Author: Pratik Pandey | Last Updated: Fri 21 Sep 2012 3:09:46 PM
Mahalaya Paksha or Pitru Paksha usually begins in Ashvin month in the North India. According to ancient Hindu scriptures, no important or sacred work should be commenced during this fortnight meant for ancestors.
As per Hindu Panchangam 2016, Shraddh Paksha or Kanagat in 2016 is beginning on September 17 in the Hindu month of Ashwin Krishna Paksha and will mark the end on September 30. Those Pitar or ancestors who left for their heavenly abode on the day of Purnima, their Shraddha should be performed on the day of first Shraddh. The next day, the first Shraddha of Mahalaya is going to be observed
Pitri Paksha is a period of 15 days in the month of Ashwin. It is known with various different names such as Pitru Pakshya, Kanagat, Shraddha, Apara Paksha or Mahalaya Paksha etc in different parts of India. According to the scriptures, this fortnight is dedicated to ancestors. It is believed that Shraddh or Tarpan performed during this period destroys all the bondages of ancestors from the cycle of birth and death, and give them absolute freedom or Moksha.
According to Vedic astrology, Pitri Dosha or Pirtru Dosa in one’s birth-chart (Kundli) is considered to be very inauspicious. The one who has Pitra Dosha in his horoscope suffers a lot throughout one’s life and do not get any relief. Vedic astrology says that this Dosha forms in native’s Kundali due to the sins of previous births. However, Pitra Paksha is believed to be a magical remedy of Pitr Dosha. One must perform Pinda Daan, Shraddh and Tarpan for one’s ancestors in order to eradicate ill-effects of Pitru Dosh. Though, there are several remedies of Pitru Paksha in astrology, but this one is considered to be most effective of all.