Chaturdashi Shraddha will be observed on September 20, 2025. This falls during Pitru Paksha and is specifically performed for ancestors who met an untimely death. Performing Pind Daan and Shraddha on this day during auspicious timings brings the blessings of ancestors, ensuring happiness, prosperity, and longevity in the family.
Chaturdashi Shraddha 2025: Today, September 20, Chaturdashi Shraddha will be performed in India. Its observance on a Saturday lends it special significance. This Shraddha falls during the Pitru Paksha period, which begins on September 7 and concludes on October 2 with Sarva Pitru Amavasya. According to the Garuda Purana, this specific date is dedicated to performing Shraddha for ancestors who died an untimely death. Performing Pind Daan ritually at sacred places like Pretshila Vedi brings the blessings of ancestors and ensures happiness, prosperity, and longevity for the family.
Which Ancestors to Perform Shraddha For
According to the Garuda Purana, Chaturdashi Tithi is specifically for performing Shraddha for ancestors who suffered an untimely death, such as due to an accident, murder, or suicide. Shraddha for ancestors who died a natural death is not performed on this day. Religious belief holds that Chaturdashi Shraddha appeases ancestors, who then bestow blessings of happiness, prosperity, fame, and longevity upon their descendants. Performing it ensures the progress of descendants and continued well-being in the family. This is why the tradition of performing Shraddha on this day is considered highly auspicious.
Auspicious Timings (Shubh Muhurat) and Rahukal Considerations
According to the Vedic calendar, Rahukal on September 20 will be from 9:11 AM to 10:43 AM. During this period, one should avoid performing any religious rituals, especially Shraddha. Additionally, other auspicious timings for Chaturdashi Shraddha are as follows:
- Kutup Muhurat: 11:50 AM to 12:39 PM.
- Rauhin Muhurat: 12:39 PM to 1:28 PM.
- Aparahan Kaal: 1:28 PM to 3:54 PM.
- Abhijit Muhurat: 11:32 AM to 12:22 PM.
Performing Shraddha during these timings brings merit and familial happiness. Devotees can ritually perform Shraddha and Pind Daan during these times.
Special Shraddha for Ancestors Who Died an Untimely Death
According to religious tradition, the Shraddha and Pind Daan for ancestors who met an untimely death are performed at the Pretshila Vedi, located on the summit of Pretshila mountain. This place is specifically considered sacred for the liberation and appeasement of ancestors. Here, Pind Daan is particularly performed using Sattu (roasted gram flour). Doing so is believed to free ancestors from the ethereal realm (Pret Yoni) and enables them to bestow blessings upon their descendants.
It is important to note that staying at Pretshila Vedi and performing Shraddha rituals after sunset is prohibited. Adhering to this rule ensures the proper completion of the puja and secures the blessings of ancestors. Furthermore, this day during Pitru Paksha also provides devotees with an opportunity to express gratitude and respect towards their forefathers.
Other Important Aspects of Shraddha
During the Pitru Paksha period, the significance of Shraddha and Pind Daan is not only religious but also socially and psychologically important. This time provides an opportunity to show respect to one's ancestors, maintain unity and harmony in the family, and attain mental peace. Devotees ritually perform Shraddha during this period and pray for happiness and prosperity in their families.
Special materials used during Shraddha, such as Sattu, sesame seeds (Til), water (Jal), and Pind (rice balls), also hold religious significance. Each item has a distinct meaning and benefit. For instance, offering Pind Daan with Sattu is believed to appease ancestors, who then bestow special blessings upon their descendants.
Essence of Chaturdashi Shraddha
In essence, the importance of Chaturdashi Shraddha lies in the fact that it is performed for ancestors who died an untimely death. Performing it appeases ancestors, brings happiness and prosperity to descendants, and strengthens religious faith in the family. Performing Shraddha and Pind Daan during specific auspicious timings ensures merit and familial well-being.
Today, September 20, 2025, if you wish to perform Shraddha for your ancestors, it will be auspicious to perform Pind Daan and Shraddha rituals while avoiding Rahukal and observing the auspicious timings. Performing Shraddha for ancestors at sacred places like Pretshila Vedi brings even greater blessings.
Today, September 20, 2025, Chaturdashi Shraddha will be performed, and its observance on a Saturday this time further enhances its significance. This Shraddha falls within the Pitru Paksha period, which begins on September 7 and concludes on October 2 with Sarva Pitru Amavasya. Pitru Paksha or Shraddha Paksha is considered a time to honor ancestors, and each Tithi is dedicated to the Shraddha of a particular ancestor. On Chaturdashi Tithi, it is especially important to know for which ancestors Shraddha should be performed and what the auspicious timings will be.
Whose Shraddha to Perform on Chaturdashi
According to the Garuda Purana, Chaturdashi Tithi is specifically for performing Shraddha for ancestors who died an untimely death, such as due to an accident, murder, or suicide. Shraddha for ancestors who died a natural death is not performed on this day. It is believed that Chaturdashi Shraddha appeases ancestors, who then bestow blessings of happiness, prosperity, fame, and longevity upon their descendants.
Observe Rahukal
- Rahukal: On September 20, Rahukal will be from 9:11 AM to 10:43 AM. During this period, one should avoid performing Shraddha and other religious activities.
- Kutup Muhurat: Performing Shraddha from 11:50 AM to 12:39 PM is considered auspicious.
- Rauhin Muhurat: Performing Shraddha from 12:39 PM to 1:28 PM is beneficial.
- Aparahan and Abhijit Muhurat: Aparahan Kaal is from 1:28 PM to 3:54 PM, while Abhijit Muhurat from 11:32 AM to 12:22 PM is considered auspicious.
Shraddha for Those Who Died an Untimely Death
According to religious belief, the Shraddha and Pind Daan for ancestors who met an untimely death are performed at the Pretshila Vedi, located on the summit of Pretshila mountain. Here, Pind Daan is specifically performed using Sattu, which is believed to liberate ancestors from the ethereal realm (Pret Yoni). It is important to note that staying at Pretshila Vedi and performing Shraddha rituals after sunset is prohibited.
