What Is the secret of feeding crows during Pitru Paksha?

Spiritual Significance of Feeding Crows During Pitru Paksha: Know what is written in the Garuda Purana

What Is the secret of feeding crows during Pitru Paksha: In Pitru Paksha, Tarpan, Pinddaan, and Shradh are performed for the ancestors. The 15-day long period of Pitru Paksha is considered to be the best time to please the ancestors. As soon as Pitru Paksha begins, you must have seen that people feed the Shradh food to crows, which has great importance in Hinduism.

In religious scriptures, crows are considered a symbol of ancestors. According to religious belief, by feeding crows during Pitru Paksha or Shraddha, it reaches the ancestors, and their souls get satisfaction.

Importance of Feeding Crows During Pitru Paksha

1. Crows as Symbols of Ancestors
   In Hinduism, crows are believed to be symbolic representations of our ancestors. It is believed that during Pitru Paksha, the souls of ancestors descend to earth in the form of crows to receive offerings from their descendants. Feeding them is seen as a direct way to offer food to one’s forefathers and gain their blessings.
2. Association with Nectar and Immortality
   According to the Puranas, the crow once tasted Amrit (nectar), which is why it is believed that crows do not die a natural death. This belief gives them a spiritual significance and associates them with the eternal soul.
3. Messengers of Yama (God of Death)
   The Garuda Purana mentions that crows are associated with Yama, the god of death. Feeding crows during Pitru Paksha ensures that the food offerings reach the ancestors in the afterlife, bringing peace and satisfaction to their souls.
4. Removal of Pitru Dosh and Kalsarp Dosh
   Performing rituals like Pinddaan and feeding crows is said to help remove Pitru Dosh (ancestral curses) and even Kalsarp Dosh, thus bringing harmony, health, and prosperity to the family.
5. Spiritual Abilities of Crows
   Crows are believed to possess unique abilities, such as traveling long distances tirelessly and sensing future events—similar to how a soul is believed to function. Their spiritual symbolism makes them an ideal medium to communicate with the departed souls.
6. Mythological Story Behind the Tradition
   A legend from the Treta Yuga tells of Indra’s son Jayant, who took the form of a crow and attacked Sita. In response, Lord Rama struck him with a straw-arrow, injuring one eye. Jayant repented, and Lord Rama forgave him, blessing him with the responsibility of carrying food offerings to ancestors. Since then, feeding crows has become a sacred tradition during Pitru Paksha.
7. Auspicious Sign: Crow Eating the Food
   It is considered very auspicious if a crow eats the food offered after Shraddha. If a crow does not eat, it is seen as a sign of discontent among the ancestors, which is why great care is taken during this ritual.

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