Basic Information on Shraddha

Meaning and Origin of Shraddh

Pitra Paksha as per Hindu Panchang is observed from the 1st Tithi of the Ashwin Maas and continues till New Moon day (Amavasya) also known as Sarvapitri Amavysya or Mahalaya Amavysya. This entire phase of 15 days is also known as Pitri Pokho, Sola Shraddha, Kanagat, Jitiya or Apara Paksha. During this period, the Shraddha or Tarpan of the ancestors is performed on the Tithi on which they met eternity. 

Why is Shraddh performed?

According to Hindu mythology, after death soul has to wander in the various worlds. Pitra Paksha is an occasion to pacify the departed ancestors by performing Shraddha. It is a ritual to repay debts to the ancestors. Hindu scriptures like the Agni Puran, Garuda Puran, Vayu Puran etc. explain the significance of “Shraddha” in great details.

Meaning of Shraddh

Shraddha, originally a Sanskrit word, is combination of two words "Sat" meaning truth and "Adhar" meaning basis. So it means anything or any act that is performed with all sincerity and faith. It is said, “Shraddhyaa Kriyate Yaa Saa”: Shraddh is the ritual accomplished to satiate one’s ancestors. This ritual expresses one’s unconditional reverence towards the ancestors.

Origin of Shraddh

As per Hindu sacred texts, Rishi Atri - among the 10 sons of Lord Brahma was the first one to decipher the rituals of Shraddha as devised by Lord Brahma to his son Nimi Rishi. Grieved by Sudden death of his Son, Nimi Rishi being guided by Narad Muni started invoking his ancestors who soon appeared before him and said, “Nimi, your son has already taken the place amongst Pitra Devas. Since you have performed the act of feeding and worshiping the soul of your departed son, it is same as if you had performed Pitri Yajna”. Since that time the Shraddh is accounted as important ritual of the Sanatan Dharma.

Types of Shraddh

Prominently the texts mention 12 kinds of Shraddh. These are Nitya, Neimitik, Kaamya, Vriddhi, Sapindan, Paarvann, Goshtth, Shurdhyarth, Karmaang, Deivik, Oupcharik and Saanvatsarik Shraddh.

Exceptions in Performing Shraddh

The Shraddh of the ancestors is performed on the Lunar tithi on which they passed away. But there are certain exceptions to this: 

Pratipada Shraddh is also considered suitable to perform Shraddha for maternal grandfather and grandmother (known as Nana-Nani). 

The fourth day or Chautha Bharani and the fifth day or Bharani Panchmi is allotted for people who died in the previous year.

Panchami Shraddh is also considered suitable to perform Shraddh for family members who died unmarried

Avidha Navami is also considered suitable to perform Shraddh for married women who died before their husbands. Also known as Matrinavami it is considered suitable to perform Shraddh of one’s Mother. 

Dwadashi Shraddh is also suitable to perform Shraddh for those who had taken renunciation before death.

Trayodashi Shraddh is suitable to perform Shraddh for dead children. 

Ghata Chaturdashi is for people who died a sudden and violent death. 

The Mahalaya or Sarvpitri Amavasya is for all the ancestors and forefathers.