Pitru Paksha (Shradh)

What is the Meaning of Pitru Paksha/Shradh?

Pitru Paksha, also known as Shradh Paksha or Kanagat, is a 16-day lunar period dedicated to paying homage to one’s ancestors (Pitrs). It is believed that during this time, the souls of ancestors visit the Earth to bless their descendants. Performing Shradh rituals with devotion is said to bring peace to departed souls and attract blessings of prosperity, good health, and happiness for the family.

Pitru Paksha 2025 Start Date and Time

Start Date: 7 September 2025
End Date: 21 September 2025

Pitru Paksha 2025 Tithiya and Muhurat

Pitru Paksha includes 16 tithis, each dedicated to specific ancestors depending on their lunar death date. Some important tithis include:

Purnima Shradh – For those who passed away on Purnima
Pratipada Shradh – For those who passed away on Pratipada
Sarva Pitru Amavasya (Mahalaya Amavasya) – For all ancestors whose tithi is unknown

Items Used in Shraddha Rituals

Items used in Shraddh Rituals that plays a important role are –

Darbha (Sacred Grass): Generates Tej, reduces raja-tama interference, and channels energy to ancestors.
Black Sesame Seeds: Attract ancestors with vibrations, used in Tilodaka for their presence and blessings.
Akshat (Unbroken Rice): Symbol of purity; showered as blessings.

Bhrungaraj Leaf & Tulasi: Purify the atmosphere; Bhrungaraj emits Tej, Tulasi emits Chaitanya, together restraining negative energies.

Things to Remember in Pitru Paksh

Things to remember during Pitru Paksha are –

Avoid starting new ventures, buying property, or hosting celebrations.
Maintain sattvic (pure vegetarian) diet and lifestyle.
Refrain from cutting nails and hair on Shradh days.
Respect and take care of elders in the family.

Pitru Paksha or Shradh Vidhi

The Shradh Vidhi includes:

Taking a holy bath early in the morning.
Offering pind (rice balls), black sesame seeds, and water to ancestors.
Performing Tarpan with devotion.
Feeding Brahmins and donating essentials.

Rituals and Puja of Pitru Paksha

Pind Daan: Offering rice balls mixed with ghee and black sesame.
Tarpan: Offering water with sesame seeds.
Brahmin Bhoj: Feeding Brahmins and giving donations.
Mantra Chanting: Reciting Vishnu Sahasranama and Pitru Chalisa.

What is Pind Daan?

Pind means “body” and Daan means “offering” or “charity.” Together, Pind Daan represents the act of donating symbolic bodies of food to the departed souls. According to the Yog Vashistha, this ritual helps create a new subtle body for the soul, freeing it from suffering and obstacles. Once the soul receives Pind Daan, it feels content, blesses the family, and continues its onward journey towards Yamalok.

What is Tarpan?

The word Tarpan means “to satiate” or “to satisfy.” During Pitru Paksha, it is believed that ancestors visit the earthly realm, and Tarpan is performed to bring peace to their souls. In this ritual, water mixed with black sesame seeds (kaala til) is offered, usually at a sacred water body such as a river or lake. Black sesame is said to reduce the negative karmas of ancestors, while water — regarded as a purifier and giver of life — carries the offering to them.

Why People Visit Gaya During Shrāddh (Pitru Paksha)

Scriptural Importance (Gaya Mahatmya) – As per the Garuda Purana and Vayu Purana, Lord Vishnu resides in Gaya as Pindeshwar Mahadev. Performing Pind Daan here is said to grant moksha to ancestors, equivalent to thousands of offerings elsewhere.

The Akshay Vat Tree – The sacred Akshay Vat (Immortal Banyan) in Gaya is believed to be eternal. Rituals performed under this tree never perish, ensuring continuous blessings for ancestors.

Connection with Lord Ram – The Ramayana mentions that Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman performed Pind Daan for King Dasharatha in Gaya. This established Gaya as a prime destination for Shraddh rituals.

Assurance of Ancestral Peace – Families believe that without proper Pind Daan, souls remain restless. Performing it in Gaya ensures peace and liberation for ancestors, along with blessings for descendants.

Cultural Tradition – Visiting Gaya during Pitru Paksha has been a family tradition for generations. Many consider it their dharma (sacred duty) to perform Shraddh at least once here in their lifetime.

Types of Shradh Puja

Types of Shradh Puja are –

Nitya Shradh: Daily prayers for ancestors.
Parvana Shradh: Annual Shradh performed on the death anniversary.
Ekodishta Shradh: Performed for a single ancestor.
Sapindikarana Shradh: Performed after one year of death.

Importance of Crows (Kauwa) During Pitru Paksha

In Hindu tradition, crows hold a very special place during Pitru Paksha. It is believed that our departed ancestors return to the earth in the form of crows, seeking food and water. Feeding crows during this period is equal to offering food directly to our forefathers. We can also say that crows act as messengers of Pitru Loka and are associated with Air, one of the five elements of nature. By feeding them, we strengthen the bond with our ancestors.

You Can Also Checkout In Ramayana

In Ramayana that highlights the significance of crows. When Lord Ram and Sita were in exile, a crow — said to be the son of Indra — attacked Sita. To protect her, Lord Ram invoked divine power into a simple blade of grass, turning it into a weapon. The crow got terrified and searched the world for refuge but found none. Finally, it surrendered to Lord Ram, seeking forgiveness. Ram not only forgave the crow but also blessed it with an important role in Shraddha rituals. Since then, offering food to crows during Pitru Paksha is seen as an auspicious activity of serving our ancestors.