Pitru Paksha 2024: Why Feeding Crows is Important for Relief from Pitru Dosha

In Hinduism, Pitru Paksha is a significant period dedicated to honoring and remembering one's ancestors. This festival is a time for performing rituals and offering tributes to departed souls. It spans 16 days, beginning from the full moon day of Bhadrapad (Bhadrapada Purnima) and continuing through to the new moon day of Ashwin Krishna Paksha (Amavasya). During this time, people perform Shraddha rituals to ensure the peace and liberation of their ancestors' souls.

Importance of Feeding Crows

One of the key traditions during Pitru Paksha is feeding crows. This act is considered highly significant and essential. It is believed that offering food to crows during this period helps the ancestors attain liberation (moksha) and peace. This ritual is thought to bring satisfaction to the ancestors and bestow blessings upon the practitioner, potentially alleviating ancestral curses or doshas present in their horoscope.

Why Feed Crows During Pitru Paksha?

• Symbol of Yama and Messengers of Ancestors

  In Hindu beliefs, crows are considered symbols of Yama, the deity of death, and are seen as messengers of the ancestors. It is believed that during Pitru Paksha, the souls of the ancestors visit the Earth and accept offerings in the form of crows. By feeding crows, practitioners are believed to be satisfying and appeasing the spirits of their ancestors.

• Messenger of Ancestors

  Some traditions hold that crows act as messengers of the ancestors. Therefore, feeding them during Pitru Paksha is thought to be a way to receive the blessings of the ancestors and fulfill their needs.

• Mythological Connection with Lord Rama

  There is a mythological story connecting crows to Lord Rama. According to the legend, once a crow pecked at the feet of Sita, causing her pain. Angered by this, Lord Rama shot an arrow at the crow, wounding it. The crow, realizing its mistake, sought forgiveness from Sita and Lord Rama. In response, Lord Rama forgave the crow and granted it a boon: that it would become a medium through which ancestors would attain liberation. This story underpins the longstanding tradition of feeding crows during Pitru Paksha.