
The Shraddh or rituals performed during this period benefits all the dead ancestors. It is believed by Hindus that all the sinful acts committed by the dead will be cleansed by the shraddh. Those departed souls who do not receive Shraddh are said to wander aimlessly on Earth.
Pitru Paksha Shraddh is also offered by people to ancestors whose death dates they have forgotten. To relatives who had no children and who met with violent death like accidents or murder. Those people who failed to perform the annual shraddh (performed on the death date) also offer Shraddh during Pitru Paksha.
According to Matysa Pura, Agni, Vasus and Rudras act as intermediaries during Pitru Paksha Shraddh and take the rituals and food offered to ancestors. The ancestors bless those performing the ritual. In some places, the last day of the Shraddh is of great importance. The ritual is usually conducted near temples or on river banks.
The Shraddh or rituals performed during this period benefits all the dead ancestors. It is believed by Hindus that all the sinful acts committed by the dead will be cleansed by the shraddh. Those departed souls who do not receive Shraddh are said to wander aimlessly on Earth.
Pitru Paksha Shraddh is also offered by people to ancestors whose death dates they have forgotten. To relatives who had no children and who met with violent death like accidents or murder. Those people who failed to perform the annual shraddh (performed on the death date) also offer Shraddh during Pitru Paksha.
Shraddh should be performed with a pious mind. The person
who performs the Shraddh should realize that for his birth, body, knowledge,
wealth and sanskar he/she is indebted to the ancestors. All that is there was
given by the ancestors. So the rituals performed is accepting this fact and is
sort of thanksgiving. Both male and female relatives of the dead can perform the
rituals.
The rituals including the ‘pind dhan’ that are performed
reach the dead ancestors through the rays of Surya (Sun.) It is said that a year
of humans is a day for the dead and therefore the ancestors enjoy the fruits of
the annual Shraddh throughout the year.
Another belief is that the souls of dead remain in peace in
Pitru Loka as a result of the rituals performed by their children or relatives.
It is also said that the dead bless them for this and it helps the children and
relatives to lead a good life on earth.
Equally important is feeding the poor on the day. Whenever
rituals dedicated to the dead are performed, people distribute food and clothes
among the poor.
The customs and rituals performed during Pitru Paksha
Shraddh vary regionally. Some people fast on the day. Some people observe
specific customs like abstaining from non-vegetarian food during the fortnight
and some do not cut their hair or shave.
The rituals are usually performed under
the guidance of a learned person or priest.
Shri Shirdi Sai Says.....
Let me write a few words on the page of your mind.In it ,there will be nothing- except my name. From there take my name to heart.Let my name dance on your lips.If you call me, "Sai " aloud- I come to you running, answering your call.
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