Soul salvation

Spiritual science has always believed that death is not the end of a being. And as the soul that departs from one incarnation, it leaves back the testimony of its existence in form of family, friends or relations that had been close to him.

Spiritual science has always believed that death is not the end of a being. And as the soul that departs from one incarnation, it leaves back the testimony of its existence in form of family, friends or relations that had been close to him. In Hindu tradition, Pitru Paksha or Mahalaya Shradh is dedicated as the most powerful and auspicious time, to pay homage and remember one8217;s ancestors.

8220;Shradh is a memorial rite that is performed on the death anniversary of a person and Pitra Puja is a reverence to our ancestors,8221; says Sunita Shide, who along with her family performs these rites every year. The fortnight of Pitru Paksha falls in the second half of the month of Bhadrapad according to the Hindu calendar. During this ritual spiritual practice such as chanting mantra and praying are observed and donations in form of food, money or planting a tree is followed as a ritual in different homes. 8220;The puja and donation of meals is an offering for our Pitris the lineage who are believed to be reincarnated now. We pray for their departed souls to attain peace in their next birth,8221; says Shinde.

The custom of Pitra Puja is not restricted to blood relations only. If one wishes they can perform these rites even for a deceased relative or friend. 8220;The fortnight of Pitru Paksha is said to ensure salvation to the soul of Pitris. Mostly, this ritual is performed for three generations of Pitris 8212; the father, the grandfather and the great grandfather but it may also be done for all Pitris on Amavasya. For this we invite some people home for a meal and we are also invited by others,8221; says Datta Jagtap.

8220;According to our customs, we offer food to a crow, as it is believed to have a connection with our ancestors. Once the crow takes our offering, the ritual is done and we can resume our meals and other activities. We perform these rites according to our traditions under the guidance of a holy priest who is called as Jagam,8221; says Meera Shinde, a housewife.

8220;It is a belief that during the period of Pitru Paksh, all auspicious and important activities such as investments, purchase of property or assets and matrimonial decisions must be avoided as this period is dedicated for the ancestors,8221; adds Jagtap, who plans to buy a bike for his grand son and jewellery for his wife, once the fortnight of Pitru Paksha passes away.