Contents
1. In general appropriate dates for performing shraddha
3. Appropriate time of the day
4.2 Akshayya Trutiya (3rd day within the bright fortnight of Vaishakh)
4.3 Pitru fortnight (Pitrupaksha) (Mahalaypaksha)
1. In general appropriate dates for performing shraddha
Normally no moon night, 12 sankrants in a year, solar-lunar eclipses, Yugadhi and Manvadi dates, Ardhodayadi parva, date of death, arrival of Shrotriya priests (Brahmins) etc dates are considered appropriate for performing shraddha.
2. Hindu Dharma does not give any chance to anyone to say that
the shraddha was not performed due to non-feasibility in a particular period!
A) Normally every year Shraddha should be performed on the date of death of the person (as per the Hindu calendar and not as per the English calendar. If the date is not known and only the month is known, then in that case the shraddha can be performed on the no moon night of that month.
B) If both, the date as well as the month is unknown then the shraddha can be performed on the no moon night of the Hindu calendar month of Magh or Margashirsha.
C) If the definite date of death is not known then the shraddha can be performed on the date when the news of the death was received.
D) Shraddha for deceased ancestors’ souls should be performed everyday and it can be achieved just by offering water (tarpan) to them.
E) If it is impossible to perform Shraddha daily, then Darsha Shraddha should be performed. This fulfills the requirement of doing the Shraddha daily. Darsha means no moon night. Therefore Darsha Shraddha is the one, which is performed on the no moon night of every month.
F) If it is not possible to perform Darsha Shraddha every month, one should at least perform it on the no moon night of Hindu calendar months of Chaitra, Bhadrapad and Ashwin months.
G) If it is not possible even to perform Darsha Shraddha on no moon nights of Chaitra, Bhadrapad and Ashwin, then at least the ritual of Mahalaya should be performed in the Pitru fortnight of the month of Bhadrapad. If this too is impossible then Shraddha should be performed on the no moon night of the month of Bhadrapad (sarva pitri amavasya) (11)
3. Appropriate time of the day
If the day is divided into 5 parts, then the fourth part is called the ‘Aparanha’ period. This period is most appropriate for performing shraddha.
4. Special dates for performing Shraddha and the benefits
derived after performing shraddha for deceased ancestors’ souls on these dates
4.1 Kalpadi date (tithi)
DeityBrahma’s day is considered as the day of origin. This is also called as Kalpadi tithi. The 1st and 5th day of Chaitra, 3rd day of Vaishakh, 7th day of Kartik, 9th day of Margashirsha, 13th day of Magh, 3rd day of Falgun (all days from the bright fortnight) indicate the start of the era (kalpa). As per the science, if shraddha is performed on these dates, the deceased ancestors’ souls get satisfied.
4.2 Akshaya Trutiya (3rd day within the bright fortnight of Vaishakh)
Akshayya Trutiya indicates the start of the Kruta era. The benefits derived by performing rituals like Shraddha, Tarpan for deceased ancestors’ souls and donations on this date is everlasting. Therefore one should at least perform Apinda Shraddha or Tarpan for their deceased ancestors’ souls.
The holy texts of Puranas say that, on the day of Akshaya Trutiya one should donate uncooked food (aamanna), a water pot, a fan made of mint grass, an umbrella, footwear etc with the intension of offering them to the deceased ancestors’ souls. It is mentioned in Garud Puran that, once the donations are made with the intention of offering them to deceased ancestors’ souls on this day, the messengers of DeityYama do not cause distress to the ancestors’ souls.
यमदूता महारौद्राः करालाः कृष्णपि्ङःगलाः ।
न पीडयंति दाक्षिण्याद्वस्त्रा भरणदानतः ।।
Meaning : When clothes and ornaments are donated, the dark, brown eyed, cruel messengers of Deity Yama having sharp and long teeth do not cause distress to the deceased ancestors’ souls.
4.3 Pitru fortnight (Pitrupaksha) (Mahalaypaksha)
A) Importance
1. The dark fortnight in the Hindu calendar month of Bhadrapad is called as ‘Pitrupaksha’. This fortnight is very dear to the deceased ancestors’ souls. If Mahalay Shraddha is performed for the deceased ancestors’ souls during this fortnight, they remain satisfied for the entire year.
Mahalay Shraddha
2. श्राद्धं कन्यागते भानौ यो न कुर्याद् गृहाश्रमी ।
धनं पुत्राः कुततस्य पितृकोपाग्निपीडनात् ।।
यावच्च कन्यातुलयोः क्रमादास्ते दिवाकरः ।
शून्यं प्रेतपुरं तावद् यावद् वृश्चिकदर्शनम् ।। – Mahabharat
Meaning : The householder who does not perform shraddha during the period when the Sun is in the Virgo sign, how will he earn money and be gifted with a male childas he would have enraged the deceased ancestors’ souls? Additionally, the abode for deceased ancestors’ souls remains vacant till the Sun moves from Virgo and Libra sign to the Scorpio sign. The abode for deceased ancestors’ souls remaining vacant during this period implies that the deceased ancestors’ souls come closer to their descendants for blessing them and if Shraddha is not performed, they give curse to their descendants and return. Due to this it is important to perform Shraddha during this period.
