In Hindu culture and religion, system of showing gratitude to almost everyone is prevalent. We show our gratitude to nature by worshipping rivers, trees, animals and so on, we show gratitude to our teachers by celebrating Guru Purnima and paying respects to them. Similarly an important event every year is “Pitra Paksha” which is the period when we show our gratitude to our ancestors and the ceremony is called “Shraadha” which means the act which is done with “Shraddha”, that is, faith. The ancient texts in Hindu religion have prescribed the do’s and don’ts for doing Shraddha ceremony of our forefathers.
If one can follow these rituals and instructions, it is well and good. But in in today’s world of fast movements, interconnectivity and change in thought process of the society, the people are finding it difficult to conduct the “Shraadha” ceremony of their forefathers in traditional ways. Even if you are not doing the shradh ceremony of your forefathers with the procedure described in scriptures, it is still possible to pay respects to them through several means. You can cook food and offer it to the poor children and needy during this period in memory of your forefathers.
If you are not able to cook food offer some sweets made of milk or fruits to the poor and needy. You can also donate clothes, books and stationery items to children from poor families. The only condition being, whatever you do, you should do it with ‘Shraddha’ so that your ancestors feel happy.
It is suggested that chanting or listening of ‘Vishnu Sahastranaam Stotram’ during this period of 16 days make your forefathers happy. You can also chant one ‘mala’, of hundred and eight beads, of the mantra ‘Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevay’ (ओम नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय) daily in the morning. This can be done by sitting in your pooja room and lighting a pure ghee lamp.
Once Bhagwan Shiva was waiting for Mata Parvati to have his food with her but Mata Parvati told him that she is reciting ‘Vishnu Sahastranaam Stotram’ and, therefore, she would take some time to join him for the meals. Bhagwan Shiva told Devi Parvati that she should recite Ram Naam twice (राम रामेति रामेति रमे रामे मनोरमे। सहस्रनाम तत्तुल्यं रामनाम वरानने॥) The chanting of Ram Naam twice amounts to chanting one complete ‘Vishnu Sahastranaam Stotram’ as per scriptures.
Finally, one is to understand that while rituals described in the scriptures are important, one can pay respect to their forefathers even by adopting simple technique of just chanting ‘Ram Ram’ during some time of the day. Try these simple techniques and make your forefathers happy and satisfied when they are believed to visit your house during pitra paksh.
Dr. Airicha Mittal is President of TARANG and Associate Chief Editor of The 4th Estate.
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