Praying to Pitru (also spelled Pitá¹›u or Pitri) is an important ritual in Hinduism, involving paying homage to one's ancestors, seeking their blessings, and ensuring their peace in the afterlife. The practice is deeply rooted in the belief that the souls of the deceased ancestors continue to have a significant impact on the well-being of their descendants. Prayers and rituals to Pitru are primarily performed during the period known as Pitru Paksha, which usually falls in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (September-October). Here's a comprehensive guide on how to pray to Pitru, including the rituals, mantras, and additional information:
1. Understanding Pitru Paksha and Ancestor Worship
- Pitru Paksha is a 15-day lunar period dedicated to the ancestors. During this time, Hindus perform Shraddha (rites) and Tarpana (offering water and food) to honor their deceased ancestors (Pitru).
- The rituals performed during this period are believed to provide peace to the souls of the departed and ensure that they bless their descendants with prosperity and happiness.
- Hindus believe that neglecting these rituals can result in Pitru Dosha, a kind of ancestral curse that may bring about difficulties and challenges in the lives of the descendants.
2. Preparation for Praying to Pitru
To properly perform the rituals for praying to Pitru, one needs to prepare in advance:
- Cleanliness: The person performing the ritual should bathe and wear clean clothes. It is ideal to wear white clothing as it symbolizes purity.
- Sacred Space: The rituals are typically performed at home, in a temple, or near a water body like a river or a pond. The space should be clean and free from distractions.
- Offerings: Gather necessary items such as sesame seeds, barley, rice, flowers, black sesame seeds, ghee (clarified butter), honey, sacred grass (Kusha), a ring made of Kusha grass (Darbha), and water.
3. Steps for Performing Pitru Puja (Pitru Tarpan and Shraddha)
Here are the steps to conduct a Pitru Puja:
Choose the Date: Determine the Tithi (lunar day) that corresponds to the date of death of the ancestor. If the date is unknown, the last day of Pitru Paksha, known as Sarva Pitru Amavasya, is considered auspicious.
Purification: Begin with a purification ritual (Achamana) where the person performing the puja sips water and sprinkles it around to purify themselves and the surroundings.
Sankalpa (Resolution): Make a Sankalpa, a vow or resolution to perform the ritual with a pure heart and clear intentions. This is done while holding water, rice, and flowers in hand.
Tarpana (Offering Water):
- Offer water mixed with black sesame seeds and barley to the ancestors. This is done by pouring the water into the palms of your hands and letting it fall into the earth or a water body.
- Recite the following mantra while offering water:
"Om Pitru Devataabhyo Namah"
This means "Salutations to the divine ancestors."
Pind Daan (Offering of Pindas):
- Prepare Pindas (balls made of rice, barley, and black sesame seeds, often mixed with ghee and honey).
- Offer these Pindas to the ancestors, usually by placing them on a leaf or directly on the ground.
- Recite the mantra:
"Om Pitru Bhyo Namah"
This means "Obeisance to the ancestors."
Prayers and Mantras: Chant mantras and offer prayers to the ancestors to seek their blessings and forgiveness for any sins committed unknowingly. Common mantras include:
- Gayatri Mantra: It is believed that chanting the Gayatri Mantra helps in purifying the mind and environment.
- Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya: A prayer to Lord Vishnu, asking for peace for the ancestors.
- Pitru Sukta: Recite the verses from the Rigveda dedicated to the ancestors.
Offering Food and Sweets:
- Offer cooked food, fruits, and sweets to the ancestors. Usually, a portion of the food prepared for the day is kept aside for the ancestors.
- Light a lamp (Diya) and offer incense.
Feeding the Poor and Brahmins:
- It is considered highly meritorious to feed Brahmins or the poor in memory of the deceased. This act of charity is believed to benefit the souls of the ancestors.
- Recite the mantra:
"Yatha Chitto Harishchandrao Harishchandro Yatha Cha Me"
Meaning "As the great king Harishchandra was satisfied, so too may my ancestors be pleased with my offerings."
Concluding the Ritual: After the offerings, conclude the ritual by seeking forgiveness for any mistakes made during the process and praying for the peace and liberation of the ancestors' souls.
4. Ideal Gods and Goddesses to Worship During Pitru Puja
- Lord Vishnu: Worshipping Lord Vishnu, especially in his form as Pitru Deva (Lord of Ancestors), is considered highly auspicious.
- Yama (Lord of Death): As the god who rules over the departed souls, worshipping Yama can help in gaining his blessings for the peaceful journey of the ancestors.
- Ganga Mata: Offering prayers to the River Ganga or any holy river is believed to purify the souls of the ancestors.
5. Important Mantras for Pitru Worship
Here are a few important mantras commonly recited during Pitru Paksha:
Pitru Tarpana Mantra:
"Om Ye Pitarah Somapa Somasaah Svadhanti Ta Rishayashcha Ye Anyey..."
This mantra invokes all the ancestors, both known and unknown, asking them to accept the offerings and be satisfied.Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra (for seeking protection and peace for the ancestors):
"Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam, Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat."
This powerful mantra is believed to protect from untimely death and bless the ancestors with moksha (liberation).
6. Rare and Relevant Facts About Pitru Worship
- Pitrupaksha and Mahalaya Amavasya: In some regions, Mahalaya Amavasya (the last day of Pitru Paksha) is considered especially significant for invoking the blessings of the ancestors.
- Sons Perform Shraddha: Traditionally, the eldest son or a male relative performs Shraddha, but nowadays, anyone can perform these rituals, including daughters.
- Importance of Darbha Grass: Darbha (Kusha) grass is considered sacred and is used extensively in rituals related to Pitru. It is believed to have purifying properties and connect the performer with the divine and the ancestors.
- Karna’s Story from Mahabharata: According to the Mahabharata, Karna could not find food in the afterlife because he did not perform Shraddha for his ancestors while alive. This story emphasizes the importance of Shraddha in ensuring the well-being of ancestors in the afterlife.
Praying to Pitru and performing the rituals with devotion and a pure heart is believed to bring peace to the souls of the ancestors and ensure the well-being of their descendants. The practices can vary based on regional customs and family traditions, but the essence remains the same — honoring one's ancestors and seeking their blessings.