B) The deceased ancestors that arrive at the occasion of Mahalay Shraddha
| 1. Father, grandfather, great grandfather (Pitrutrayi) | 10. Maternal uncle |
| 2. Mother, grandmother and great grandmother (matrutrayi) | 11. Brother |
| 3. Step mother | 12. Father’s sisters |
| 4. Mother’s father, grandfather and great grandfather (matamahatrayi) | 13. Mother’s sisters |
| 5. Mother’s mother, grandmother and great grandmother | 14. Sisters |
| 6. Wife | 15. Father-in-law |
| 7. Sons | 16. Other relatives |
| 8. Daughters | 17. Guru (if the Guru-disciple relationship exists) |
| 9. Paternal cousins | 18. Disciple (if the Guru-disciple relationship exists) |
How to perform Mahalaya shraddha in Pitrupaksha during the Coronavirus pandemic ?
When can women perform Shraddha ?
Why should every son perform ritual of Shraddha?
If a person may have been reborn, will performing shraddha in their name help them...
Namaste.
Could you please answer following queries:
1. My father expired on 15 May 2019 and his 2nd varshik shraddha tithi is next month. As per the priest, we need to perform only Mahalaya shraddha after one year of the death. Please advise whether we should perform the varshik tithi shraddha every year or not.
2. My grandmother (father’s mother) expired October 2020 (last year) and last rites were performed by my uncle. As per Priest, I should not perform even Mahalaya shraddha for my father this year due to one year sutak caused by my grandmother’s death. Please advise.
Thanks and Regards.
Namaskar,
Below are answers to your queries.
1. Every year 2 shraddhas should be performed, one on the tithi the person expired (that is varshik / samvatsarik / annual shraddha) and the second in Pitrupaksha that is Mahalay shraddha.
2. Mahalay shraddha can be performed, but you will not be able to do Mahalay shraddha for your grand-mother this year. You will be able to perform it for your grand-mother from next year after the time period of one year is completed for her demise.
Regards,
Sanatan Sanstha
My husband’s cousin expired in may 22, can I perform shraddha of my mother in putri paksha, priest said that I can not perform because one year sutak in my family,plz guide
Namaskar Mrs Payal Patel ji,
As per Dharmashastra, even if your husband’s closest cousin has expired, the sutak ends after the 13th day of his demise. Hence, your father can perform Pitrupaksha shraddha, since Pitrupaksha shraddha is for his deceased father & mother and earlier 3 generations.
Just for your information, in the pitrupaksha shraddha that would be performed by your father, your mother’s shraddha will not be included. Her shraddha will have to be performed separately. Your mother was a Suhagan when she passed away, so her shraddha should be performed on Avidhwa Navami in Pitrupaksha. On this day, a married woman (a Suhagan) is invited and food is offered to her.
Since your sutak ends on 13th day after the demise of your husband’s cousin, you can prepare food when your father will do pitrupaksha shraddha and even on Avidhwa Navami.
However, there might be local customs & traditions which affect the main ritual. So, if the priests deny or do not give permission to perform shraddha then you can do Aam Shraddha. (You can give “Aamanna” (dry food that is food grains etc) to purohit or vedpathshala or Goshala or temple (in this order). This is called as AamShraddha.)
পুরহীতের অভাবে আমাদের মায়ের বাতসরিক শ্রাদ্ধ নির্দিষ্ট দিনে করা সম্ভব হচ্ছে না। অন্য কোন নিয়ম আছে কী?
Namaste Narayan ji
The Dharmashastras have provided some options in case of non availability of Brahmins to perform the shraddh ritual. Some of those options are given here – https://www.sanatan.org/en/a/80.html
Also, if you have the option of calling a brahmin in future, you can perform the shraddh on the amavasya that follows the tithi or other tithis suggested by them. Please consult your family priest regarding this.
Warm regards,
Sanatan Sanstha
Namaskar. My father expired on 15 may 2019 and as eldest son, I performed his final rites. My grandmother (my father’s mother) expired on 22 November 2020 and her final rites were mainly performed by my uncle.
1. Am I supposed to perform second varshik shraddh (in May) and Mahalaya shraddha (August/ September) for my father? The local priest says that I should not do shraddha until the competition of first varshik shraddh for my grandmother. We could only give uncooked grains (groceries) to the priest in the temple.
2. Can I perform varshik shraddha at a tirtha kshetra (Rishikesh) if I am already there or it must be performed at home?
3. Is it OK to look for another priest outside our community (garhwal, Uttarakhand) if the priest whom we engaged for pitru karma is not very knowledgeable.
4. Does your organization have trained priest in Delhi or Rishikesh who could perform pitru karma.
Kindly advise.
Thanks and Regards.
