History Of PitrPaksh
One of the very important personalities of Mahabharata, Karn (supposedly brother-like to Pandavas) who is fondly remembered as “Daanveer Karn” made lots of charity in form of jewels, money, land etc. When he died and ascended to heaven, he got all that he gave in form of charity in multiples.
But, he didn’t get food as he did not give food-charity. He starved for days and finally asked the “Yamraj” if he could get a chance to make for this deficiency. Yamraj allowed him and granted a period of 14 days to go back to the earth and make for it. These 14 days were used by Karan to give numerous food-charities.
When he finally returned back to the heaven, there was plenty of food available to him.
Thus, in Hindus it is considered very auspicious to donate food in form of Shraad to poor, as whatever donated is supposed to reach directly to one’s ancestors. During these days and especially on the day of new moon it is believed that the soul of the dead ones (Atmas), are permitted by Yamaraj to reach earth and receive the benefits of these rites from their children.
According to Lord Krishna “The soul never dies”, it only transforms from one external form (body) to another, Thus it is believed that in whatever form our ancestors exist, the charity during this time surely reaches them.
The sons performing the rites of Pitra- Paksha are free of any Pitr-dosh and are eligible for Pitr-lok. It lasts for a fortnight and the day to perform the rituals depend on the Tithi, calculated according to the Hindu calendar...
Pitr Paksha Video