Pitru Paksha 2023: How Devotees Should Offer Water And In Which Direction – News18

Pitru Paksha is a 15-day period observed by Hindu devotees who are dedicated to honouring their ancestors. This year, it will start on September 29. This is referred to as the Fortnight of the ancestors and holds immense significance in Hinduism. It is necessary to know the process of all the rituals like Tarpan, Shraddha and Pind Daan performed during this sacred period. It is also important to know how to offer water to ancestors and perform Tarpan in which direction.

Pandit Raja Acharya from Mantralaya Vedic Pathashala talked about this in an interview with News18. Jalanjali is offered by the thumb to the ancestors and it brings peace to their souls. According to the mythological scriptures, the portion of the palm where the thumb is located is called Pitru Tirtha. One should sit in the Southernmost direction after taking the tarpan materials. The devotees should take water, Kusha grass, Akshata, flowers and black sesame seeds in their hands. Meditate, keeping in mind the ancestors and request them to accept the water.

Pandit Raja Acharya explained that in Dev Tirth, offerings are made to the ancestors while facing eastwards. In the Rishi Tirth, the devotees should offer water and akshat to ancestors, while facing the northwards. The forefathers are offered water and sesame seeds while facing the south. Anjali water is given to the deities one by one. It is mentioned in the scriptures that two Anjali water should be given to the sages and three Anjali water should be given to the ascendants.

Other astrologers have also opined that the appeasement of the ancestors is of paramount importance during the pitru paksha. Pandit Hitendra Kumar Sharma suggested some insightful remedies involving the sacred Ganga water to foster harmony between the living and the departed souls.

Adding Ganga Water to Offerings: The Ganga River holds profound sanctity in Sanatan Dharma. According to Pandit Hitendra Kumar, a few drops of Ganga water should be mixed with food and water offerings, before they are presented to ancestors. This act is believed to maintain peace within the household and secure ancestral blessings. Ganga water should also be sprinkled regularly around the house during the pitru paksha period.