Pitru Paksha Procedure – Step-by-Step Shradh Vidhi
In Hindu tradition, the bond between the living and the departed is not severed by death; it continues through rituals, prayers, and remembrance. Among these, Pitru Paksha stands out as a sacred period dedicated entirely to honoring ancestors through Shradh and Tarpan.
Performing these rituals correctly is essential for ensuring peace for the departed souls and receiving their blessings. However, many people are uncertain about the exact procedure and steps involved. This guide provides a detailed step-by-step Shradh Vidhi so you can observe Pitru Paksha with devotion and accuracy.
1. Understanding Pitru Paksha and Shradh Vidhi
Pitru Paksha is a 15-day lunar period falling in the Krishna Paksha (waning moon) of the Bhadrapada month (September–October). According to Hindu belief, during this time, the souls of our ancestors descend to Earth to bless their descendants.
Shradh Vidhi refers to the set of rituals performed to offer food, water, and prayers to ancestors. The word Shraddha comes from “Shraddha” (faith), indicating that sincerity and devotion are the most important components.
2. Importance of Performing Shradh Correctly
Performing Shradh as per tradition:
Grants peace and liberation (Moksha) to ancestors.
Removes Pitru Dosh, a karmic imbalance caused by unfulfilled ancestral duties.
Attracts blessings for health, prosperity, and harmony.
Fulfills Pitru Rin – the spiritual debt owed to forefathers.
A wrongly performed Shradh, or skipping it entirely, is believed to cause disharmony, delays, and hardships in the family.
3. Preparation Before Starting the Shradh Ritual
Before beginning the Shradh Vidhi, make proper preparations:
A. Determine the Tithi
Perform the ritual on the lunar day (tithi) corresponding to the ancestor’s death date. If unknown, perform it on Sarva Pitru Amavasya (last day of Pitru Paksha).
B. Select the Right Place
Sacred riversides like Gaya, Haridwar, Prayagraj, or Trimbakeshwar are considered ideal. However, it can also be performed at home.
C. Arrange Ritual Materials
Pinda – rice balls made from cooked rice, sesame seeds, and ghee.
Black sesame seeds (Til).
Fresh flowers.
Holy water (preferably from the Ganga).
Incense sticks and lamps (Diya).
Fruits and vegetarian food items (no onion, garlic, or meat).
New clothes for donation.
D. Purification and Dress Code
Take a ritual bath before the ceremony. Men typically wear a white dhoti and angavastram; women wear a clean cotton saree.
4. Step-by-Step Pitru Paksha Shradh Vidhi
Step 1: Sankalp (Vow)
Begin by taking a Sankalp — a vow to perform the Shradh for specific ancestors. State their names, gotra, and your intent to offer them food and prayers. This is done under the guidance of a priest (Pandit).
Step 2: Invoking Ancestors
Through mantras and prayers, invite the souls of the ancestors to accept your offerings. The priest chants Vedic hymns to call them from Pitru Loka to the ritual site.
Step 3: Tarpan (Offering Water)
Offer water mixed with black sesame seeds while chanting mantras. This is believed to quench the thirst of ancestors and cleanse their karmic impurities. Tarpan is done three times — for the forefathers, for the forefathers of forefathers, and for distant lineage ancestors.
Step 4: Pinda Daan
Prepare Pindas — small balls made from cooked rice, sesame seeds, and ghee. Place them on a banana leaf or sacred grass (Kusha). These symbolize the physical body of the departed and nourish them spiritually.
Step 5: Brahmin Bhojan and Dakshina
Feed Brahmins or poor people, symbolizing feeding the ancestors themselves. Offer them fresh vegetarian food prepared for the ritual. Conclude with giving them Dakshina (money or gifts) and new clothes.
Step 6: Feeding Animals and Birds
Feed crows, cows, dogs, and ants. Crows, in particular, are considered messengers of ancestors in Hindu belief. If a crow eats the offering, it is taken as a sign that the ancestors have accepted it.
Step 7: Concluding Prayers
Offer final prayers seeking blessings for your family’s health, prosperity, and spiritual progress. Thank the ancestors for their protection and guidance.
5. Rules to Follow During Pitru Paksha
Avoid starting new projects or buying new property.
Maintain a sattvic (pure vegetarian) diet.
Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and non-vegetarian food.
Do not cut hair or nails on Shradh day.
Perform rituals during midday, as it is considered the most auspicious time.
6. Pitru Paksha Ritual Timings
Shradh rituals are best performed during Aparahna Kala (afternoon period, roughly 10:30 AM to 3 PM). This is when the Pitru Loka and Earth are believed to be closest in spiritual vibration, making offerings more effective.
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid in Shradh Vidhi
Performing it without knowing the correct tithi.
Using onion, garlic, or non-vegetarian ingredients in offerings.
Skipping Brahmin Bhojan.
Performing rituals casually without devotion.
8. Modern Adaptations of Pitru Paksha Rituals
For those living abroad or far from traditional sites, many temples now offer online Shradh services. In these, a priest performs the rituals on your behalf, and you participate via video call. While physical presence has its value, the intention and devotion matter most.
9. Why Correct Procedure Matters
Performing Shradh correctly ensures:
The soul’s smooth journey in the afterlife.
Removal of karmic blockages (Pitru Dosh).
Positive changes in family harmony, career growth, and health.
If done incorrectly, the intended benefits may be reduced, and the ancestors may not receive the offerings as intended.
10. Pitru Paksha Procedure – A Symbol of Gratitude
Beyond the rules and steps, Pitru Paksha is a celebration of remembrance. It is a time to acknowledge that everything we are today is because of those who came before us. The rituals are a medium to express that gratitude in the most sacred way.
11. Quick Reference Table – Pitru Paksha Procedure
| Step | Ritual Name | Purpose | Main Offerings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sankalp | Declare intent | Water, flowers |
| 2 | Ancestor Invocation | Invite ancestors | Mantras, prayers |
| 3 | Tarpan | Quench thirst of ancestors | Water + sesame seeds |
| 4 | Pinda Daan | Nourish ancestors | Rice balls with ghee & til |
| 5 | Brahmin Bhojan | Feed as symbolic act | Vegetarian food |
| 6 | Animal Feeding | Spread blessings to nature | Food for cows, crows, dogs |
| 7 | Final Prayer | Seek blessings | Flowers, incense |
12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can Shradh be performed at home?
Yes, it can be performed at home with proper guidance from a priest. However, sacred sites like Gaya, Haridwar, and Trimbakeshwar are preferred for their spiritual significance.
Q2. What if I don’t know my ancestor’s death date?
In that case, perform Shradh on Sarva Pitru Amavasya, the last day of Pitru Paksha.
Q3. Can women perform Shradh?
Yes, if there is no male heir or if a woman wishes to do so out of devotion, she can perform Shradh.
Q4. Why are crows fed during Pitru Paksha?
Crows are believed to be messengers of ancestors. If they accept the food, it is taken as a sign that the offerings reached the ancestors.
Q5. What should I donate during Pitru Paksha?
Common donations include food grains, clothes, utensils, footwear, and monetary contributions to the needy.
Conclusion
Pitru Paksha Shradh Vidhi is not just a ritual — it is a sacred duty that connects the living with the departed. By following the correct procedure with sincerity, we can ensure peace for our ancestors and invite their blessings into our lives.
This step-by-step guide aims to help you perform Shradh in a way that honors both tradition and devotion. Whether done at home or in a holy place, the true essence of Pitru Paksha lies in remembrance, gratitude, and selfless offering.