Namaskar,
1. Yes, you can perform second varshik shraddh and Mahalaya shraddha for your father. Only the name of your grand mother will not be uttered during Mahalay Shraddha (that is Mahalay Shraddha will not be performed for her this year), since one year is not completed for her demise.
2. Varshik Shraddha can be performed anywhere.
3. Yes
4. No
Punarjanma sidhantam prakaram marojanma maraninchina ventane pondina
Pinda pradanam valana vupayogam emiti.
Namaskar,
It is not necessary that immediately after death, one gets rebirth.
It takes 1 year for the soul to travel to the Martyaloka (a subtle plane between Bhu lok [earth] and Bhuva lok). [Hence, Yearly shraddha is performed after one year] Here, in the Martyaloka, it is decided that to which Loka (subtle plane) the soul should travel to depending on his merits and sins. While traveling to other Lokas the energy generated from the shraddha (done by his successsors in previous birth) helps it to travel further. Even if the jiva takes birth in any of the 84 lakh yonis, he receives the energy from the Shraddha. If the jiva gets human birth then also it receives the benefit of the shraddha being performed for it and helps in refraining from any kind of distress.
That means, the food or pindas offered to the jiva in Shraddha is received by the jiva according to the yoni they are in.
If human – food
If Yaksha – Vayu
If animals – meat etc
In short, they get what they need through Shraddha and receive satisfaction.
The Visarjan of Asthi of my father and mother have been immersed on Triveni at Prayag with all rituals and Pinda daan completed at Gaya during 2019. The Brahmins advised not to perform the Shradha ( the dates of death of my father and mother). Please advise me whether I will perform anual Shradha on their deaths or not. Please advice me
Namaskar,
As per Dharmashastras (Hindu Scriptures), it is prescribed that every year Shraddha should be performed twice. One is Annual / Varshik / Samvatsarik Shraddha and second is Mahalay Shraddha to be performed in Pitrupaksha. Shraddha should be performed on the tithi (date as per the Hindu calendar) of demise of that person.
My father in law demised in bhadrapada shuklapaksha dashami , my mother in law during Dasara thadige ( 3rd day ) so we are performing these Shraddha . We were doing in pitrupaksha also for every pitrus , but one priest advised there will be three tarpana’s with in a month can’t be done . so please tell me what to do I am in confusion regarding this matter .
Namaskar,
You can do any number of tarpanas in a month. (There is no limit specified in Dharmashastras.)
My father passed away on Sep 20,2020 it was Ashwin ashok Maas and the Thoth I was Chaturthi. So my question is when should we perform the annual Shraddha, is it the Chaturthi of Navratri every year or the shraddhpaksh Chaturthi?
Namaskar,
Shraddha should be performed twice every year – 1. annual or yearly shraddha, and 2. mahalay shraddha. The annual or yearly shraddha should be performed on the same tithi (date as per Hindu calendar) that existed at the time your father passed away. Mahalay shraddha should be performed in Pitrupaksha on the tithi in that 15 day period.
Hi Sir,
My father passed away due to covid on 23rd June 06:45PM, we are non brahmin marathi speaking family from Tamilnadu, i want to understand when we need to do annual year shraddha. My father passed in the month of Aani and 11th month Vaisaki has two Chatrudasi before pournami so confused whether it’s on 13th June 2022 or May month saturdasi. Kindly advise
Namaskar,
Annual or yearly shraddha should be performed on the same tithi on which the person passed away. You can use mypanchang.com to find out the tithi that was there at the time on the day your father passed away.
My grandma died in January and my mom in June , so can we do two annual shradda in a same year like my grand ma on December 2021 and my mom may 2022 ? Please guide
Namaskar,
Yes you can do 2 annual shraddhas in the same year. Kindly do the shraddha as per Hindu calendar that is on the tithi your grandmother and mother passed away.
|| jay Ganesh ||
Namaskar
my father passed many years back . His annual ( yearly ) shraddha day today
poush shuddh shashti
but i missed it by mistake .
Extremely sorry for same .
We have also
param pujya shakambhari ie Banshankari devi pournima which starts after few days .
When can we i my father’s
shraddha after navratri is over ?
Namaskar,
As per Dharmashastra, if one misses the tithi of Shraddha, then one can perform it on the Amavasya tithi of that month.
But you can also seek opinion of local preists (purohit).
Namaskar,
My mom passed away last year, and I would like perform Shraddha in Kasi, Prayag or Gaya. Someone told me that it is good to do first year samvatsarikam in Prayag. Another priest told that first samvatsarikam cannot be done in Prayag or Gaya, but it can be done in Kasi (varanasi). We are non-bahmin telugu. My father is alive. Can you please suggest which is the best among these places to perform first year Shrad?
Namaskar,
It is appropriate to perform shraddha at Gaya, after 1 year has completed to the demise of the deceased.
NAMASKAR, I WISH TO PERFORM SHRADDHA OF MY FATHER. AS PER “TITHI” IT IS FALLING ON THE 9TH APRIL 2022. PLEASE SEND ME THE COMPLETE PROCEDURE OF PERFORMING SHRADDHA INCLUDING MANTRA/ JAPA TO BE CHATED.
