What is Sarv Pitru Amavasya, and Why is it Significant?
Sarv Pitru Amavasya is the final day of the 16-day Pitru Paksha. The name refers to sarv “All”, Pitru refers to “Ancestors”, and amavasya refers to “New Moon”, perfectly defining its essence. In scriptures, it is said that ancestors come to earth during this period and wish descendants to satisfy them. Descendants perform rituals like tarpan, shraddh and donation for their ancestors to find peace. Also, on the last day of Pitru Paksha, rituals are performed for all unknown and known ancestors whose Shraddha Paksha has been forgotten and whose death anniversaries are unknown.
Power of Donations on Sarv Pitru Amavasya
Pitru Paksha is the collective fortnight dedicated to honouring our ancestors. Sarv Pitru Amavasya is the most powerful and significant day of the year. It is believed that offerings made on this day reach all ancestors and bring their blessings. Donating food and clothes to the underprivileged is considered a great symbol of gratitude, and selfless acts like donations bring peace to the departed souls, purify the heart of the donors, and invite blessings, prosperity, and success to the family.
In today’s modern world, Shraddha Paksha teaches us that —
“What was passed is the foundation of our existence. The blessings of our ancestors are our greatest legacy.”
Rituals Performed on the Last Day of Shraddha Paksha
On the last day of Shraddha Paksha, families perform rituals for the peace of ancestors and nourish their souls. The day begins with tarpan (water offering) rituals, mixed with black seed and barley, offered to departed souls. After offering incense by placing some ghee and kheer on the burnt embers, they pray for the peace of their ancestors. Donating cows and ghee holds special significance on this day. Along with that, providing food to needy people, organising Brahman bhoj, and donating rice and ghee also bring peace to the souls of ancestors.
Seva as the Highest Form of Pitru Amavasya
According to Mr. Prashant Agarwal, President of Narayan Seva Sansthan, doing charity on Sarv Pitru Amavasya is serving God just like serving the needy. Performing rituals is not enough for the peace of their souls. Along with this, giving charity to living children and poor people is considered good for the lifelong peace of our ancestors, which brings prosperity to the family and upliftment of society.
Help Differently Abled on Sarv Pitru Amavasya
On Sarv Pitru Amavasya, the act of donating for the differently abled goes beyond traditional rituals. By supporting organisations such as Narayan Seva Sansthan, this support not only provides medical care, education, and nutritious food for the differently abled, but also becomes a prayer for the peace of the souls of ancestors with more compassion. The act of donating purifies our souls and removes negative karma in life. Whatever we donate on Pitru Amavasya directly reaches ancestors in the form of nourishment for their souls.