पितृपक्षादरम्यान प्राणी आणि पक्षी महत्त्व | Animals and Birds Significance during Pitrupaksha | Shraddha | Messenger | Indian tradition |

Animals and Birds' Significance during Pitrupaksha

 

What Animals And Birds Feed In Pitru Paksha?

 What Is Its Importance?

It is believed that during Pitru Paksha our ancestors come to earth and bless us. These ancestors come to us through animals and birds. The animals through which the ancestors get food are the animals, the animals, and the birds - The Cow, The Dog, The Crow, and The Ant.

At the time of Shraddha, only a portion of the food is taken out for them, and then the Shraddha ritual is complete. During Shraddha, five portions of food offered to the Pitras - cow, dog, ant, crow, and deities are removed. Offering these five parts is called Panchagras Yagya.

In Indian culture, the cow has a unique and universal significance. Gomate is also referred to as Kamadhenu. The benefits of cowpeas have been proven. Also, there is a popular belief that there are 33 crores of gods in cows. Therefore Gomate is considered the most sacred and revered. A dog and a crow along with a cow are considered to be symbols of ancestors. So it is customary to give Panchagras to them.

How is the Panchagras yagna performed?

First of all, rice is cooked in an earthen pot and food is given. In the Shraddha ritual, before the meal, small portions of various food items are taken out at five places. A portion each is placed on the leaf for the cow, dog, ant, and gods and on the ground for the crow. Then it is prayed that our ancestors may be pleased through them.

Vadya Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada is dedicated to pitar ancestors. We have an ancient tradition of performing Shraddha Tarpana rituals in the name of ancestors during Pitrupaksha fortnight to receive the blessings of ancestors by performing Shraddha with faith. It is said that animals, birds, guests, and visitors should not be insulted in this Pitrupaksha. Also during this period, food given to crows and cows was considered special. Have you ever wondered?

Why cow and crow are more important in Pitrupaksha?

Why the crow is considered a symbol of ancestors?

What is the exact significance of Kakasparsha?

Crow's importance increases a lot in Pitrupaksha. Shraddha is not complete without feeding the crow. They are considered to be the form of ancestors. It is believed that if a crow comes and sits around the house while offering Tarpan, it is a very auspicious sign.

The Boon Was Given By Lord Shri Ram

This story related to the crow belongs to the Treta Yuga. It is believed that once Indra's son Jayanta assumed the form of a crow and injured Sita's leg. Seeing this, Lord Sri Rama struck one of the crow's eyes by wielding Brahmastra with a grass straw. After this Jayant realized his mistake and started begging Lord Rama for forgiveness. After this Shri Rama forgave him and said that after today the food given to you will be given to the ancestors. Since then the crow came to be known as the form of ancestors. Since Pitru Paksha is dedicated to the ancestors, in such a situation, if a crow appears or picks up the grass you give, it is considered to be the blessing of the ancestors.

Also, Know This Recognition

In the scriptures, the crow has been considered a symbol of Yamaraja. Yamaraja is the god of death. It is believed that if a crow eats the food offered by you, Yamaraj is very pleased with it and he gets peace along with freedom from all troubles. It is said that in ancient times Yamaraja gave a boon to the crow that the food given to you would bring peace to the ancestors. Since then, the practice of feeding the crow has continued.

There is an ancient legend that a sage sent a raven to find nectar and explained to him that one should not drink the nectar just by knowing about it. After much toil, the crow came to know about the nectar and could not resist the urge to drink it and drank the nectar and then informed the sage. The sage was enraged at this and cursed him that you had broken my promise and corrupted the nectar with your impure beak, so you will be looked upon with hatred. But in the month of Ashwin, ancestors will be honored for 16 days by considering them as symbols of ancestors.

The Crow is An Ancestral Messenger:

Crows have also been given importance in ancient cultures of countries other than India. Garuda Purana states that crows are the messengers of Yamaraja. In Greek mythology, the raven (a type of raven) is considered a sign of good luck. At the same time, in Norse mythology, there is the story of two ravens, Hugin and Munin, who are described as symbols of fervor for God.

The crow is the only bird mentioned in the scriptures as the messenger of the ancestors. If this bird tastes the food prepared for the Pitras, the Pitras are satisfied. If a crow sits on the roof of a house and crows when the sun rises, the house becomes pure.

What to do if The Crow is not found?

The impact of the environment is now being seen on animals and birds as well. All animals and birds are now becoming extinct. Even the crow is rarely seen now. In such a situation it is imperative to raise the question of what to do if the crow does not appear in the Shraddha party? It is best to feed the crow. But if the crow does not come, the grass can be given to any bird.

ALSO, UNDERSTAND THE SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE OF FEEDING CROWS.

The increasing importance of the crow among the fathers also has scientific significance. Actually, it means to make people understand that every animal and bird has its own importance in maintaining the balance of nature. The crow is considered a cunning bird, but in reality, it works like a scavenger. Apart from small insects, it also eat the elements of pollution. This cleans the environment. So their protection is very important. But due to the cutting of trees, the number of crows has also started to decrease. Crows generally live around human settlements. Their breeding usually starts before the rains. Their young can search for their own food around 6 months after birth. Till then they have to depend on their parents. Parent crows easily get food in this Pitrupaksha. As a result, their lineage increases progressively. Their numbers are naturally maintained in proportion to the human population. Crows get food as their fathers and the balance of the environment is automatically maintained.

Summary

Shraddha is an important ritual in Indian tradition. This is done to honor the spirits of departed ancestors. In Hindu culture, giving food to animals and birds during Pitru Paksha or Shraddha is considered very auspicious and has great significance. It is believed that this auspicious work removes sorrow and increases good fortune. As stated in the Vedas or Shastras, it is believed that feeding birds and animals helps ward off the inauspicious effects of the planets in your horoscope and adds to your good karma. According to Hinduism, birds and animals serve as vehicles for many gods and goddesses, hence they have a prominent place.

PLEASE BE AWARE

All the information in the above article is collected from various websites through internet. According to the subject, this information has been presented to you with necessary modifications. The Compiler does not take any responsibility for its authenticity and cannot guarantee 100% about the points and information presented therein. Readers are requested to enjoy reading.