Significance of Pithrupaksha – Mahalaya Paksha

There are a few legends from scriptures emphasizes the importance of Pithrupaksha and performance of ancestral rites on these days.  The Shraddha rituals performed in these days would provide an abundance of meritorious reward to the performer, material well-being, including virtuous offspring, wealth, happiness, prosperity, and peace.

It was believed that homage to the ancestors/Shraddha ceremony was initiated on the Earth by the valorous and righteous King Karna of Mahabharath.  He was an ardent devotee of Lord Surya, who performs the sun worship and gives an abundance of charities to the poor and needy in the form of grains and precious gems, gold, etc.  After the great war of Kurukshetra, Karna was killed on the battlefield and attained heavenly abode.  He was received in the abode of Indra with great honor for his righteous deeds.  During the time of the meal, he was served with an abundance of gold, gems and precious ornaments.  He was shocked to see the precious gems in place of a sumptuous meal.  He asked Lord Indra “ Oh! Lord, why are you serving me with gems and gold ornaments in place of an ordinary meal, while others are having normal food in the heavenly abode.”  Lord Indra said “ Oh! Karnna, you were one of the most valorous and righteous rulers who perform an abundance of charities on the Earth.  None was left without serving properly with the grains and gold coins from your doors.  Unfortunately, you have not performed the ancestral rite in your lifetime and you did not serve your ancestors with a morsel of grain.  All your subjects were highly pleased with your charity, but your ancestors are not satisfied yet.  Hence, you have served here with all those things you have offered as a charity on the Earth.”  Karnna enquired Lord Indra how to resolve the issue and to please his ancestors; Lord Indra advised Karnna to go to Earth and perform Shraddha/homage to ancestors and make them satisfied.  Karnna sincerely followed the instruction of Lord Indra.  He arrived on the Earth and performed the ancestral rites during the sun was on Kanyarashi/Sun transition period on the constellation Virgo, it is believed that during this period of time the moon gets closer to the Earth, which is known as the abode of Pithrus.  During these days, the ancestor expects their offspring to offer food and water to wave off their hunger.   The meals prepared following strict austerities are offered to Pithrus and the remaining are served to Bhramins, people in need and cows so that it will reach the Pithrus who appears in the subtle form on the Earth.  Thus Karnna initiated the practice of performance of homage to ancestors for the first time on the Earth.