In the Sanatan tradition, the period of Pitru Paksha is considered very sacred. This time is also a means of purification of the soul and peace of ancestors. It is described in the scriptures that every good deed done during this period gives manifold results. This is the reason why offering tarpan to ancestors at this time, as well as listening to Bhagwat Moolpath or Shrimad Bhagwat Katha, is considered especially auspicious and beneficial.
Pitru Paksha is also called Mahalaya Paksha. This is the occasion when the living generation expresses gratitude to their ancestors. It is believed that these days the souls of ancestors come to earth and wait for tarpan and remembrance from their descendants. When we offer tarpan with devotion and listen to Bhagwat Katha, the souls of ancestors get satisfaction, and they bless us and move towards the path of salvation.
Shrimad Bhagwat is not just a book, but a treasure of Lord Krishna’s nectar-like pastimes and teachings. It has a wonderful confluence of devotion, knowledge and detachment. This book is a bridge connecting the soul to the Supreme Soul. When it is recited, every letter, every verse purifies the environment like a mantra. Not only living beings, but also the invisible ancestral souls are satisfied with this holy sound.
Pitra Dosh is mentioned in astrology and religious scriptures. If the last wishes of an ancestor remain unfulfilled, or the Shradh Karma is not performed as per the rituals, then his soul remains restless. Its effect is also visible on the descendants. This dosha is pacified by listening to the Bhagwat Katha. The scriptures say that sins are destroyed by merely listening to the Bhagwat Katha, and its virtuous fruit reaches the ancestors and gives them satisfaction.
Power of faith and devotion: When children listen to the story in the memory of their ancestors, their faith and devotion reach the ancestors. This feeling is like nectar for the soul.
Effect of Bhagwad Vaani: The words of Shrimad Bhagwat are considered to be the form of God himself. Listening to it refines the soul and provides divine peace to the ancestors.
Path of salvation: Devotion and knowledge described in the Bhagwat lead the soul to salvation. When the fruits of this virtue are offered to the ancestors, their souls are freed from bondages and depart towards higher worlds.
Soulful satisfaction: The ancestors are not satisfied only with food and water, but in these 16 days, emotions, faith and religious deeds are equally important. By listening to the Bhagwat Katha, they get that soulful satisfaction, which cannot be obtained by any material offering.
Even today, Bhagwat Katha is specially organized on this occasion in our villages and cities. The family and society listen to the story together and dedicate that virtue to their ancestors. Nowadays many people also listen to Bhagwat Moolpaath online or on TV. Even though the medium has changed, the devotion and feelings are the same. It is said that where the voice of Bhagwat resounds, the souls of the ancestors definitely get peace.
The importance of Pitru Paksha is not limited to rituals only. This time connects us to our roots and reminds us that we are indebted to our ancestors. When we get Bhagwat Moolpaath done with devotion and perform Shradh, not only do our ancestors get satisfaction and peace, but we also get the path of spiritual advancement and salvation.
So if possible, do Bhagwat Katha Shravan. This ritual is a divine means for the welfare of ancestors, peace of their souls, and happiness and prosperity of the family.