Pitru Paksha 2025 begins this year on Sunday, September 7th. Notably, the second total lunar eclipse of the year also falls on the same day, which will be visible in Asia, Europe, and America, including India. This is why this year's Pitru Paksha is considered very special from both astrological and religious perspectives. Pitru Paksha concludes on September 21st, on the day of Sarva Pitru Amavasya.
Importance of Tarpan, Pind Daan, and Brahmin Bhoj in Shradh Paksha
According to mythological beliefs, during the 15 days of Pitru Paksha, our ancestors come to Earth, and performing Shradh, Tarpan, and Pind Daan for them during these days brings them peace and salvation. Those who perform these rituals with devotion receive the blessings of their ancestors. This period is also known as Shradh Paksha, Mahalaya Paksha, or simply Pitru Paksha.
What Precautions Should Be Taken on the Day of the Eclipse?
On September 7th, along with Purnima Shradh, there is also a lunar eclipse, the Sutak of which will begin at 12:57 PM. According to religious rules, no worship, Tarpan, or Shradh rituals are performed after Sutak begins. Therefore, those performing Purnima Shradh on the same day must complete all rituals before noon.
How to Perform Shradh and Tarpan?
- Time: The most auspicious time for Tarpan and Pind Daan is considered to be Madhyahna (between 11 AM and 1 PM).
- Method: For Tarpan, sesame seeds, Kusha grass, water, and barley are used. It is performed facing the south direction because it is believed that the ancestors reside in the south.
- Pind Daan: Pindas are made from cooked rice, sesame seeds, and barley and offered on the ground. Along with this, mantras like "ॐ पितृभ्यः स्वाहा" are chanted.
Where Should Pind Daan Be Performed?
Pilgrimage sites like Gaya (Bihar), Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh), Haridwar (Uttarakhand), Nashik (Maharashtra), and Siddhpur (Gujarat) are considered the most sacred places for Pind Daan. However, if one cannot visit these places, Pind Daan and Tarpan can also be performed at home.
Which Shradh Should Be Performed According to Each Tithi?
There is a special Shradh on every Tithi (date) of Shradh Paksha. Know in the list below for which ancestor the Shradh is performed on which date:
- September 7: Purnima Shradh
- September 8: Pratipada Shradh
- September 9: Dwitiya Shradh
- September 10: Tritiya and Chaturthi Shradh
- September 11: Panchami Shradh
- September 12: Shashti Shradh
- September 13: Saptami Shradh
- September 14: Ashtami Shradh
- September 15: Navami Shradh
- September 16: Dashami Shradh
- September 17: Ekadashi Shradh
- September 18: Dwadashi Shradh
- September 19: Trayodashi Shradh
- September 20: Chaturdashi Shradh
- September 21: Sarva Pitru Amavasya
- September 22: Matamaha (Maternal Grandparents) Shradh
What is Pitru Dosha and How to Identify Its Symptoms?
It is believed that those whose ancestors have not had Shradh performed properly are afflicted with Pitru Dosha. Some common symptoms of this are:
- Repeated obstacles in life
- Problems in conceiving children
- Family discord or unrest
- Unexplained mental stress or financial crisis
Some Remedies to Relieve Pitru Dosha
- Recite the Gita: Reciting the 15th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita in particular brings peace to the ancestors.
- Brahmin Bhoj: Feeding and donating to a worthy Brahmin is considered very virtuous.
- Feeding dogs, cows, and crows: It is believed that feeding these creatures during Pitru Paksha satisfies the ancestors.
- Offering Arghya with sesame seeds and water: After sunrise, sesame seeds should be added to holy water and offered to the ancestors as Arghya.
What to Do and What Not to Do During Pitru Paksha?
Some religious rules are followed during Pitru Paksha. Auspicious activities like weddings, housewarming ceremonies, mundan (tonsure ceremony), and naming ceremonies should be avoided during this period. Also, the consumption of meat, alcohol, and garlic-onion is considered prohibited. This time should be dedicated to the ancestors with complete faith and restraint.
