Why Is Shraddha Important During Pitru Paksha?

Shraddha (rites for the ancestors) is a symbol of true devotion towards ancestors. The rite performed methodically with devotion for the sake of the pitrus (ancestors) is called 'shraddha'. According to Hindu dharma, it is our duty to bow or pay obeisance to parents and ancestors at the beginning of every auspicious act. It is only due to the lineage of our ancestors that we are beholding this life today. We are experiencing the joy of this life. In this dharma, the rishis (sages) designated one fortnight of the year as pitrupaksha (fortnight of the ancestors). During pitrupaksha, we perform shraddha, tarpan (offering of water), and special rituals for the liberation of our revered pitrus, offering them arghya (ritual libation).

Sanatana Dharma believes in rebirth, but at the same time it also holds that one eventually attains moksha (liberation) if one's karma (action) is good. That is why Hindus perform shraddha, tarpan, and special rites for the liberation of their revered pitrus, offering them arghya. Between death and taking a new birth, the soul must undergo the fruits of its karma. And through shraddha rites, we assist the pitrus in attaining the fruits of their good karma, so that as a result of their good karma, the pitrus obtain a noble birth in the human yoni (form of life).

Every individual's three ancestors—father, grandfather, and great-grandfather—are considered equivalent to Vasu, Rudra, and Aditya respectively. At the time of shraddha, these very Vasus, Rudras, and Adityas are regarded as the representatives of all ancestors. Gratified by the shraddha rites performed properly according to custom, they bless the descendant performing the shraddha and his family with happiness, prosperity, and good health. They convey the mantras chanted and offerings made during the shraddha rites to all other pitrus.

Shraddha is of three types—

Nitya - This is performed on the anniversary of the deceased's passing during the days of shraddha.
Naimittika - Performed on special family occasions, such as the birth of a son, in remembrance of the deceased.
Kamya - This shraddha is performed for a specific vow in Krittika or Rohini nakshatra (lunar mansion).

Who Can Perform Shraddha—

It is not as though only sons can perform shraddha. According to the shastras (scriptures), generally the son performs the pitrupaksha shraddha for his ancestors. However, as per scripture, any person who has inherited the property of the deceased and holds affection and respect for them can out of love perform their shraddha. A student who has inherited the legacy of knowledge can also perform the shraddha of his departed guru (teacher). In the absence of a son, a grandson or great-grandson can also perform the shraddha rites. Pinda (ritual rice ball offering) cannot be offered to a childless wife by her husband, to a son by his father, or to a younger brother by an elder brother. However, a young child whose upanayanam (sacred thread ceremony) has not yet been performed can offer water to his father and perform navashraddha. The remaining rites are performed on his behalf by the kula-purohita (family priest).

What is the Expenditure in Pitrupaksha Shraddha—

Shraddha is an expression of devotion itself; do whatever you are capable of doing in it. According to the Vishnu Purana, a poor person can perform shraddha using merely coarse grain, wild greens, leaves, fruit, and a minimal dakshina (ritual fee). If even that is unavailable, one should offer seven or eight sesame seeds with water in one's folded palms to a brahmana. Or one should feed grass to a cow for the whole day. Otherwise, raising one's hands, one should pray to the dikpalas (guardians of the directions) and the Sun, "O Lord! I have raised my hands in the air; may my pitrus be satisfied with my devotion." The fruit obtained from this is also equal.

Special Note—

Nowadays, people have started making a mockery of shraddha. I would only like to ask those who mock it—

"Do you daily remember your pitrus who gave us life in this world? Do you meditate upon them every day? I know your answer will only be 'no'. Therefore, if for a few days in the entire year you remember your ancestors, why all this outcry? Is this a bad thing? Shraddha performs the same function for the sukshma sharira (subtle body) as the samskaras (sacraments) performed before and at birth do for the sthula sharira (gross body). Therefore, the shastras formulate the injunctions for shraddha and related rites in karma-kanda (ritualistic canon) on the very basis of past births. There are differences between mrityu-bhoja (post-funeral feast) and shraddha.

– Ajesht Tripathi, the author resides in Melbourne, Australia, and is a deep scholar and researcher of Hindu dharma, culture, and history.

You can read the scientific aspect of shraddha here—

The Scientificity of Pitru Shraddha is Proven Even by Modern Science

The Birth of the Hundred Kauravas from Earthen Pots in the Light of Modern Science

Why Hindus Regarded Ganga-Yamuna as Living Entities Even Before the Courts

An Extraordinary Tradition Connecting Southeast Asia: Shraddha

Dialogue between the Messenger of Gods and the Pitrus Regarding Shraddha