BEST REGARDS
GUMASTE VINAYAK
Namaskar,
The Shraddha ritual procedure is very lengthy. It cannot be given here. It would be better if you learn it from a purohit (priest) and then perform it yourself.
My brother passed away at midnight of 28th april around 12.15 am. His 1st death anniversary is on 17th April 2022. But we are having sutak as one of my cousin uncl3 passed away on 10th april. Please guide when can we do his 1st shraddha ritual.
Namaskar,
Yes, as per Dharmashastra you cannot perform Shraddha while you are having sutak. We will let you know the alternate dates soon.
Namaskar,
Yes, as per Dharmashastra you cannot perform Shraddha while you are having sutak.
1. You can perform Shraddha on the day the sutak ends.
2. If it is not possible for you to perform Shraddha on that day, then you can perform it on Ashtami or Ekadashi or Dvadashi or Amavasya tithi of Krishna Paksha.
3. If it is not possible to perform Shraddha on the above given tithis also, then you can perform it on the tithi of demise coming in the immediate next month (example, if tithi of demise is chaitra krushna dwitiya then you can perform it on Vaishakh krushna dwitiya).
My husband’s 1st death anniversary tithi falls on ekadashi but I am being told to perform the ceremony on the next day saying that offerings are not done on ekadashi . Please help.
Namaskar,
If shraddha falls on Ekadashi, shraddha should be done on that day, but
1. If you are observing Ekadashi Vrat, then you cannot consume the Shraddha food. In such a case, serve the food for yourself in a plate, take its smell and immerse that food in flowing water. (This does not break the fast, nor does it lead to the guilt of not receiving the prasad prepared for Shraddha).
2. If you are not observing the Ekadashi fast, then you can do Shraddha and have the food.
3. We do not offer food to Vishnu on Ekadashi, whether you have observed fast or not. However, since Vishnu is the deity of Shraddha, you can offer fasting food / fruits to Deity Vishnu while performing the Shraddha ritual offerings.
My father’s date of death is 20th Nov 2019, and his Shraddha falls on Krishna paksha Ashtami (Ashtami before Ammavasya) of Tamil month Karthiga. This year 2022, there is no Ashtami thithi during Karthigai month, as Krishna paksha Ashtami falls just one day before Karthiga month (Krishna Paksha Ashtami – Dec 16 01:39 AM – Dec 17 03:02 AM) or just one day after Karthiga month (Krishna Paksha Ashtami – Nov 16 05:50 AM – Nov 17 07:57 AM). Please guide me on which day I should perform the Shraddha this year?
Namaskar,
We are sorry to inform you that we do not refer the Tamil panchang, since we do not understand Tamil. Hence, a humble request to you to inquire with local purohit / priest.
My un married brother died in dec 2021 his parlowkik korma done on 28th of december
Can i perform my 50th wedding anniversary elaborately..ie mehndi.kirtan.ring ceremony etc
Namaskar,
Celebration is advised to be avoided during 1st year of departure of direct relatives (parents, spouse, siblings etc.)
Wedding anniversary doesn’t come in rituals, hence it can be done on next year also.
Namaskar
My mother died on 21 November 2021. We had to perform pratham varsh shraadh on 10 November 2022, but one of my uncle passed away on 2 November 2022. Now when should we perform my mother’s shradh.
please suggest.
Regards
Namaskar Jyoti Dhakne ji,
Can you explain your relation with the uncle who passed away with respect to the family tree? Since there are different rules of sutak for paternal relatives and maternal relatives.
Hello
Can we do a 11th day Shradhha if 11th day falls on ekadashi?
Namaskar,
Yes, you can perform Shraddha even if it falls on Ekadashi.
If shraddha falls on Ekadashi, shraddha should be done on that day, but
1. If you are observing Ekadashi Vrat, then you cannot consume the Shraddha food. In such a case, serve the food for yourself in a plate, take its smell and immerse that food in flowing water. (This does not break the fast, nor does it lead to the guilt of not receiving the prasad prepared for Shraddha).
2. If you are not observing the Ekadashi fast, then you can do Shraddha and have the food.
3. We do not offer food to Vishnu on Ekadashi, whether you have observed fast or not. However, since Vishnu is the deity of Shraddha, you can offer fasting food / fruits to Deity Vishnu while performing the Shraddha ritual offerings.
My father dead on shukla paksh chaturdashi since long I perform mahalaya shraddh on Amavasya (non moon day) in pitrupaksh instead of chaturdashi. I want to know whether it is as per our Dharmshastra?
Namaskar,
If a person has passed away on Chaturdashi, then it is more appropriate to perform the shraddh on Dwadashi or Amavasya, because as per Scriptures the shraddh of only those killed by weapons should be done on Chaturdashi and not for others. Hence, if you are doing shraddh of your father on Amavasya, then it is appropriate and in accordance to the Scriptures.
My father expired on 16th October 2015, year over year I am performing the rituals on Mahalaya Shraddha (Tithi: Tritiya). But this year I am unavailable on the date (September 12th) when Mahalaya Shraddha occurs.
