Pitri Paksh,(पितृ पक्ष) sometimes referred to as the period of Shraddha, is a sacred fortnight in the Sanatan Hindu calendar dedicated to paying homage to deceased ancestors. During this time, Hindus believe that the souls of their departed relatives descend to the earthly realm to be propitiated with rituals and offerings. There are prescribed rituals that need to be observed to propitiate them. It is a practice not specific to Hinduism but also obtains in several other cultures. Considered pagan by many, the tradition is rooted in the theory of rebirths and karma. Those of the ancestors who have not been able to find a new birth, remain in a world of their own in microscopic forms and it is they who visit during the Pitri Paksha.
While the practice is deeply entrenched in tradition, its origins, scriptural foundations, and contemporary relevance are somewhat obscure, it is deeply rooted in the concepts of rebirth and ancestral worship, beliefs which find resonance across several ancient cultures.
Rooted in Rebirth and Karma
Pitri Paksh rests on the philosophical bedrock of rebirth and karma, central tenets of Hindu belief. The rituals are thought to aid ancestors who have not yet attained rebirth, ensuring their spiritual progress and peace. Yet, as we move further into an age of scientific inquiry and rational thinking, the metaphysical foundations of these rites remain somewhat obscure.
Sanatan Dharma accommodates both philosophical and ritualistic traditions. While Vedanta (particularly in its Advaita form) downplays the significance of external rituals in Favor of inner spiritual realization, other texts like the Puranas focus on maintaining cosmic and familial harmony through rituals.
The idea of karma is central to both perspectives. In Vedanta, the soul’s liberation is independent of rituals and depends on one’s understanding of the self as distinct from the body and the world. In the Puranic tradition, proper ritual conduct, including rites for ancestors, is seen as a way to maintain balance and fulfil one’s duty (dharma) toward family and society.
Thus, while the Vedas and Vedanta emphasize broader spiritual truths, the Puranas, including the Garuda Purana, align with popular practices that integrate spirituality with social and familial obligations, offering a complementary approach within Sanatan Dharma.
Similar Practices in Other Cultures
But it is not a Hindu tradition alone. Ancestor veneration, though often labelled as “pagan” by Western standards, is widespread in many cultures.
In China, for example, the Qingming festival or “Tomb-Sweeping Day” is a time when families visit the graves of their ancestors, offering food, tea, and symbolic items. In Mexico, the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is a cultural celebration where families create altars and offer food and goods for deceased relatives. African traditional religions also involve ancestor worship, where spirits of the deceased are believed to influence the living.
Within India, it is not uncommon to invoke dead relatives on specific occasions in numerous tribal communities.
The Ritual of Tarpan
Offering ‘Tarpan’ is the most significant and visible part of the rituals. The ritual, which involves offering water along with black sesame seeds, flowers, barley, and other sacred elements, is deeply rooted in Vedic and post-Vedic traditions. The practice is symbolic of paying homage to ancestors (Pitris) and is meant to nourish and appease their souls in the afterlife.
The concept of tarpan can be traced back to the Vedas, particularly the Rigveda, where the ancestors are often invoked during rituals. Specific rituals for offering water and food to the dead are detailed in the Yajurveda and Atharvaveda. In these texts, offerings to the deceased, particularly the use of water, are linked to sustaining and appeasing the Pitris (departed ancestors).
Additionally, the Garuda Purana, a text that elaborates on death, the afterlife, and the duties of the living toward the departed, prescribes detailed rituals including the use of water, sesame seeds, and barley in the context of ancestor worship. Other dharma shastras such as Manusmriti and Yajnavalkya Smriti also mention similar practices.
What does then the ritual of Tarpan signify? The exploration of its significance presents fascinating insights.
Symbolism of Water
Water is considered a purifier and sustainer of life in Vedic culture. In the context of tarpan, water represents the flow of sustenance to the departed souls. It is believed that souls in the realm of ancestors (Pitri Loka) require spiritual nourishment, and water offerings fulfill this need. This aligns with the concept of the cycle of life, where water, an essential element of life, continues to connect the living with the dead.
Black Sesame Seeds (Til)
Black sesame seeds are considered to have a purifying quality and are often linked with the removal of sins and negative karmic effects. The seeds symbolize longevity and are believed to provide protection to the departed souls from malevolent forces. They also represent fertility and continuity, connecting the living with their ancestral lineages.
Flowers and Barley
The offering of flowers signifies the respect and devotion offered to ancestors. They symbolize the beauty of life and the fragility of existence. Flowers are commonly associated with sacred offerings in most Hindu rituals.
Barley (Yava): Barley, being an ancient grain, holds importance in Hindu rituals for its connection to nourishment and sustenance. In tarpan, barley offerings represent the material sustenance passed on to ancestors, ensuring their spiritual well-being.
The act of offering water during Pitri Paksha is considered to help the souls of ancestors find peace and progress in their journey after death. By performing these rituals, the living maintain a karmic connection with their forebears, expressing gratitude and ensuring that their lineage continues to thrive both materially and spiritually.
Tarpan is often not just an individual offering but also a communal act, where people come together to collectively honour their ancestors. It reinforces the importance of family, lineage, and societal continuity in Hindu culture, linking the living with the deceased through rituals.
In essence, the ritual of tarpan during Pitri Paksha serves as an act of remembrance, duty, and spiritual sustenance for departed ancestors, firmly grounded in ancient Hindu scriptures and cultural practices.
(To Be Continued….)
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