Dashami Shradh - 26 September 2024

There is special mention of a 15-days called Pitru paksha in the Hindu calendar. This fortnight during the Krishna paksha of the Aswin month is considered inauspicious for organizing auspicious events (like children’s naming ceremonies, weddings, and housewarming ceremonies). Therefore people pay homage to their deceased ancestors by performing Shradh and Tarpan rituals to appease them, seek forgiveness for any hurt caused to them and seek their blessings.

What is Dashami Shradh?

On the tenth day of Pitra paksha, Dashami Shradh is performed for those deceased members who died on Dashami tithi of any month. In Hindu religion shradh on Dashami Tithi is considered to have special significance. It is said that by performing Shradh on this day, ancestors attain heaven. These rituals are believed to provide peace to the departed souls and bring blessings to the living family members. Dashami Shradh can be performed in any of these Muhurta like Kutup, Rohin, and afternoon time. Let’s know about the Pitru Paksha Dashami Shradh method and remedies.

Shradh Ritual Time:

• 26 September 2024, Thursday

• Dashami tithi starts – 26 September 2024, at 12:25 PM

• Dashami tithi ends on – 27 September 2024, at 1:20 PM

• Kutup Muhurta – 11:48 AM to 12:36 PM

• Rohin muhurta – 12:36 PM to 1:24 PM

• Afternoon time – 1:24 PM to 3:48 PM

Importance of Dashami Shradh:

1. Honoring ancestors: The 10th chradh pays tribute to ancestors who died on Dashami tithi helping them find peace in the afterlife; it provides spiritual energy and nourishment to their souls.
2. Fulfilling ancestral duties: By performing these rituals one fulfills the duty of Pitra Rine (ancestral debt) to maintain harmony and balance within the family.
3. Protecting family lineage: The ritual is believed to shield the family from negative influences like health issues or financial problems that could arise from neglecting ancestral duties.
4. Blessings for prosperity: Satisfied ancestors are thought to bless the family with prosperity, health, and protection ensuring the family’s well-being and growth.

Rituals and Procedures of Dashami Shradh:

1. Preparation and purification: Begin the day with a bath and purify your home. Set up a sacred space with photos or symbols of the departed, decorated with flowers, incense, and lamps.
2. Pind Daan (Rice ball offering): Offer pindas (rice balls with Barley, sesame seeds, and ghee) to represent the departed souls, symbolizing nourishment for their spiritual journey.
3. Tarpan (Water offering): Offer water mixed with sesame seeds and barley while chanting mantras, symbolizing the quenching of the ancestors’ spiritual thirst.
4. Food offering (Brahmin Bhoj): prepare a meal and offer it to Brahmins or needy people. It is believed this food reaches the ancestors satisfying their hunger.
5. Donating and charity: Donate clothes, food, and money to the needy as a tribute to the departed earning their blessings.
6. Reciting of mantras and prayers: Recite mantras like the Pitra Suktam or verses from the Garuda Purana to invoke the ancestors and seek their blessings.

Remedies Associated with Dashami Shradh:

1. Feeding cows, birds, and animals: Feed cows, crows, and stray animals to bring peace to ancestors of the departed.
2. Lighting Diyas: Light a diya (oil lamp) facing south, the direction associated with ancestors to guide their souls towards peace.
3. Offering black sesame seeds: Donate black sesame seeds and other items to the poor. These seeds are seen as purifying and help appease the ancestors.
4. Performing Hawan (fire ritual): conduct a small Hawan with ghee, sesame seeds, and sacred wood to cleanse negative energies and bring peace to the ancestors.
5. Recitation of the Bhagavad Gita: Read chapters that focus on the soul’s journey to provide spiritual upliftment for both the departed and the living.
6. Offering water to Peepal tree: Pour water at the base of a Peepal tree seen as a bridge between earthly and spiritual realms to please the ancestors.
7. Donation of iron and silver: Donate iron, silver, or utensils to reduce ancestral afflictions like Pitra dosha which can cause family obstacles.
8. Avoiding certain activities: Avoid cutting hair, and nails, or consuming non-vegetarian food on shradh days to show respect to the ancestors.

Spiritual and Psychological Benefits:

1. Closure and healing: Performing the 10th shradh helps family members find emotional closure and peace, knowing they are honoring their loved ones.
2. Strengthening family bonds: these rituals emphasize the importance of family and traditions reinforcing unity and respect for ancestors.
3. Removing obstacles: The spiritual benefits extend to the material world helping remove obstacles and misfortunes.
4. Inner peace: Fulfilling ancestral duties provides a sense of inner peace and contentment honoring the family legacy.

Conclusion:

The Dashami Shradh is a meaningful ritual that highlights the importance of remembering and honoring ancestors. By observing these practices, families can ensure peace for departed souls and invite prosperity, protection, and positive energies into their lives. Participating in these rituals strengthens the bond between past, present, and future generations maintaining spiritual balance within the family.