I am seeing 28th September is annual shraddha day according to tamil panchangam, can I perform the ritual on this date?
If not, what is next best date to perform the ritual for my father?
Appreciate your help in this regard.
Namaskar,
If it is not possible to do Shraddh on the expected tithi, then you can do it on Dwadashi or Sarvapitri Amavasya.
Hello ,
My mom died on January 1st 2022 . But did the shradh karm as per rituals.
Can i do tarpan this year in pitra paksch as some persons are telling that in one year u cannot do tarpan twice.
Namaskar,
No, you cannot do mahalay shraddha or tarpan for her in pitrupaksh this year.
But, your father or you (if your father is no more) can do tarpan or mahalay shraddha for the other departed ancestors except your mother, in this pitrupaksha.
My Mother died on 30th September 2014 at around 3:00-3:30 PM , want to know the day of her Shradh i.e which number of Shradh I should be following for her.
Namaskar,
Please use mypanchang.comt to find the tithi that existed at the time and place when your mother passed away. Every year on the same tithi perform her yearly / annual / varsha shraddha. In Pitrupaksha, her mahalay shraddha will be performed on your father’s demise tithi alongwith your father’s mahalay shraddha.
My husband expired on 30 July 2022, should I perform Sharad this year or next year.
My husband’s mother also expired on 3 Jan 2022
Please advise
Namaskar,
As per Dharmashastra, we have to perform Shraddha twice a year – Yearly (or annual or varsha) shraddh and Mahalay shraddh.
Yearly shraddh should be performed every year on the tithi the person passed away.
Mahalay shraddha can be performed only after one year is completed for the demise of the person. It is performed on the death tithi occurring in Pitrupaksha.
Hence you cannot perform your husband’s or mother-in-law’s mahalay shraddh this year. But from next year after performing their first yearly shraddh, you can start performing their Mahalay shraddh.
Namaskar,
I have no kids. I would like to do my own Shraad. When and where i should get this done?
Thanks and Charan Sparsh
Namaskar,
It is not necessary that only the individual’s son should perform shraddha. As per Hindu Dharma, anybody, your brother, any relative or even your friend can do shraddha.
However, the practice of a person performing his own shraddha is not common. But you can ask about it to local priest who is well versed in this field.
I do my father and grandfather sharadh on Panchami and trodhashi on mahalaya but this time cousin expired on 6th day of after performing father sharadh so can I do grandfather sharadh or not and what about next year also
Namaskar,
1. Yearly shraddha should be done on the tithi the person has passed away.
2. Mahalay shraddha should be performed on your father’s tithi of demise in pitrupaksha. (Mahalay shraddha includes shraddha of mother & father & their 3 earlier generations. So, there is no need of performing your grandfather’s mahalay shraddha separately.)
3. Do not do pindadaan in mahalay shraddha for your cousin till one year is completed for his demise.
My Father passed away on 27th March 2017.Thereafter my mother was performing his Shradh each year.She was also donating Food and Fruits to Our Panditji each month on Amavasya as Father’s Tithi lands on the same day. This was continuing each month.
Now My mother passed away on 27th July 2022 this year.
Her 2nd Tithi is today 24th Sept.
Q1. What do I need to do as a son for Her.
Q2. Also am I supposed to do Father’s Shradh tomorrow
Namaskar,
Every son should perform shraddha for his deceased parents. Shraddha should be performed twice every year – yearly shraddha & mahalay shraddha. Yearly shraddha should be performed exactly on the tithi your parents passed away. On father’s death tithi perform father’s shraddha and on mother’s tithi perform mother’s shraddha. Similarly in pitrupaksha perform mahalay shraddha.
As son, you should perform mahalay shraddha of your father on his death tithi in pitrupaksha. The mahalay shraddha is for deceased father-mother & their 3 prior generations. It is performed on father’s tithi that occurs in pitrupaksha. But this can be performed only when one year has completed after the person has passed away. Hence, while performing your father’s mahalay shraddha this year, you will not be able to perform mahalay shraddha for your mother, but from next year you can.
Since today’s tithi of your father is missed, you can perform the shraddha on dwadashi or next amavasya.
For this you can take the guidance of local purhoit (priest).
Namaskar.
I’m from fiji. My mother died on 7th February 2022.
So which date should annual shraddha be performed??
Thanks
Namaskar,
Shraddha should be performed exactly on the tithi that existed at the time the person passed away. The tithi varies as per place. Also in one day there might be one or two tithis. Hence, we request you to use mypanchang.com website to find the exact tithi that existed at the place, at the time your mother passed away.
Dear Pandith Ji, Namaskar
My father’s sharaddha (Annual ritual performed every year) was on Ashwija poornima day. But one of my father’s cousin expired on Ashwija Ekadashi day. Due to Suthaka we did not perform Shraddha of our father on Ashwija Poornima day. Please guide us on which day should we do the sharddha of my father. The next Amavasya day has solar eclipse.
