In Hinduism, every Amavasya holds special significance, with rituals dedicated to ancestors. Falgun Amavasya, falling on March 10, 2024, is one such occasion, often referred to as Pitru Amavasya. This day is crucial for remembering and paying homage to one’s forefathers. Several practices, including Shradh (rituals for the departed), Tarpan (offering water), Daan (charity), and recitation of Stotras (hymns), are performed to appease and honor ancestors.
The Importance of Falgun Amavasya
Falgun Amavasya is marked by sacred baths in rivers, especially after which, performing Pitru Tarpan (offering water to ancestors), Pitru Puja (ancestor worship), Pind Daan (offering rice balls), and feeding Brahmins hold special significance. It is believed that appeasing ancestors on this day ensures their blessings and averts potential family discord. The serene waters of holy rivers play a vital role in this purification process.
Recitation of Pitru Stotra
On Falgun Amavasya, the recitation of Pitru Stotra becomes essential. This hymn is considered highly auspicious, promoting liberation from ancestral debts, gaining the grace of forefathers, and attracting prosperity in life.
Here is a snippet from the Pitru Stotra
Archi-taana-moortaanaam pitrunaam deeptatejasaam, Namasyaami sadaa tesham dhyaaninaam divya-chakshushaam.
I bow to those shining ancestors, illuminated with radiant energy, Always present in my thoughts with divine vision.
Indraadeenaam cha netaaro dakshamaareechayostathaa, Saptarshinam tathaanesham taan namasyaami kaamadaan.
I bow to the leaders like Indra, the competent ones like Daksha and Mareechi, And the seven sages, and others who fulfill desires.
Manvaadeenaam muneendraanaam sooryaachandramasostathaa, Taan namasyaami aham sarvaan pitrun-apsuudadhavapi.
I bow to the sages like Manu, the greatest among them, the sun and the moon, And to all the pitrus in the waters and on the earth.
Prajapataye Kashyapaaya somaaya varunaaya cha, Yogeshwarebhyascha sadaa namasyaami krutaanjalihi.
I bow to Prajapati Kashyapa, Soma, Varuna, And the lords of Yogic power, always with folded hands.
Somaadhaaranaam pitruganaan yoga-moortidharaan tathaa, Namasyaami tathaa somam pitaram jagataamaham.
I bow to the bearers of the moon, the lords of the pitrus with the form of Yoga, And to Soma, the father of all in the universe.
Agrirupoamstathaivaanyaan namasyaami pitrunaham, Agni-somamayam vishvam yat-etad-ashesha-tah.
I bow to the first-formed ancestors and others, The universe that is filled with the essence of Agni and Soma.
Ye tu tejasi ye chaite soma-sooryaagni-murtayah, Jagatswaroopinashchaiva tathaa brahma-swaroopinah.
Those who are in the form of brilliance, Soma, Sun, and Fire, And those who represent the universe and the form of Brahman.
Tebhyoakhilebhyo yogibhyo pitrubhyo yatamanaa, Namo namo namaste me praseedantu svadhaabhujah.
I bow to all those, the yogis, and the pitrus with utmost devotion, May they bless me and accept my offerings.
Benefits of Reciting Pitru Stotra
- Attaining Ancestral Grace: The hymn is believed to attract the benevolence of ancestors.
- Liberation from Ancestral Debts: Reciting the Pitru Stotra is thought to lead to liberation from debts to ancestors.
- Prosperity in Life: Seeking the blessings of forefathers is believed to bring happiness and prosperity to one’s life.
- Inner Peace: The act of honoring ancestors is associated with the tranquility of the mind.
How to Perform the Pitru Stotra Recitation
- Take a Purifying Bath: After a bath, wear clean clothes.
- Light a Lamp: Sit in a serene place, light a lamp, and offer flowers, fruits, and water.
- Begin the Recitation: With devotion and focus, recite the Pitru Stotra.
- Offer Prayers: After reciting, offer prayers and gratitude to your ancestors.
- Complete the ritual with a final prayer for blessings and forgiveness.
Other Ways to Appease Ancestors on Falgun Amavasya
- Shradh Ceremony: Performing Shradh during Pitru Paksha is vital for ancestral peace.
- Tarpan Rituals: Offering water to ancestors is considered a purifying act.
- Charity (Daan): Donating in the name of ancestors is believed to accrue merits for them.
- Pitru Gaya Daan: Offering charity, especially to a sacred cow, in the name of ancestors is highly revered.
- Water Offering to Peepal Tree: Pouring water on the Peepal tree is symbolic of honoring ancestors.
On this Falgun Amavasya, by sincerely performing these rituals and reciting the Pitru Stotra, one can seek the blessings of ancestors, bringing harmony and prosperity to the family. May the ancestral spirits guide us towards a life filled with positivity and well-being.