As per Hindu Philosophy, it is said that having taken birth on this sacred Earth one should get discharged mainly from three types of Rinas (Debts) viz. Deva Rina, Rishi Rina and Pithru Rina (that also includes Mathru Rina). For the purpose of this article - let us confine ourselves to the third one that is Pithru Rina. It is said and believed that one will get discharged from Pithru Rina by begetting a son (continuity of generation), by serving the Parents and also by performing Pithru Yagna (sacred rites to forefathers).

It is the duty and responsibility of a son to serve his parents not only when they are alive but also after their death. One may get a doubt as to how one can serve his parents after their death. This is where Vedas/Upanishads come into picture and prescribes certain rituals to be performed in a Vedic way to please not only the forefathers but also the Pithru Devathas. We find many sacred texts (Puranas) like Garuda Purana, Vayu Purana, Agni Purana, Mastya Purana, Markandeya Purana etc� referring about the sacred rites to be performed to forefathers and its merits and also implications of not performing.

As we approach towards the middle of Bhadrapada Masam as per the Lunar Calendar, it is time for us to worship the departed souls (fore fathers). This worship is held for a period of 15 days during the waning period (dark period) of Moon in the second fortnight called as Krishna (Bahula) Paksham during Bhadrapada Masam that generally occurs in the months of September - October. This period of 15 days (fortnight) is called as Pithru Paksha or Apara Paksha or Paksha Masam when Sun will be in Kanya (Virgo) raasi in the zodiac. This period is totally dedicated and earmarked for worshipping departed souls (fore fathers).

It is also called as Mahalaya. Maha means great or big or large. Laya means destruction. Mahalaya means great destruction. It is said that on one of the occasions of Deva and Asura Sangrama (war between Deities and Demons) large number of Devathas and Rishis had died in the hands of Rakshasas starting from Bhadrapada Bahula Paadyami to Amavasya. This Mahalaya is also called as Sasthrahatha Mahalaya. These Deities and Rishis are like our forefathers and it is befitting to worship the departed souls during this fortnight that coincides with Mahalaya. Hence, this period of 15 days has become very sacred and celestial for performing sacred rites to forefathers.

The period of Dakshinayana that represents Pithrus also coincides with Pitru Paksha. Dakshinayana is also called as Pitrayana. It is said and believed that Pitrus descend on Earth during the period of Dakshinayana awaiting their off-springs to perform sacred rites enabling them to attain better placement in the other worlds. Hence, lot of significance is given during this period for performing Pitru related activities. Pitru Paksha also coincides with Chaturmasam the most sacred period for worshipping both Deities as well as Pitrus. It is the most auspicious time to pay our obeisance and salutations to our forefathers. Hence, it is referred to as Pithru Paksha.

As per the Hindu time element one month for human beings is equivalent to one day for Pitru Devathas out of which Sukla Paksha (waxing moon days) 15 days is the day time and Krishna Paksha (waning moon days) 15 days is the night time for Pitrus. It is believed and said that sacred rites and rituals like Thila Tarpana and Pinda Pradhana (offering of rice balls) performed act as food for the departed souls that will be adequate for them through out the year.

At this stage one may get a basic doubt of why only worship fore fathers (departed souls) during this period? Why not on other days? Actually it is prescribed to be performed on a daily basis. Here, we recollect the famous Hindu sloka Mathru Devo Bhava, Pithru Devo Bhava, Aacharya Devo Bhava and Athithi Devo Bhava. Worshipping these four categories is given highest significance and importance in Hindu Dharma. Among the four, Mathru (Mother) and Pithru (Father) have attained greater importance since they are the people who are responsible for our birth, culture (samskara) and existence.

Hindu Dharma prescribes that they should be worshipped on a daily basis while they are alive and also when they depart from this world. When they leave this world it becomes the Vedic duty of their descendants (sons) to worship their departed souls on a daily basis apart from the specific days like New Moon day, Eclipse Days, Parva Kala (Uttarayana, Dakshinayana), Pushkara Days, on the specific day (thithi) of their death, on visiting any Theertha Kshetra, during Paksha Masam and while performing marriage of a son or a daughter.

It is believed that the souls will attain peace by the rituals/rites performed during Pitru Paksha and Pitrus will give their blessings to those who performed for the welfare and prosperity of their Vamsam. It is said that departed souls for whom these rituals/rites are not performed wander aimlessly on the Earth. It is believed and said that by performing sacred rites to forefathers will work as a remedy for various mundane problems one is facing related to marriage, progeny, health etc.

Better be late than never. Hindu Philosophy is rich in its legacies and traditions. Perhaps Pitru Yagna is one of the best traditions that have descended from Vedic days. Some people who have visited Gaya Kshethra and performed Gaya Shraddha will be under the impression that they need not further perform Pitru Shraddha. Even then, Pitru Karya (Shraaddha/Tarpana) should be performed as long as one is alive.