PITRU PAKSHA A SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
One of the traditions followed on the Siddha Yoga path is the observance of Pitṛu-pakṣha, which means the “fortnight of the ancestors.” This period of two weeks falls on the Indian lunar month of Aśhwin, which corresponds to the Gregorian calendar months of September or early October. The origin of this tradition harks back to India’s oldest scripture, the Ṛigveda.
Pitṛu-pakṣha is described in scriptural texts, mainly the Purāṇas, as a powerful occasion in which we honor and express gratitude to those who have come before and laid for us a path to walk upon — our departed relatives, friends, benefactors, and countless souls who have brought grace, wisdom, protection, and love to our lives.
By Vedic tradition, the term “ancestors” includes three generations of departed relatives from our father’s side and from our mother’s side, that is, our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.
It also includes other relatives such as departed spouses, children, siblings, aunts and uncles, and
parents-in-law. During Pitṛu-pakṣha, one can also honor friends, neighbors, teachers, mentors, and even beloved animals that have left this world.
According to the Garuḍa Purāṇa, by worshipping one’s ancestors one attains longevity, children, heaven, fame, health, strength, good fortune, happiness, prosperity, and abundant food. The Viṣṇu Purāṇa states that one who, with faith, performs rituals for the ancestors makes the whole world content.
The observance of Pitṛu-pakṣha is a way to harmonize ourselves with the forces of nature. Those of us who live in this world and those who have departed from it are all part of the one vital power of Consciousness that underlies creation.
Therefore, the giving and receiving of prayers and good will brings about auspiciousness to our lives and to the lives of those who preceded us in this world.
Through the observances of Pitṛu-pakṣha, a person confers the merits of their spiritual practices as blessings to the departed ones. Pleased by the worship performed for them, the ancestors in turn grant blessings to their descendants and friends.
It is traditional during Pitṛu-pakṣha to dedicate spiritual practices such as meditation, chanting, mantra repetition, and prayer to our ancestors. Another powerful way of sending blessings to our departed ancestors and friends is dedicating to them the recitation of Śrī Guru Gītā.
