First, we should know What Is Pitru Paksha Puja? “Pitru Paksha” stands for the ‘fortnight of the paternal ancestors (Pitrs).’ It is a significant period in Hindu tradition dedicated to honoring and paying respect to one’s ancestors. It is a 15 lunar days’ period starting after ‘Anant Chaturdashi.’ Basically, it begins with the first full moon day after Ganesh Chaturthi and ends on the new moon day. In this article we will discuss about types of shradh, significance of pitru paksha shraddha, shradh rituals in English, what to do and not to do in shradh, Bengali Shradh Rituals, pitru shraddha place in India etc.
What Is The Meaning of Pitru Paksha?
In the Sanskrit language, Pitru means “ancestors”and Paksha means a “fortnight” or a “side” of a lunar month. According to the Vedic lunar calendar, a paksha comprises fifteen tithis or lunar days. In simple language, the ritual of offering tarpan, donation etc. done with devotion in the Shradh Paksha for the peace of the souls of ancestors who have been freed from this world is called Shradh. It is also known as Mahalaya and Pitru Paksha.
Different Types of Shradh
Parvana Shraddha (पार्वण श्राद्ध) – The first category of Shraddha is performed in the Mahalaya paksha and is the most popular category of performing the Shraddha. The kind of Shraddha is done between the Pitru Paksha (i.e. during Mahalaya Paksha) and Bhadrapada Purnima and is also known as Parvana Shraddha. Vishwadeva are installed during Parvana Shraddha. Most of the Hindus perform Shraddha on these days to pacify the pitras.
Vriddhi Shraddha (वृद्धि श्राद्ध) – Vriddhi Shraddha is performed during special occasions like the birth of a boy in the family and on the occasion of the marriage of the boy. A special puja for the ancestors is done on these days to make progress by leaps and bounds. Vriddhi Shraddha is also known as Nandi Shraddha. It is believed that Pitra provides blessings to the family and the progress rate of the family gets quadrupled.
Kamya Shraddha (काम्य श्राद्ध) – Kamya Shraddha is done during special Nakshatras like Rohini and Krittika Nakshatra. Kamya Shraddha is performed for attaining the particular material wishes. The puja for Pitras is performed by inviting the Brahmins and offering food, gifts, and dresses to them. It is believed that the Kamya Shraddha removes the Pitra Shrap (curse) in no time.
Naimittika Shraddha (नैमित्तिक श्राद्ध) – Naimittika Shraddha means “seasonal sraddha-rites”. It is also known as Varshika Shraddha. Varshika Shraddha is performed for one person only. When a person dies in the family each year the family performs the Shraddha ritual for that person on the same Tithi or date. The other term for the type of Shraddha is the anniversary Shraddha. Vishwadeva is not installed during Naimittika Shraddha.
Nitya Shraddha (नित्य श्राद्ध) – Nitya means daily or every day. The kind of Shraddha which is done daily is known as Nitya Shraddha. Vishwadeva is not installed during Nitya Shraddha. Nitya Shraddha can be performed with water only by pronouncing the word ‘Swadha’ three times.
What Is the Significance of Pitru Paksha?
1 According to the Hinduism, the body is destructible but a soul is eternal. It can neither be created nor can be destroyed. Lord Krishna in Bhagwat Gita says, “for the soul there is neither birth nor death at any time. The soul is unborn, eternal, ever existing and primeval. It is not slain when the body is slain.” The Pitra Paksha rites liberate a soul from the vicious circle of life and death and it attains salvation. The Shraddha of Pitra Paksha involves oblations to three preceding generations by taking their names and also by taking name of the family tree or Gotra.
2 In traditional Hindu belief, every individual is born with three primary debts:
- Deva Rina: The debt to the gods, repaid through worship and religious duties.
- Rishi Rina: The debt to sages and teachers, repaid by acquiring and sharing knowledge.
- Pitru Rina: The debt to one’s ancestors, repaid by performing Shradh and continuing the family lineage.
Failing to perform Shradh is considered neglecting one’s Pitru Rina, which could bring about negative consequences in both the spiritual and material realms. It is believed that by fulfilling this duty, one ensures prosperity, happiness, and peace for the family.
3 In the scriptures and texts, Vasu, Rudra and Aditya have been described as the gods of Shradh. In these days, the three ancestors of every person, father, grandfather and great grandfather are considered to be Vasu, Rudra and Aditya respectively. When the Shradh of ancestors is performed, then they (father, grandfather and great grandfather) are considered to be the representatives of all the ancestors.