Namaste,
If you have missed the shraddha tithi then you can perform it on dwadashi or next amavasya.
Note : Even if there is solar eclipse on that day, you can do shraddha.
If the shradha tithi falls on 2 days for example starting 10 AM on Day-1 to 10 AM on day-2, which day should i perform the shradha, Day–1 or Day-2? Is there any rule that for shradha apraahan vyapini thithi should be followed which means Day-1 in this example. Please help me.
Namaskar Shri. Mahesh ji,
Yes, since the shraddha should be performed in the afternoon (aparanha), in this case the shraddha should be performed on Day-1.
Hello, could you please help me.
My mother passed away on May 30, 2022 at 4:30 AM PST. Could you advise me on when I should have her Shraadha (first year prayer) ? Month, day and time frame.
Much appreciated.
Brian
Namaste Brian,
As per Scriptures, Shraddha should be performed on the tithi (date as per Hindu Calendar) of a person’s demise. We request you to use the website mypanchang.com to find the tithi that existed at the time of your mother’s demise at that particular location. After you have found last year’s tithi, then you can search for the date on which the tithi coincides this year. You can perform the first yearly shraddha of your mother on that date.
मेरे पिता जी की मृत्यु की तिथि प्रथमा को है और माता जी की एकादशी को तो मुझे पितर पक्ष में कौन सी तिथि को त्रापन करना चाहिए?
नमस्ते राज जी
आपने आपके पिताजी के मृत्यु की तिथि पर (प्रथमा) श्राद्ध करना उचित रहेगा |
आपकी
सनातन संस्था
Namaste
My wife passed away on 7th feb 2022
she was 33 year old when she passes away
when should i do varsh-shraddha of her same date or as per tithi ?
Namaskar Shri. Neeraj ji,
As per Dharmashastras, Shraddha should be performed on the tithi the person passed away.
You can use the website mypanchang.com to find the tithi that existed at that particular time and place when your wife passed away. Then by using the same site you will be able to find the date on which that tithi coincides this year.
My Mother died on 15th March 2010 her name is Sunanda, want to know the day of her Shradh i.e which number of Shradh I should be following for her.
Namaskar Reshma ji,
To find the tithi of a particular date or vice versa, you can refer the website mypanchang.com As you may be knowing that the tithi changes as per place and time, hence it would be better if you could use the above website, since we need to specify these things to find more accurate tithi. Please check the tithi that existed at the time and date on which your mother passed away. After the tithi of the demise is confirmed, you can perform shraddha for your mother on that tithi every year.
If you have any queries regarding this, please feel free to contact us again.
(Note : On mypanchang.com use the Chandramasa, Paksha and T (referring to tithi) fields to understand the tithi)
Namaskar,
My beloved wife passed away on 27.2.19 and I have performed the Thithi every year. This year will be the 4th year. My question is whether I should continue performing Thithi anually or stop after 3 years. My aunty said that I should perform only for 3 years for her and continue the general Amavasai for ancestors where i can include her. Please advise sir.
Namaskar Shri. Gokoolaram Naidu ji,
It is good that you perform shraddha on Amavasya tithi, but as per Dharmashastra, one should perform Shraddha every year on the tithi of demise (that is annual or yearly shraddha) and other in Pitrupaksha (that is Mahalay shraddha).
Namaskar.
My father passed away on 27th June 2022 at 1.50pm (Chathurathi) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I shall perform the 1st year prayers this year but I am getting different advice on the actual tithi date.
One advice from the priest / internet calculator is to do the prayers on 17th June 2023.
Another priest tells me that since the month of Aani has 2 amavasya dates (17 June 2023 and 17 July 2023), it must be done on 16 July 2023. He informed me that since there is 2 amavasya, the tithi prayers must be done on the 2nd amavasya.
Please advise sir. Which is the correct tithi date?
Namaskar Shri. Ravi ji,
We request you to refer the website mypanchang.com to find the tithi that existed at the time on that day when your father expired. Later, you can check that the tithi coincides with which date in this year and perform shraddha on that date.
(We have asked you to find the tithi yourself, since more exact the details (date, time & location) more accurate is the tithi.)
My father- in- law died on shashthi tithi. My husband has been doing tarpan for 6 days in Pitripaksh followed by Shradh. My husband’s uncle, who remained unmarried had died more than an year back on purnima tithing. His last rites were performed by my husband and he has performed the varshik shradh as well last year. How should he perform Pitripakdh puja this year? Should he do shradh along with his father’s shradh as he has been doing for all the deceased ancestors or should he do shradh separately for his Uncle on respective tithi.
Namaskar Antara ji
Thank you for contacting us. It is commendable that you and your husband are performing all the post death rites diligently. Regarding your query perform the Mahalaya Shraddha only on the tithi that your father-in-law’s passed away (shashti).
If your husband’s uncle passed away more than a year ago, then a pinda will be offered to propitiate him during the Mahalaya Shraddha rites for your father-in-law. So there is no need to perform a separate shraddha.
