Sarva Pitru Amavasya 2024: Dr. Kanchi Sahu's Spiritual Insights | Exclusive

Sarva Pitru Amavasya 2024: This day holds great importance for Hindus. It marks the end of Pitru Paksha in which ancestors are worshipped. There are often dos and don'ts for such specific; to make it easier for you, we have connected with Dr Kanchi to share her exclusive insights

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What is Sarva Pitru Amavasya and its significance?

Sarva Pitru Amavasya, also known as Mahalaya Amavasya, is the most significant day of Pitru Paksha, a period dedicated to honoring our ancestors. "Maha" means great, and "Laya" signifies destruction or dissolution, symbolizing the transition of souls.

This day marks the conclusion of the 15-day lunar period that begins on the New Moon day of Bhadrapada, shortly after Ganesh Chaturthi. Sarva Pitru Amavasya is considered the most important time to perform rituals for all departed souls, ensuring their peace and blessings.

The favorable period for performing Shraadh on Sarva Pitru Amavasya begins on October 1 at 9:39 pm and ends on October 3 at 12:18 pm. During this window, one can offer prayers and perform the rituals for their ancestors to receive their blessings.

What rituals and customs should be followed on Sarva Pitru Amavasya?

On Sarva Pitru Amavasya, begin the day by rising early, taking a bath, and wearing clean clothes. It's customary to wear a ring made of Kusha grass as part of the ritual. Offer water to honor the ancestors, and perform the Pind Daan ceremony. Pind Daan involves offering rice, sesame seeds, and barley balls to the departed souls, symbolizing nourishment and respect for their journey in the afterlife.

What offerings should be made to ancestors on this day?

On this sacred day, food offerings for ancestors are typically prepared in silver or copper vessels and placed on a banana leaf or Kusha grass. It is believed that the offering is accepted if a crow, seen as a messenger of Yama, the god of death, consumes the food.

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Black sesame seeds are an essential part of the ritual, as they are believed to have the power to absorb negative energies both in the environment and within the body. By including black sesame seeds in the offerings, people invoke their departed ancestors, especially those wandering in Pitru Loka, ensuring peace and blessings for the family.

What are the benefits of performing Shraadh on Sarva Pitru Amavasya?

• Ancestor blessings: This is the best day for those who missed the opportunity to perform Shradh on specific Tithis.
• Support for new ventures: Receiving blessings from ancestors enhances success in new endeavors.
• Spiritual connection: Fasting and spiritual practices during this period foster a deeper spiritual connection and align positive energies.
• Peace for ancestors: Rituals performed on this day bring peace to three generations of ancestors in Pitru Loka, the realm between Earth and Heaven.

How can one ensure that ancestors are pleased with the offerings?

Perform the rituals with a pure heart and without selfish intent. Focus on sending prayers and respect to your ancestors, asking for their blessings. Helping others on this day, such as through charitable acts, also pleases the ancestors.

What astrological remedies can help overcome challenges on Sarva Pitru Amavasya?

• Annadanam (Food Donation): Feeding the poor and Brahmins is considered highly auspicious and is said to please the ancestors.
• Feed Crows: Crows are believed to be messengers of the ancestors. Feeding them is seen as a way to honor Lord Shani and the departed souls.
• Feed a Black Cow: Offering bread with mustard oil to a black cow can attract the blessings of Shani Dev.
• Light a Lamp under a Peepal Tree: Lighting a mustard oil lamp under a Peepal tree is believed to bring positive energies and divine blessings.

How do we seek ancestors' blessings for family well-being?

To seek the blessings of ancestors, one should focus on pure intentions, perform Shradh rituals sincerely, and engage in acts of kindness such as donating food and feeding the needy. Offering heartfelt prayers for the family's prosperity and health while performing the Pind Daan is also key.

What mistakes should be avoided while performing Shradh?

• Avoid Disrespecting Others: Since ancestors may visit in any form, do not insult or disrespect anyone on this day.
• Abstain from Certain Foods: Refrain from consuming non-vegetarian food, onions, garlic, brinjal, and masoor dal. Instead, eat only sattvic food.
• Follow Rituals Properly: Ensure the Shradh rituals are conducted under the guidance of a qualified priest to avoid offending the ancestors.