Blog · Literatureनेपाली चाडपर्व तथा विशेष दिनहरू
When the rain-soaked and washed and flowed, all the Nepali land was drenched in rain this time, now the water has reached this year, the clouds have returned. Heartfelt obeisance to all the relatives loved ones and animals who experienced the rain of this year, welcome on this auspicious day of the first day of Sorha Shraddha.
These 16 days is the homage fortnight to ancestors, ancestors mean Pitri in Sanskrit so these days are called Pitri Parksha. Ancestors (Pitri) are taken as the center of God and the ancestral homage (Pitrikarma) is taken as the center of the eternal rites.
Sorha Shraddha further clarifies the height and importance of Vedic Sanatan rites.
These mornings, the morning weather has started to give a hint with the fragrance of the festival, that is, the blueness of the sky and the cleanliness of the clouds are decreasing temperatures in these mornings, which give the feeling of Dashain in Nepal. Looking up at the sky, it seems as if pearls are scattered like pieces of clouds. Isn't these all hints of Dashain?
These 16 holy days are called by different names like Sohra Shraddha, Pitripaksha, Kagant, Jitiya, Mahalaya Paksha, Pitru Pokho, etc.
On the last day of Sohra Shraddha, Ashwin Krishna Paksha Aunsi is called Sarva Pitri Moksha Aunsi. This day is considered to be the most important day of the sorha shraddha as shraddha will be performed in the memory of all the deceased whose death tithi is unknown and other reasons if their shradhhas are delayed.
Starting from the full moon, this aspect lasts till the day of the Aaunshi. In Pitri Paksha, it is believed that ancestors come and live in the homes of their descendants on earth. Hindus perform Pitrikarya i.e. shraddha on the death tithi of their ancestors, on the day of shraddha, there is a special bustle in the house. Shraddha is one of the important deeds in Vedic Sanatan Hindu rites which is usually performed by the eldest son, if not the eldest son then other sons or brothers and even sisters of the family perform this. On the day of Sarvapitru Aunshi, the Son pays homage to the fathers on both his father's and mother's side.
On the last day of Sohra Shraddha, Ashwin Krishna Paksha Aunsi is called Sarva Pitri Moksha Aunsi. This day is considered to be the most important day of the sorha shraddha as shraddha will be performed in the memory of all the deceased whose death tithi is unknown and other reasons if their shradhhas are delayed.
Based on the Hindu scriptures that the son is the path to salvation, the issue has been linked to anti-feminist and gender inequality from various angles. But the fact is, son and daughter both have their equal right, importance, and different crucial roles in family and rituals. In every good deed and rite of Sanatan Dharma, the presence of the son as the doer has been given priority, but women have been given the same importance.
Shraddhakarma cannot be completed without the presence of nieces and nephews.
Sons and daughters are the same for ancestors and the role of daughters in Pitrikarma and ceremonies is very commendable since prehistoric times. Religion and culture have given equal place to both children. Religion does not discriminate anywhere.
Now from the concept of Pitri and their world, it is believed that there are three generations of ancestors living in this world between heaven and earth. There is a belief in this ancestral world that crossing Baitarni river will lead to heaven. It is believed that Indra is the king of the heavens and Yama is the king of the ancestral world.
Scriptural citations of Sorha Shradhha.
Danvir Karna, who died in the battle of Mahabharata, was given gold and silver ornaments as food in heaven.
Out of curiosity as to why King Indra gave him gold, silver, etc. when he needed real food for hunger, Karna asks King Indra of heaven.
In the answer, Indra makes it clear that Danvir Karna donated only gold and silver for the rest of his life and did not donate food to his ancestors, this is why his account on heaven had no provision of real food.
The legend that Karna was sent back to earth 16 days after Indra said that he had not donated food to his ancestors in his lifetime. It is considered the beginning of the Pitri Paksha.
In Vedic Sanatan Sanskar, Pitrikarma i.e. shraddha is usually performed twice, regular shraddha is performed on the tithi of exact death and another shraddha is performed during the period of Sorha shraddhas.
May peace and happiness prevail in every family with the beginning of this year's Sorha Shraddha, may the blessings of the Pitri remain forever, may the door of heaven be opened, and may the Pitris live in peace!
From today, Sorha sradhha is concluding, Dashain is officially starting from tomorrow.
The ancestors are remembered and honored on the Pitri Pakshya, just after Pitri Pakshya, the main festivals of Nepalis including Dashain Tihar starts. The last day of the sorha shraddha is called the day of Pitri Bisarjan. After performing shraddha in this sorha shradhha, people start preparing for the great festival of Bada Dashain. Happy Dashain to all of us, Sarvamangalam.
Suyog Dhakal
