Ashtami Shradh - 24 September 2024

To perform Shradh in Pitru paksha is important. It is said that during this time the ancestors descend from heaven to earth and visit their families. If shradh, pind daan, and tarpan are performed properly during Pitra paksha then the departed souls get peace and they return happy and satisfied. In Ashtami Shradh, shradh is performed for those dead family members who died on Ashtami tithi.

What is Ashtami Shradh?

Eight Shradh (Ashtami Shradh) is a ritual in Hinduism performed during Pitra paksha a time dedicated to honoring deceased ancestors and the eighth shradh is for those who died on the eighth day (Ashtami tithi) of any lunar month. This is known as Ashtmi Shradh.

Shradh Ritual Time:

• 24 September 2024, Tuesday
• Ashtmi tithi starts – 24 September 2024, 12:38 PM
• Ashtmi tithi ends on – 25 September 2024, 12:10 PM
• Kutup muhurat – 11:49 AM to 12:37 PM
• Rohini muhurta – 12:37 PM to 1:25 PM
• Afternoon time – 1:25 PM to 3:50 PM

Why Ashtmi Shradh is important:

1. Honoring Ancestors: this ritual is done to pay respect to ancestors who died on the eighth lunar day ensuring their souls find peace and liberation.
2. Gaining Spiritual Blessings: Performing Ashtami Shradh invites blessings from ancestors which are believed to bring good health, prosperity and protection to the family.
3. Balancing Ancestral Debts: This ritual helps balance karmic debts owed to ancestors. Neglecting it can lead to pitra dosha which might cause problems in life.
4. Relieving Ancestral Curses: It is particularly important for those facing pitra dosha which can bring issues like financial trouble, health problems, or obstacles in marriage.
5. Strengthening Family Bonds: Astmi Shradh helps remind us of our ancestors, deepening respect for family traditions and heritage.

Remedies for Ashtami Shradh:

1. Perform Tarpan and Pind Daan: Tarpan offers water mixed with sesame seeds to quench the departed soul’s thirst. Pind Daan is offering Rice Balls made of rice flour, sesame seeds and ghee as a representation of ancestors.
2. Feed Brahmins and the Needy: Serving meals to priests and donating food to the poor is a way to nourish the souls of ancestors in the afterlife.
3. Donating and Charity: Donate essentials like clothes, grains, or money to the needy in the name of ancestors which helps lessen negative influences.
4. Chat mantras and recite sacred texts: Reciting the Pitru Suktam or chanting mantras like “Om Pitrubhyah Swadha Namah,” invokes ancestral blessings.
5. Light a lamp: Light a ghee lamp facing south in the direction of the ancestors symbolizing guidance and peace for their souls.
6. Avoid tamasic foods: Refrain from consuming meat, onions, and garlic during this period to keep the rituals pure.
7. Perform rituals at sacred places: if possible perform Shradh at places like Gaya or Haridwar believed to hold special powers to liberate souls.
8. Offer flowers and tulsi: Fresh flowers especially marigolds and tulsi leaves are offered to purify and enhance blessings.
9. Pray to Lord Vishnu and Yamraj: Prayers to Lord Vishnu and Yamaraj, who guide and judge the souls, are a key part of the rituals.
10. Maintain a positive environment: Keep a calm and respectful environment as positivity enhances the effectiveness of Shradh.

Benefits of performing Ashtmi Shradh:

There are many benefits of performing Ashtami Shradh IN Pitra paksha as:

1. It is believed that by performing Shradh during Pitra paksha the ancestors are pleased and give blessings.
2. Performing Shradh during Pitru paksha brings peace to the souls of the ancestors.
3. By performing Shradh in Pitru paksha, Pitra dosha of the descendants is removed.
4. Performing Shradh in Pitru Paksha brings health, prosperity, longevity, happiness, peace, progeny, and good children.

Conclusion:

Ashtami is a deeply significant ritual in Hindu culture. In Ashtami Shradh, Shradh is performed for those dead family members who died on Ashtami tithi. By performing these rituals and following simple remedies, families can honor their ancestors, seek their blessings, and bring peace and prosperity to their lives.