Sarvapitri Amavasya: peepal tree worship, lamps and mantra chanting mark last day of Pitru Paksha

The new moon day of the Ashwin month is known as Sarvapitri Amavasya, and it is the last day of Pitru Paksha.

On this day ancestors are bid farewell and their blessings sought through rites such as shraddha, pind daan, tarpan and worship of the peepal tree. This time Sarvapitri Amavasya and Shanishchari Amavasya fall on the same day, which has made the day even more significant.

According to astrology, certain peepal-related remedies performed on Sarvapitri Amavasya please not only the ancestors but also bring the blessings of Lord Shani Dev. These remedies are said to free a person from many sins, including pitru dosh, and to satisfy the souls of ancestors.

The first remedy is worship of the peepal tree, considered highly auspicious on this day. Water mixed with milk and black sesame seeds is offered to the tree. Five kinds of sweets are then offered and a ghee lamp is lit. Sitting under the peepal, devotees meditate on their ancestors and seek forgiveness for any mistakes, knowingly or unknowingly made. Finally, they circumambulate the tree seven times and tell it of their troubles.

The second remedy is lighting lamps under the peepal. On the evening of Sarvapitri Amavasya, seven lamps made of flour and filled with mustard oil are lit under the tree. Devotees then meditate on the ancestors and Shani Dev and pray for their blessings. This is said to remove pitru dosh and bring the blessings of both the ancestors and Shani Dev.

The third remedy is chanting mantras. On this day sugar, rice, water, raw milk and flowers are offered at the roots of the peepal. The mantra "Om Pitribhyah Namah" is then chanted, and the Pitru Sukta or Pitru Stotra is recited. It is believed that this brings peace to the souls of ancestors and the blessing of happiness, peace and prosperity.

The fourth remedy is worship of Shani Dev. Because Sarvapitri Amavasya and Shanishchari Amavasya fall on the same day, worshipping Shani Dev along with the ancestors is considered beneficial. For this, devotees visit a Shani Dev temple, donate mustard oil and recite the Shani Chalisa. It is said that this reduces the ill effects of shani dosh and pitru dosh and brings peace of mind.

As a tradition, a sesame oil lamp is lit near the peepal tree. For the grace of Shani Dev, it is customary to chant a Shani mantra and light an oil lamp.