Know How To Perform Complete Shradh On Pitru Paksha (Shradh) 2023

Pitru Paksha, also known as Sharadh, is 16 days in the Hindu calendar dedicated to honoring and paying respects to one’s ancestors or pitrus. It usually falls in the month of Ashwin (September-October) and is believed to be when the souls of departed ancestors visit their descendants. During this period, Hindus perform rituals and offer food, water, and other offerings to their ancestors to seek their blessings and ensure their well-being in the afterlife. It is an important time for seeking forgiveness and performing acts of charity towards the needy. Know what to do on Pitru Paksha (Shradh) 2023 and seek blessings of your ancestors.

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List of Dates for Pitru Paksha (Shradh) in 2023

• Friday, September 29, 2023: Purnima Shradh
• Friday, September 29, 2023: Pratipada Shradh
• Saturday, September 30, 2023: Dwitiya Shradh or Dooj Shradh
• Sunday, October 1, 2023: Tritiya Shradh
• Monday, October 2, 2023: Chaturthi Shradh and Maha Bharani Shradh
• Tuesday, October 3, 2023: Panchami Shradh
• Wednesday, October 4, 2023: Shashti Shradh
• Thursday, October 5, 2023: Saptami Shradh
• Friday, October 6, 2023: Ashtami Shradh
• Saturday, October 7, 2023: Navami Shradh
• Sunday, October 8, 2023: Dashmi Shradh
• Monday, October 9, 2023: Ekadashi Shradh
• Tuesday, October 11, 2023: Dwadashi Shradh or Magha Shradh
• Wednesday, October 12, 2023: Trayodashi Shradh
• Thursday, October 13, 2023: Chaturdashi Shradh
• Friday, October 14, 2023: Sarva Pitru Amavasya or Amavasya Shradh

History behind Pitru Paksha (Shradh)

The practice of Pitru Paksha leads back to ancient Hindu texts such as the Garuda Purana and the Mahabharata. According to these texts, during Pitru Paksha, the souls of the departed ancestors or pitrus descend from their heavenly abodes to visit their ancestors on Earth. “Pitru” refers to one’s ancestors or forefathers, and “Paksha” means fortnight or 15-day period.

The origins of this tradition link to the concept of “Shradha” or the offering made to ancestors to express gratitude and seek their blessings. The Garuda Purana describes in detail the rituals and offerings made during this period to ensure the well-being of the departed souls.

Moreover, Lord Krishna initiated the tradition of Pitru Paksha during the Mahabharata War. According to the epic, when Arjuna asked Krishna how to honor his ancestors who had died in battle, Krishna advised him to perform a ritual during the Pitru Paksha fortnight. Thus, honoring ancestors during this period became an important Hindu culture and tradition.

The importance of Pitru Paksha also marks a place in the Hindu scripture, the Bhagavad Gita, where it states that one should perform their duties and offer food and water to the pitrus during this period to attain peace and happiness in both this life and the afterlife.

In addition to performing rituals and offering food to the pitrus, Pitru Paksha is also a time for seeking forgiveness and performing acts of charity towards the needy. Thus, by performing these actions during this period, one can ensure the well-being of their ancestors and earn their blessings.

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Rituals to perform on Pitru Paksha 2023

Performing the Shradh or Pitru Paksha rituals involves several steps one must follow precisely. Here is how you should perform Shradh on Pitru Paksha 2023:

• Choose a clean and peaceful location to perform the Sharadh, preferably in the presence of a priest.
• Place a picture or photo of the deceased ancestor on an altar with flowers, incense sticks, and a lamp.
• Begin the ritual by invoking Lord Ganesha to remove any obstacles that may hinder the performance of the Sharadh. You can do it by chanting the Ganesha mantra or offering flowers and fruits to a statue or picture of Lord Ganesha.
• Next, offer prayers to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe and the one who can bless the ancestors. You can do so by chanting the Vishnu Sahasranama or offering flowers and fruits to a statue or picture of Lord Vishnu.
• Offer water to the ancestors by pouring it into a silver or copper vessel and then pouring it into another vessel, symbolizing the offering by the ancestors. Accompany it by chanting mantras such as the Pitru Gayatri mantra.
• In addition, offer food to the ancestors, which includes cooked rice, lentils, vegetables, and sweets. Place the food on a banana leaf or a plate and offer it with a prayer. As per the beliefs, the ancestors partake of the essence of the food you offer them.
• Perform Tarpana to seek the ancestors’ blessings and offer them gratitude.
• Ahead, pour water through the fingers clockwise into a vessel, symbolizing the offering made to the ancestors.
• Performing Pind Daan and offering small rice balls and sesame seeds to the ancestors can help them receive the essence of the offerings, which helps them in their journey toward the afterlife.
• Seek forgiveness from the ancestors for any wrongdoings or mistakes committed knowingly or unknowingly.
• Conclude the ritual by offering Dakshina or donating to the priest and seeking their blessings. It is also important to distribute the prasad or offerings to the family members and guests present.

Pujas to perform on Pitru Paksha (Shradh) 2023

The Pitru Paksha or Sharadh period is when Hindus perform various pujas to honor their ancestors and seek their blessings. Here are some pujas you can perform on Pitru Paksha (Shradh) 2023:

• Vishnu Puja: Performing Vishnu Puja during Pitru Paksha (Shradh) 2023 can help the ancestors attain peace and blessings. This puja honors Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe and the one who can bless the ancestors.
• Gayatri Mantra Jaap: Chanting the Gayatri Mantra during Pitru Paksha helps the ancestors attain moksha. The mantra is to seek the ancestors’ blessings and offer them gratitude.
• Navagraha Puja: Navagraha Puja is performed during Pitru Paksha to appease the planets and seek their blessings. Planets play a crucial role in determining one’s destiny. Therefore, by performing this puja, one can attain their blessings and overcome any obstacles in life.
• Shradh Puja: Shradh Puja on Pitru Paksha (Shradh) 2023 shall honor the ancestors and seek their blessings. It is a comprehensive ritual involving various steps, such as offering water and food and performing Tarpana. This puja is to offer gratitude to the ancestors and seek their guidance.

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Significance of Pitru Paksha (Sharadh)

Pitru Paksha is 16 days in the Hindu calendar dedicated to honoring one’s ancestors. The word “Pitru” means ancestors, and “Paksha” means fortnight. During this period, Hindus perform various rituals and pujas to honor their ancestors and seek their blessings.

Pitru Paksha is a time to show gratitude to one’s ancestors who have passed away. By performing various rituals and offering prayers, Hindus seek to acknowledge and express their appreciation for the sacrifices and contributions of their ancestors.

Hindus believe their ancestors play a significant role in their lives and can offer guidance and blessings. By performing pujas and offering prayers, they seek the blessings of their ancestors for a prosperous and fulfilling life.

The period of Pitru Paksha is considered an auspicious time for performing good deeds and acts of charity. By performing acts of kindness and generosity, one can attract positive karma and blessings from their ancestors.

Moreover, Pitru Paksha is a time to strengthen family bonds and foster unity among family members. By coming together to perform various rituals and pujas, family members can build a sense of community and express their love and respect for their ancestors.

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