Jammu 07 September :- The sixteen-day period of Shradh, known as Pitru Paksha, commences on the Purnima (full moon) of the Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. This year, the solemn observance begins on Sunday, September 7, 2025.
Notably, a lunar eclipse (Chandra Grahan) is also expected on this day; however, religious texts affirm that the eclipse will not impact the rituals of Pitru Paksha. The period will conclude on Sunday, September 21, 2025, with Sarvapitri Moksha Amavasya.Pitru Paksha holds immense religious significance in Sanatan Dharma.
The word ‘Shradh’ is derived from ‘Shraddha,’ meaning sincere devotion and reverence towards one’s ancestors. It is believed that the blood flowing in our veins carries the essence of our forefathers, creating a debt of gratitude.
Performing Shradh rituals is the prescribed way to repay this ‘Pitri Rin’ (ancestral debt). The rituals performed during this time, including Shradh, Tarpan, and Pind Daan, are said to bring peace to the departed souls and liberate the performer from ancestral obligations.
According to religious beliefs, Tarpan and Shradh rituals should be performed after 12 PM noon for optimal benefits. The most auspicious Muhurats during the day for these rites are the Kutup and Rohina periods. The ritual involves inviting a qualified Brahmin to one’s home, chanting Vedic mantras, performing worship, and offering water (Tarpan).
Food must also be set aside for a cow, a dog, and a crow, as they are considered representatives of the ancestors, and one should remember their forefathers while feeding these animals.
How to Perform Tarpan (Pitru Paksha Mein Tarpan Vidhi): Tarpan is the ritual of offering water to the ancestors.
To perform it:· Take a brass or steel plate.· Fill it with pure water and add black sesame seeds and milk.· Place this plate in front of you and keep an empty vessel nearby.·
Hold sacred Kusha grass between your thumb and index finger on both hands, cup your palms together (Anjali Mudra) to collect water.
· Offer the water from your cupped hands into the empty vessel at least three times for each ancestor, remembering them with devotion.
Daily Rituals on Shradh: On the day of Shradh,one should wake up early, bathe, and clean the house, sprinkling Gangajal everywhere.
Face south, sit with the left knee bent and resting on the ground. Prepare food for the ancestors. After inviting a Brahmin, wash their feet and serve them food with a sincere heart.
It is crucial to first offer food to the Panch Bali—the cow, dog, crow, deity, and ant—before feeding the Brahmin. Offer kheer (sweet rice pudding) made from cow’s milk into the sacred fire.
After the meal, give donations (Daan) to the Brahmins and seek their blessings.
Key Mantras for Pitru Paksha:
1. Om Pitri Devatayai Namah
2. Om Pitri Ganaye Vidmahe Jagatdharine Dheemahi Tanno Pitro Prachodayat
3. Om Devatabhyah Pitrubhyashcha Mahayogibhyeva Cha Namah Swahayai Swadhayai Nityameva Namo Namah.
Restrictions and Guidelines:· Non-vegetarian food and alcohol (Tamasic food) must be strictly avoided.
Those performing Shradh should not cut their hair or nails during the entire 15-day period.
Auspicious ceremonies like weddings, Mundan, Griha Pravesh, or starting new businesses are prohibited.
The eldest male member of the family should perform the rites. In his absence, a son, grandson, or great-grandson can perform them.
Significance and Benefits:
Performing Shradh helps alleviate Pitra Dosh,brings prosperity, improves the future of the family lineage, removes the fear of disgrace, and most importantly, invites the blessings of the ancestors.
Pitru Paksha 2025 Dates:· 07 Sept: Purnima Shradh· 08 Sept: Pratipada Shradh· 09 Sept: Dwitiya Shradh· 10 Sept: Tritiya & Chaturthi Shradh· 11 Sept: Panchami & Maha Bharani Shradh· 12 Sept: Shashthi Shradh· 13 Sept: Saptami Shradh· 14 Sept: Ashtami Shradh· 15 Sept: Navami Shradh (Matri Navami)· 16 Sept: Dashami Shradh· 17 Sept: Ekadashi Shradh· 18 Sept: Dwadashi Shradh· 19 Sept: Trayodashi & Magha Shradh· 20 Sept: Chaturdashi Shradh· 21 Sept: Sarvapitri Amavasya
Special Notes:· Matri Navami (Sept 15): This day is dedicated to deceased mothers and sisters if their exact death anniversary is unknown.
Lunar Eclipse on Purnima (Sept 7): The Sutak period begins at 12:44 PM.
Rituals should be completed before this time. The most auspicious time for Purnima Shradh is from 11:53 AM to 11:44 PM (Kutup Kaal).
· Use of Kusha Grass: Using Kusha grass during Tarpan is essential, as it is believed to provide peace to the ancestral souls.