Whatever mantras are chanted or sacrifices are given during the ritual, they take them to all the other ancestors. It is believed that the father, grandfather and great grandfather enter the body of the person performing the Shradh and after being satisfied with the ritual performed according to the customs, bless the family with happiness, prosperity and better health.
The deceased person who has been free from this world for more than a year is called ‘Pitra’. Shradh is a means of providing food to the ancestors. It is believed that after getting food during Shradh, ancestors come near us through various means and are satisfied.
Pitru Shraddha Mantra
Pitru Shraddha Mantras recited during the ritual to honor ancestors and seek their blessings. These mantras invoke the ancestors and offer them peace in the afterlife.
1. Pitru Tarpan Mantra (Mantra for offering water to ancestors)
This mantra is chanted while offering water (tarpan) to the ancestors:
Om Sarva Pitrubhyo Swadha Namah
- Translation: “Salutations to all my ancestors; may this offering of water reach you and bring you peace.”
2. Pitru Daan Mantra (Mantra for offering Pind Daan)
This mantra is recited while offering pinda (rice balls) to the ancestors:
Om Devataabhyo Pitrubhyascha Mahayogibhyashcha Namah Swadhaayai Swadhaa Namo Namah
- Translation: “Salutations to the deities, ancestors, and the great yogis. I offer this with devotion. Let this offering bring peace and satisfaction to the ancestors.”
3. Pitru Gayatri Mantra
This mantra is often chanted to seek the blessings of the ancestors:
Om Pitru Devaya Vidmahe Jagadhadhyaya Dhimahi Tanno Pitro Prachodayat
- Translation: “We meditate upon the divine ancestors who are the support of the universe. May they inspire and guide us.”
4. Pitru Stuti Mantra (Prayer to the ancestors)
This is a prayer chanted during Shraddha to offer respect to all departed souls:
Om Ye Naa Pitarah Somyaaso Yamaayaagmsi Jagmire Tebhyah Swadhaa Namah
- Translation: “To all the ancestors who have followed the path to Yama (god of death), I offer my salutations and prayers for their peace.”
5. Shraddha Karma Mantra
This mantra is recited during the Shraddha ceremony to seek blessings for the ritual and to offer peace to the ancestors:
Om Saha Naavavatu Saha Nau Bhunaktu Saha Veeryam Karavaavahai Tejasvinavadheetamastu Maa Vidvishaavahai Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
- Translation: “May we be protected together; may we enjoy sustenance together. May we work together with great energy and strength. Let our learning be enlightening, and may there be no discord between us. Peace, peace, peace.”
These mantras are recited with sincerity and devotion to ensure that the ancestors’ souls are honored and receive peace, and that the blessings of the ancestors are showered upon the family.
Shradh Rituals In English | Pitru Paksha Shradh Rituals
Shradh rituals are performed with great care, following specific customs passed down through generations. The eldest male member of the family, typically the son, performs these rituals, although other family members can also take part.
Here’s how the ceremony typically unfolds:
- Tarpan: The ritual starts with the offering of water, called Tarpan. Water is offered while reciting specific mantras to invite the ancestors and seek their blessings. It is believed that through these offerings, the ancestors’ souls receive nourishment and peace.
- Pind Daan: A significant part of Shradh is the offering of pinda—round balls made from rice, barley, and sesame seeds. These are offered to symbolize the body of the deceased, with the belief that these offerings help in sustaining their spiritual journey.
- Feeding Brahmins and Crows: As part of the tradition, Brahmins (priests) are fed during the Shradh ceremony, as they are considered representatives of the ancestors. In addition, crows are also offered food during the ritual because crows are believed to be messengers of the departed souls. It is said that if a crow accepts the food, it means that the offerings have reached the ancestors.
- Charity: Along with feeding Brahmins, offerings and donations (such as food, clothes, and money) are often given to the poor and needy as part of the ritual. This act of charity is believed to bring blessings to both the giver and the ancestors.
- Recitation of Mantras: Throughout the Shradh ceremony, specific Vedic mantras are chanted. These mantras invoke the presence of the ancestors, seeking their blessings and praying for their spiritual peace. The mantras are often recited by a priest or learned family member, and they guide the performer of the Shradh in following the correct procedures. These mantras include prayers for peace (shanti) and liberation (moksha) for the departed souls.
- Offering Food: After the ritual, food is offered in memory of the ancestors. The meal usually consists of vegetarian dishes that the deceased would have enjoyed during their lifetime. It is offered with great reverence and is an essential part of the Shradh. The food is offered on banana leaves or plates made of natural materials, following traditional customs. After the offering, the meal is shared with the family members and the Brahmins, symbolizing the unity between the living and the dead.
