Shradh Paksha has started in the year 2024. This time it will start from 17 September and will continue till 2 October. It is also known as Mahalaya Paksha. It is a medium to express true reverence and gratitude towards ancestors. During these days, people perform many deeds like Tarpan, feeding Brahmins and poor people for the eternal peace of the soul of their ancestors. There is a belief in the Sanatan tradition that by doing all these deeds on this auspicious occasion, the blessings of the ancestors remain on them.
It is mentioned in various religious texts. In which it is told that during these days, the ancestors of all come back to this world in the form of Bhava Sagar and wish for Tarpan from their relatives. Therefore, it is the responsibility of all the family members to perform tarpan for the peace of the soul of their ancestors during this holy period.
Many special things are used in the worship of Shradh Paksha. One of them is flowers. It is said that different types of flowers are used, which we know as Kash flowers. It is said in Hindu religious texts that if we do not use Kash flowers during Tarpan in pitra paksha puja, then the Tarpan remains incomplete. If these flowers are not available with the Yajman, then some other flowers have also been mentioned in the texts which can be included in the worship.
Make sure to include these flowers
In the Shradh Karma of ancestors, the rules and regulations are taken special care of by the Pandits, otherwise the worship is not accepted. There are many things whose use is mandatory, one of them is flowers. But not every kind of flower can be used in Shraddha Karma. Only Kaash flowers are used in Tarpan. If for some reason you do not have Kaash flowers available, then you can use Malti, Juhi, Champa and white flowers in their place. It is said that by using flowers in rituals, ancestors bless the family members with happiness, prosperity and well-being.
That is why Kaash flowers are considered auspicious
According to mythological texts, Kusha originated from the hair of Lord Vishnu. Therefore, Kusha flowers are considered very sacred. They are considered a symbol of peace and purity; ancestors are pleased by the use of these flowers in worship. The blooming of these flowers on earth is considered a sign of the arrival of gods and ancestors. These blooming on this earth are a symbol of the departure of the rainy season and the arrival of autumn.
Do not use these flowers even by mistake in Shradh Karma
Along with the use of Kaash flowers, the use of some flowers are completely prohibited. Kadamba, Karveer, Kevada, Maulsiri along with any kind of red and black colored flowers should not be used in the puja. Along with these flowers, the use of Belpatra, Tulsi and Bhringraj is also completely prohibited in the puja. It is said in the religious scriptures that the ancestors are unhappy with the strong smell of these flowers and return from the earth unsatisfied without taking food and water. Due to which their soul does not get salvation and eternal peace. In this way, due to the ancestors returning unsatisfied, negative effects are seen in the lives of the family members. In such a situation, only the flowers mentioned in the Shradh Karma scriptures should be used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who are called ancestors?
A: Our ancestors who have left this world for more than a year are called Pitars.
Q: Which flowers should be used in Shraddha Karma?
A: Kash flowers should be used in Shraddha Karma.
Q: Which flowers are prohibited in Shraddha Karma?
A: The use of any kind of red and black colored flowers along with Kadamba, Karveer, Kevada, Maulsiri is completely prohibited in Shraddha Karma.