Apart from this, we recommend that you and your family members chant Shri Gurudev Datta everyday to remove all obstacles in the further progress of your deceased relatives. Details on this are available on the following link – https://www.sanatan.org/en/a/130.html
Warm regards,
Sanatan Sanstha
Dear Sir,
I am now in the US and am stuck here till the first week of NOV 2023.
Can I perform the Mahalaya Sraddham after my return in the month of Aippasi?
Pl clarify.
Thanks & Regds.
Namaste Sekharan ji,
The gauNa kaala of the Mahalaya paksha extends till the 15th of November 2023. So you can perform the Shraaddha in the presence of your local or family priest till that date. Please consult them for further guidance.
Warm regards,
Sanatan Sanstha
I have heard that shradha need to be peformed only for 11 (or 13) years because by then the soul would have taken a rebirth. IS this true?
Why do we perform shradha every year considering the soul does not remain as what it was while alive – my father’s soul may take another birth soon after death. So what is the reason for continuing to do the sradha?
Namaste Santosh ji
That is a good query. The answer to your question has been published in the following article – https://www.sanatan.org/en/a/82.html This article is a set of frequently asked questions on Shraddha rites. We hope this helps.
Warm regards,
Sanatan Sanstha
Namaskar,
Mere pitaji ka dehant 30may 2022 ko hua lekin agni hamne 1 june 2022 ko diya kyoki 31 may ko mangalwar tha,
Ab hame ptripakh ya varshik thithi ke liye kis date se calculate karna h 30 may ya 1 june.
Manoj
Namaste Manoj ji,
Apke pitaji ke dehant ke din (30 May 2022) ko jo tithi thi, uss tithi par hi varshik shraddh kijiye.
Aapki,
Sanatan Sanstha
namaskar
my mother in law passed away on 12 September 2023.
should we perform pitru paksh 2023 vidhi ?
Namaste Shulukshna ji
Pitrupaksha shraddha can be performed. However since a year has not passed, during the pinddaan ritual, or while inviting the Pitars (ancestors), you should not invoke your mother-in-law’s name. Apart from that perform the Shraddha for all the rest of your ancestors.
Warm regards,
Sanatan Sanstha
Namaskar,
My father passed away in 21 July 2022 (Ashtami Tithi). When we should perform rituals of Shraddha in Bhadrapada month (Pitru paksha).
Please guide
Namaste Shekhar ji
Please perform the Pitrupaksha shraddha on Ashtami tithi.
Also, in addition to this, please chant Shri Gurudev Datta during this period.
Warm regards,
Sanatan Sanstha
Namaste,
My mother passed away on 9 th October 2020, Adhik Ashwin Krushna Saptami day. When should I do her Shraddha this year
Namaste Anagha ji
The yearly Shraddha must be performed on Ashwin Krushna Saptami. If your father is alive, then the Pitrupaksha shraddha is to be performed on Avidhava Navami tithi. If your father is no more then the Pitrupaksha shraddha will be performed on the same tithi as his.
Warm regards,
Sanatan Sanstha
Namaskar,
My father passed away on 22/7/2001 and me and my mom went to Gayaji to perform his pind daan however, my mother still use to give water during the pitru paksha. My mother passed away on 1/9/2023. I have performed Shudhi hawan and her Thervi and Varsi together. According to the local priest, if the varsi is completed I am allowed to perform pind daan for my mother which I did on 29/09/2023. I have few doubts as different family and purohit has different opinions:
1. Do I still continue to give water to my ancestors and my father as per his tithi however, I can not give water to my mother this year?
2. Do I need to give water everyday during the pitrupaksh month or only on the tithi of my parents in future. Please confirm that dwitiya and chaturdashi are the right tithi of my parents?
3. Is tithi is the date of death or date on which the final cremation takes place?
Namaste Gaurav ji,
Thank you for contacting us. the answers to your questions are as follows
1. You can perform the shraddha, pinda daan and other such rituals for your father and other ancestors. However, you can offer tarpan (giving water), pindadaan for your mother only after a year has elapsed upon her passing.
2. If possible, you can offer tarpan each day of the Pitru paksha. However, the ritual has to be done under the guidance of a purohit. And if it is not possible to arrange for a purohit for every day of the fortnight, then you can offer the tarpan only on your father’s tithi. As for the correct tithis, we suggest that you seek guidance from your family or local priests to ascertain the tithi.
3. Tithi is the date of death as per Hindu calendar.
Also, on a spiritual level, we suggest you chant Shri Gurudev Datta every day to obtain protection and to help your departed ancestors.
Warm regards,
Sanatan Sanstha
Namaste,
Is Adhika masam counted for yearly shraddha? My father passed away in April 2023. Counting adhika masam, yearly thidhi falls in May, else in April. Please advise 🙏🏻
Thank you,
BJ
Namaste
The tithi will remain the same since intervening Adhik maas does not count.