- Prayer and Meditation: At the end of the Shradh ritual, the family members offer prayers to their ancestors, asking for peace, forgiveness, and blessings. This part of the ritual is more personal and reflective, allowing the family to connect spiritually with their departed loved ones.
- Offering to Deities: As part of the ritual, offerings are also made to deities, especially Lord Vishnu or Lord Shiva, who are believed to guide the souls of the deceased. Prayers are offered for the protection of the ancestors’ souls and for their journey toward liberation.
Why Crow Is Important In Shradh?
As we discussed above, feeding a crow is considered auspicious and is practiced on all sorts of occasions, tied to all sorts of rituals. The shradh has concluded when a crow pecks at the feast and begins to eat. This signifies that the soul of the loved one is now satiated and is at peace.
How To Perform Pitru Paksha Shraddh?
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to perform Shraddh during Pitru Paksha:
1. Select the Right Date
Pitru Paksha lasts for 16 days in the lunar month of Bhadrapada (September-October). Each day is meant for performing Shraddh for ancestors who passed away on the corresponding tithi (lunar day). If the exact death date is unknown, Shraddh can be performed on the last day, called Mahalaya Amavasya.
2. Gather the Required Items
You will need the following items for the Shraddh ritual:
- Black sesame seeds
- Rice, barley, and wheat flour
- Ghee (clarified butter)
- Banana leaves or plates made of natural materials
- Water
- Flowers and sandalwood paste
- Grass (darbha)
- Food (including favorite dishes of the deceased)
- Pindas (rice balls mixed with sesame seeds and ghee)
- A Brahmin (priest) for officiating the ceremony, if available
3. Choose the Location
The Shraddh ritual can be performed at home, in a temple, or at a holy place, such as by a river or in a place like Gaya, Haridwar, or Varanasi. However, it can also be done in a clean and quiet place at home.
4. Purify Yourself and the Space
Before beginning the Shraddh, purify yourself by bathing and wearing clean clothes. Clean the space where the ritual will be performed. Some people sprinkle water with black sesame seeds in the area for purification.
5. Invoke the Ancestors
- Begin the ritual by invoking the ancestors. Face south, as it is traditionally considered the direction of the ancestors.
- Offer tarpan (water mixed with black sesame seeds) while chanting mantras to invite the souls of the ancestors to accept the offerings.
- Chant the Pitru Tarpan Mantra:
“Om Sarva Pitrubhyo Swadha Namah”
(Salutations to all my ancestors; may this offering of water bring peace to their souls.)
6. Perform Pind Daan
- Prepare pindas (rice balls) by mixing rice flour, black sesame seeds, and ghee. These represent the physical form of the ancestors.
- Offer the pindas on banana leaves or a clean surface while chanting mantras.
- Offer them three times, representing the past, present, and future generations of ancestors.
- The pindas are offered to ensure peace and satisfaction for the ancestors in the afterlife.
7. Offer Food
- Prepare a meal consisting of vegetarian dishes that the deceased enjoyed in their lifetime.
- Offer the food in front of the pindas and invite the ancestors to partake in the meal.
- Chant:
“Om Devataabhyo Pitrubhyashcha Mahayogibhyashcha Namah Swadhaayai Swadhaa Namo Namah”
(Salutations to the deities, ancestors, and great yogis. May this offering be accepted by the ancestors.)
8. Feeding Brahmins and Crows
- It is customary to feed Brahmins during the Shraddh as they are believed to represent the ancestors.
- Food is also offered to crows, which are considered messengers of the ancestors. If a crow eats the food, it is believed that the offering has reached the ancestors.
9. Charity and Donations
- After the ritual, give donations in the name of your ancestors. This can include food, clothes, or money to the needy or to Brahmins.
- Charity is an essential part of the Shraddh ritual as it helps accumulate good karma and brings peace to the ancestors.
10. Concluding the Ritual
- Conclude the Shraddh with a prayer for the ancestors’ peace and blessings.
- Offer your respects by chanting mantras and meditating for a few moments in silence, remembering the ancestors.
11. Disposal of Offerings
- After the Shraddh, dispose of the remaining offerings like the pindas by immersing them in a river, lake, or sea, as per tradition.
- The food prepared can be shared among family members and Brahmins.
What Not To Do In Shradh?
- Buying new things: It’s considered inauspicious to buy new clothes, shoes, jewelry, or a house during Shradh.
