Sarvapitri Amavasya also known as Mahalaya Amavyasya is a sacred occasion where it invites us to reflect and reconnect with aspects of life that we have overlooked. It is the most significant, and the last date of Pitru Paksha.
As per Vedic thought, there is a spiritual connection with our lineage that does not disappear only with death. Sarvapitri is an opportunity to acknowledges that Connection.This year, it is on 10th October.
Astrologically, ancestral influences can become a key area of examination. When a person repeatedly has patterns that leads to obstacles or delays, it is called pitru dosha. It is also important to not approach Pitru Dosh with fear. Mr. Prashant Kapoor believes that Astrology should help us understand and make our lives better.
What is Sarvapitri Amavasya?
Sarvapitri Amavasya falls on the new Moon Tithi during Pitru Paksha. It can be understood as relating to all the ancestors or the forefathers.
Unlike individual Shraadh which is observed with a particular tithi, Sarvapitri Amavasya is regarded as an important day where we remember our ancestors when the specific death anniversary may not be known to the family. Prayers are made to the ancestors collectively. This Amavasya marks the conclusion of Pitru Paksha.
One can sit quietly and remember someone who shaped your family; that itself becomes a meaningful spiritual practice.
Why shouldn’t you fear your ancestors?
Mr. Prashant Kapoor meets a lot of people who fear the idea of ancestors. One of the major reasons that Pitru Dosha is used very casually to explain any problem in a person ‘s life. It can be a delay in marriage, business problems, health concerns, or financial difficulties.
This approach creates unnecessary fear. Therefore, Mr Kapoor believes that one must look at Astrology more thoughtfully. Not every problem is because of Pitru Dosha.
A horoscope needs to be studied planetary combinations houses, Dashas, transit and other astrological factors; all have to be considered before one reaches a conclusion. Therefore, Pitru Paksha should not become a period of panic.
Why ancestors are given so much importance in Vedic tradition?
Indian traditions have placed a key role in lineage before modern family records. People have preserved their traditions since a long time because of their ancestors. Therefore, one has an extraordinarily strong connection with our ancestors
As per Vedic Astrology, the Sun stands for father and authority. The 9th house relates to ancestors and Dharma. Thus, there is a deep connection between Vedic astrology and ancestors.
Also, ancestors gave you something extremely valuable, which is your existence. That alone becomes a major reason for gratitude.
What is Pitru Dosha?
Pitru Dosha is as ancestral karmic Balance that can manifest through difficulties in the lives of the descendants.
Pitru Dosha is used as an excuse by a lot of astrologers to explain difficulties or delays in life. Such statements create unnecessary fear. A more responsible approach as explained by Mr Prashant Kapoor is to understand Pitru Dosha as a lineage related theme in a horoscope rather than treating it as a curse.
There is no single university applied formula that can guarantee that an individual is afflicted with Pitru Dosha. Mr. Prashant Kapoor always studies the kundali before giving his diagnosis.
Does Pitru Dosha cause problems in life?
Usually, astrologers associate ancestor afflictions for patterns that involve family issues, repeated obstacles, delays, and unresolved family responsibilities.
However, Mr. Prashant Kapoor believes that there can be many astrological explanations for their repeated patterns. For example, a delay in marriage cannot automatically be attributed to Pitru Dosha. The 7th house, 7th Lord, Venus, and transits would also need to be considered.
Why is Amavasya considered significant?
Amavasya is the new moon phase. The moon is not seen from the Earth. As per Indian spiritual traditions, Amavasya is associated with introspection and certain ancestral observances.
The symbolism with Pitru Paksha is extremely powerful. The Moon relates to mind and emotions. The new moon therefore provides a symbolic setting for moving inwards.
We do not only have to perform a ritual on this day. We also have to remember our ancestors and only after we remember our ancestors can we move forward and illuminate our lives.
Sarvapitri Amavasya Rituals
Sarvapitri Amavasya remedies are an excellent way to express our tribute to our ancestors. Through the rituals mentioned below, we can remember our ancestors.
Perform Shraadh
A firm for your ancestors follows the described procedure and perform as per your family traditions. One thing to note is that the emphasis should be on sincerity rather than extravagance. One should fulfil the traditional responsibility with respect.
Perform Pitru Tarpan
Tarpan involves offering water and remembering our ancestors. The ritual varies as per the family traditions. As per Vedic traditions, water, and sesame are amongst the materials that are associated with Tarpan. However, it is better to learn from a knowledgeable priest before improvising the ritual. Also, remember that the intention matters.
Offer food
Offer food to those in need. Traditional practices involve feeding Brahmans, crows, cows, etc, depending on religious customs. It is better to not expect anything when One is giving. One should not treat charity as a transaction, but gratitude.
Resolve family conflicts
Ancestral themes often show patterns. A family may repeatedly experience, conflict between siblings, estrangement between parents and kids, property disputes, financially irresponsibility, addiction patterns, etc. Therefore, treat this period as an excellent period to break the pattern. Communicate with your family and take responsibility.
Visit a sacred place for Pind Daan
Pind Daan is an important ancestral ritual in Hindu tradition. It is performed in many families.
An experienced priest should be consulted before doing the Pind Daan. The priest will guide as per the family and Vedic traditions. Also, the ritual must be performed at the proper tithi and not on any random day.
Things to avoid during Sarvapitri Amavasya
- Avoid unnecessary arguments and negativity
- Avoid disrespect towards parents and elders
- Avoid excessive indulgence and wastefulness
- Do not perform rituals purely out of fear
- Do not speak disrespectfully about family members
- Do not treat ancestral rituals as a business transaction
Conclusion
This day is an opportunity to reconnect with something that modern life often makes us forget, which is our roots. We should not keep looking forward. Sometimes, it is necessary to pause, look behind, thank our ancestors and then move ahead. It is important to acknowledge the struggles that our ancestors went through to give us the life we have now.