Warm regards,
Sanatan Sanstha
Namaskar
My Grandmother passed on December 2nd 2022 at 11h30 in the morning in the city called DEUIL LA BARRE in FRANCE
Her thithi is DASHAMI
My mother wants to perform the 1st year death anniversary but the Guruji’s working in temples (in Paris, Switzerland and also in Sri Lanka) are misguiding us on the date:
Some telling that her first year Death anniversary thithi is falling on December 22nd 2023 and some other telling that we must perform it on November 22nd 2023.
I’d like to understand how this works ?
Namaste Sivanes ji,
The maas (month) and tithi (day as per Hindu calendar) of death should be followed when performing the yearly rites. So please take into account even the month (Hindu calendar month) and not just the tithi.
Warm regards,
Sanatan Sanstha
My grandma passed away on a Dhasami thithi and the first year same thithi falls on a Saturday. We were suggested not to do Shradh on Saturday even if the thithi is falling on Saturday.
Please guide whether the day is regardless of the thithi or which one is primarily important.
Namaste Karthik
The tithi of death (as per the Hindu calender) is the most appropriate day to perform the Shraddha. So even if it falls on a Saturday, you may perform the Shraddha on that tithi.
Warm regards,
Sanatan Sanstha
what if shraddh is not performed for three years ? what is the remedy?
Namaste Chidambaram ji
If Shraadh has not been performed, regular yearly and Mahalay Shraadh can be started now. However for the exact procedure please contact your local or family priest.
Also, for future reference, Dharma has provided many avenues and options in case one is unable to perform Shraadh. Please refer to the following article for details. – https://www.sanatan.org/en/a/80.html
We also request you and your family members to chant Shri Gurudev Datta regularly. This will help your dear departed in their afterlife. – https://www.sanatan.org/en/datta-mantra
Warm regards, `
Sanatan Sanstha
Hi Sanatan Sanstha,
Namaskar. I have performed my fathers first death anniversary (Shardha and did Pinda Daan) last year 2023 in Prayagraj as well as in Gaya later. Everyone is suggesting me that I don’t need to do Shardha or Pinda daan this year onwards as I completed the ritual in Gaya. Few others are asking me to continue Pinda Daan every year on his death anniversary. I am confused and want to do the right ritual. Kindly help me, let me know if I need to do Pinda daan or any kind of Puja ceremony for my father every year.
Thanks so much for helping us. We will always remain grateful for this.
Namaste Silpi ji
It is very heartening to know that you wish to help your father in his afterlife. Offering Shradha in Gaya has been described as immensely beneficial as it provides our departed ancestors with ‘akshaya trupti’ (eternal contentment). This is why there is a belief that once you perform Shraddha in Gaya, there is no need to perform Shraddha again. However, it would be wise to perform the yearly Shraddha as well as the Mahalaya Shraddha as a part of our duty.
In these types of Shraddha, there are certain rituals whose benefits are not limited to the departed soul for whom the Shraddha is being performed. Instead these rituals help all those whose karmik debt we are in. By performing these Shraddha rituals, we are able to obtain the blessings of all these departed souls and not just a few departed ancestors.
Warm regards,
Sanatan Sanstha
Sir,
My mother attained the heavenly abode on Mahashivaratri day. Is it appropriate to do annual Shraddha on day because it is a day of fasting?
Namaste Dr Arun ji
Yes, you may perform Shraddha rites on Mahashivratri.
Warm regards,
Sanatan Sanstha
sir,
I am the eldest son and have been performing shradh of my parents. My son got married in February, 2024. Am I expected to do shradh of my parents this year (2024)?
regards,
Sudhir
Namaste Sudhir ji
Yes. You have to conduct the annual shraadh as well as the mahalay shraadh in the upcoming pitru paksha.
Warm regards,
Sanatan Sanstha
7 dec 2021 cremation but death on 6 dec 2021 which day should we do the shradha
Namaste Reema ji
Please see what the tithi (date as per the Hindu almanac / panchang) was on 6th December, 2021 (the date of death) and perform the shraadh on the same tithi. Also conduct mahalay shraadh during the upcoming pitrupaksh for the benefit of all your departed ancestors.
Warm regards,
Sanatan Sanstha
Hello,
My Father expired in 2019.
We performed shradh for 5 years from 2019 to 2023.
As per our info from various pandit ji shardh is to be performed for 5 years.
From 6th years onwards what do we need to do?
Namaste Rupesh ji
It is expected to continue the yearly shraadh for your deceased father, as well as the Mahalay shraadh during the pitrupaksha (dark fortnight of Bhadrapad month) for all your departed ancestors every year.
Warm regards,
Sanatan Sanstha
my father died on 1st January 2024 but at night 2:30 am so on that both panchami and shashti tithi was there on which tithi I perform his shradh please help me?
Namaste Vishal ji
On 1st January, 2024, the Panchami tithi lasted till 2:29pm, after which the Shashti tithi started. Hence the rest of the day and the night that followed into 2nd of January would be considered as Shashti. So you should conduct the Shraadh on Margashirsh Krishna Shashti.
And next year onwards, also conduct the Mahalay Shraadh on Shashti tithi during the Pitrupaksha (dark fortnight of Bhadrapad month).
Regards,
Sanatan Sanstha