- Eating certain foods: Avoid non-vegetarian food, eggs, alcohol, tobacco, and stale food. You should also avoid certain vegetables like bitter gourd, cucumber, mustard greens, chickpeas, black chana, masoor dal, black urad dal, black mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and black salt.
- Using iron utensils: Avoid using iron utensils and opt for silver, brass, or copper instead.
- Cutting hair or shaving: It’s believed that cutting hair or shaving a beard should be avoided during Shradh.
- Engaging in auspicious activities: Avoid auspicious activities like weddings, engagements, and housewarming rituals.
- Visiting prominent temples: It’s considered inauspicious to visit prominent temples during Shradh.
Bengali Shradh Rituals
- Shraddha: A Hindu ritual to honor deceased ancestors, especially parents, by inviting people to a feast. The ritual is performed to express gratitude and thanks to the ancestors, and to pray for their peace.
- Mourning period: Some Bengali Hindu households observe an 11-day mourning period after a death. During this time, relatives of the deceased avoid their normal routine and eat only certain foods, such as rice and vegetables boiled together in a clay pot.
- Matsyamukhi: On the day of Matsyamukhi, some Bengali households leave a portion of a fishy spread out in the open for crows. This is done in the hope that the deceased soul will inhabit the body of a crow and eat the spread.
- Tarpan: An offering of water to the departed soul to symbolize nourishment and purification.
- Pinda Daan: An offering of rice balls or pinda to satisfy the hunger of the deceased and provide spiritual nourishment.
Pitru Shraddha Place In India
Here are some of the most important places in India for performing Pitru Shraddha (ancestor rituals):
- Gaya, Bihar: One of the holiest places for Shraddha rituals. It is believed that performing Pind Daan here ensures the salvation of ancestors’ souls.
- Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Known for its sacred ghats along the Ganges, Varanasi is a prominent place for conducting Shraddha rites.
- Haridwar, Uttarakhand: Located along the Ganges, Haridwar is another significant spot for offering Shraddha and Tarpan.
- Allahabad (Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh: The confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers makes it an auspicious place for Shraddha.
- Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu: This temple town is considered sacred for performing rituals for departed souls, especially at the Agni Theertham seashore.
- Kashi (Kashi Vishwanath), Uttar Pradesh: Known for its spiritual significance, performing Shraddha here is believed to be highly beneficial for ancestors.
- Nasik, Maharashtra: Located on the banks of the Godavari River, Nasik is a revered site for conducting Shraddha rituals.
- Bodh Gaya, Bihar: Another important location, especially for those following Buddhist traditions, is often associated with Shraddha rites.
- Siddhpur, Gujarat: Siddhpur is especially known for performing Shraddha for mothers. The ritual, called Matru Shraddha, is done here by many people from Gujarat and other parts of India.
- Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra: Located near Nasik, this place is sacred due to the presence of the Godavari River, and many people come here to perform Shraddha and Pind Daan for their ancestors.
- Kedarnath and Badrinath, Uttarakhand: These two pilgrimage sites in the Himalayas are significant for Shraddha rituals. The holy rivers and their surroundings make them spiritually powerful places for offering prayers to ancestors.
- Pushkar, Rajasthan: Famous for its holy lake and Brahma temple, Pushkar is another place where many Hindus perform Pitru Shraddha and offer prayers for the peace of their ancestors.
- Kurnool (Koti Tirtham), Andhra Pradesh: Koti Tirtham is considered a sacred place for Shraddha rituals, especially for people from South India. It is located near the Tungabhadra River.
- Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh: Known for its ancient temples and being one of the Sapta Puris (seven sacred cities), Ujjain is an important site for Shraddha and other religious rituals.
- Dwarka, Gujarat: As one of the four holy Char Dhams, Dwarka holds religious importance for Hindus, and many devotees perform Shraddha rituals on the banks of the Gomti River here.
- Kurukshetra, Haryana: Associated with the epic Mahabharata, Kurukshetra is considered an auspicious site for performing Pitru Shraddha, particularly during solar eclipses or special lunar days.
Variations of Shradh Across Regions
Though the core elements of Shradh remain consistent across Hindu traditions, different regions in India have developed their own specific customs and variations in how the ritual is performed. These variations are influenced by local beliefs, deities, and cultural practices.
- Bengal (West Bengal): In Bengal, Mahalaya Amavasya marks the beginning of the worship of Goddess Durga, coinciding with the end of Pitru Paksha. On this day, people wake up early in the morning to listen to special recitations from the Mahishasura Mardini (a scripture detailing the goddess’s victory over the demon Mahishasura). Bengalis believe this is the most auspicious day to honor their ancestors, and many perform Shradh on this day. It is customary to offer tarpan at the banks of rivers like the Ganges.
