What is Pitrapaksh?
Pitrapaksh is a special period dedicated to honouring ancestors who are worthy of worship. This period is set by saints to pay respects to our forefathers who have spiritual power and cosmic energy.
Who Are the Worthy Pitras?
Not all ancestors are worthy of worship. Only those who have spiritual power (siddhis), cosmic energy (shakti), and have done strong spiritual practice (sadhana) can be worshipped. Other ancestors who are still roaming on Earth instead of reaching Pitra Loka are considered negative entities.
What is Pitra Loka?
Pitra Loka is a spiritual realm (lok) above Deva Loka, where true Pitras reside. It requires immense energy for a Pitra to reach there. If a deceased ancestor does not reach Pitra Loka and remains on Earth, they are not true Pitras but negative entities.
Should We Offer Food (Bhog) to Our Pitras?
Many people believe that offering food to Pitra’s is a way to honour them. However, Pitra’s in Pitra Loka never come for bhog because they are already powerful. In reality, the food offerings are consumed by wandering spirits on Earth, which can strengthen them and cause harm to the family.
What Happens When We Offer Bhog to Pitras?
If you offer food with the belief that a deceased ancestor is your Pitra, your intention (Sankalp Shakti) allows them to consume it.
These spirits enter your house and can even enter your body.
They may provide small benefits but will also cause mental, physical, and emotional harm over time.
They create disturbances in your life, such as unfinished tasks, sudden anger, health problems, and financial difficulties.
How Do Pitras Influence a Family?
Pitras can have both positive and negative influences on a family. If a powerful spiritual ancestor is worshipped, they may help the family grow. However, if an ancestor had bad habits like drinking or greed, worshipping them can pass those traits to future generations.
For example:
A spiritual person (X) had two sons. His family worshipped him, and he helped them progress.
A greedy person (Y) also had two sons. His family started worshipping him, and he demanded alcohol as bhog. If denied, he transferred his drinking habit to a family member.
Over time, this tradition of worshipping ancestors spread, leading to the common practice of offering food to Pitras.
Why Do Western People Not Have These Issues?
Unlike Eastern cultures, Western people do not worship their ancestors, so they do not face these health and mental disturbances. They tend to live healthier lives even in old age.
Can We Connect with Pitras in Pitra Loka?
No, humans cannot make direct connections with Pitras in Pitra Loka. Only when a person who attains high spiritual energy, surpassing deities, can attract the attention of their Pitras.
If someone gains immense spiritual power through mantras and penance (taap), the Pitras in Pitra Loka will recognize them and may choose to connect. This is because Pitras also need a human connection to elevate their own spiritual dimension.
Who Should We Worship?
Instead of worshipping Pitras, one should worship their Gurudev (Shri Hanuman Ji Maharaj). Gurudev will stand by you during tough times when no Pitra, deity, or family god (Kuldevta) will help.
How Do Pitras Enter the Human Body?
Pitras make a place inside the human body and gain access through different elemental points (Tattvas). They do not need to enter through the mouth only; they can enter through any element of the body.
Conclusion
Pitrapaksh is a time to remember our ancestors, but we must be cautious about whom we worship. Offering food to wandering spirits can do more harm than good. Instead of seeking benefits from Pitras, one should focus on spiritual growth and worship their Gurudev, who will always protect them.