- Maharashtra: In Maharashtra, Shradh is known as Pitru Paksha Shraddha and is observed with a focus on offering food to Brahmins and distributing it to the needy. Special dishes are prepared, especially those that were the favorite of the deceased, and are offered as part of the ritual. Mahalaya Amavasya is also important here for collective offerings to all ancestors.
- Tamil Nadu and Kerala (South India): In Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Shradh is known as Tharpanam or Pitru Tharpanam. In these states, Shradh rituals are often performed on the day of Aadi Amavasya (a special new moon day). Like elsewhere, crows are offered food, and a significant emphasis is placed on feeding Brahmins and performing charity. Special rituals for ancestors are also performed during the festival of Thai Amavasya in Tamil Nadu.
- Uttar Pradesh and Bihar (North India): In Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, the rituals during Pitru Paksha are similar, with emphasis on Pind Daan (offering rice balls) and Tarpan. Gaya, a city in Bihar, holds immense significance in the performance of Shradh. According to Hindu beliefs, performing Pind Daan at the holy site of Gaya ensures the ultimate salvation of the ancestors’ souls. Every year, thousands of devotees visit Gaya during Pitru Paksha to perform these sacred rites.
- Rajasthan: In Rajasthan, Shradh is called Pitar Ki Puja and is observed with great devotion. The offerings here often include traditional sweets made of jaggery, sesame seeds, and wheat flour. Temples dedicated to ancestors, known as Pitru temples, can be found in certain parts of Rajasthan, where families gather during Pitru Paksha to perform collective offerings.
FAQ’s
Q1 When does Pitru Paksha occur?
- The exact dates of Pitru Paksha vary each year according to the Hindu lunar calendar. It typically falls in the month of Bhadrapada (August-September).
Q2 What is the significance of Shraddh?
- Pitru Shraddh is a time for honoring and remembering ancestors. It is believed that performing Shraddh rituals can help alleviate Pitru dosha (a negative influence from ancestors) and ensure the well-being of the departed souls.
Q3 What are the rituals performed during Shraddh?
- Common rituals include:
- Tarpan: Offering water to the ancestors.
- Pind Daan: Offering cooked rice balls to the ancestors.
- Brahman Bhojan: Feeding Brahmins as a symbolic offering to the ancestors.
- Charity: Donating to the needy.
Q4 Who should perform Shraddh?
- Ideally, the son or grandson of the deceased should perform Shraddh. However, in the absence of a male descendant, other family members can perform the rituals.
Q5 Can Shraddh be performed at home or do I need to go to a specific place?
- Shraddh can be performed at home. However, some people prefer to perform the rituals at sacred sites like Gaya, Varanasi, or Haridwar.
Q6 What should be avoided during Pitru Paksha?
- It is generally advised to avoid:
- Eating non-vegetarian food
- Consuming alcohol
- Engaging in auspicious activities like weddings or housewarming ceremonies
- Cutting hair or nails
Q7 What is the significance of Mahalaya Amavasya?
- Mahalaya Amavasya is the last day of Pitru Paksha. It is considered the most important day for performing pitru Shraddh rituals, as it is believed to be the day when the souls of ancestors are most likely to visit Earth.
Q8 What happens if I miss performing Shraddh during Pitru Paksha?
- If you miss performing Shraddh during the designated period, you can still perform it on Kanagat Amavasya, a specific day in the Hindu calendar.
Q9 Are there any specific prayers or mantras associated with Shraddh?
- Yes, there are specific prayers and mantras that can be chanted during Shraddh rituals. These can be found in religious texts or learned from a priest.
Q10 Can non-Hindus participate in Shraddh rituals?
- While Shraddh is primarily a Hindu tradition, people of other faiths can participate if they have a close relationship with the deceased and wish to honor their memory.
Also Read: What Is Shivratri Celebrated For… | 5 Powerful Maha Shivratri Mantra
Conclusion: Pitru Paksha Shraddh (Shradh rituals in English) is a significant Hindu tradition that honors ancestors. It is a time for remembrance, gratitude, and seeking blessings from the departed. Through rituals like Tarpan, Pind Daan, and Brahman Bhojan, individuals express their love and respect for their ancestors. It is believed that performing these rituals can alleviate Pitru dosha and ensure the well-being of both the living and the deceased. Shraddh is a powerful reminder of our connection to our roots and the importance of honoring our family lineage.
