Ekadashi Shradh - 27 September 2024

Ekadashi has special significance in sanatan Dharma. There is a law to worship Lord Vishnu on this special day. At the same time, Ekadashi coming during Shradh Paksha is known as Ekadashi Shradh (Pitra Paksha Ekadashi). Today people offer Tarpan to their ancestors as per the rituals that liberate their souls. It is said that if natives offer Tarpan to their ancestors on this day, they attain salvation.

What is Ekadashi Shradh?

Ekadashi Shradh has great religious and spiritual importance in Hindu Dharma. This day is dedicated to our ancestors. It is said that on this special day, the ancestors come to earth. Also, there is a law to worship Lord Vishnu on this day. This is the reason why people pray to the Lord for the salvation of their ancestors, those who pray for the salvation of their ancestors on this holy day and di Pitra Tarpan and Pind Daan for them and Lord Vishnu Blesses them. Also, they give them a place in their abode “Vaikunth Dham,”. Even those suffering from their past bad deeds, and are being punished in Yamaloka by the god of death, Yamraj, their ancestors also get free from that pain by performing this Ekadashi Shradh.

Ekadashi Shradh Ritual Time:

• 27 September 2024, Friday

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

• Rohini muhurt – 12:36 PM to 1:24 PM

• Afternoon period – 1:24 PM to 3:48 PM

Importance of Ekadashi Shradh:

1. Spiritual significance: Ekadashi Shradh plays a crucial role in liberating the souls of ancestors from the cycle of rebirth. Performing the rituals helps the departed souls attain Moksha ensuring their peace and rest in the afterlife.
2. Family well-being: Performing Ekadashi Shrad rituals are believed to enhance the family’s overall well-being, bringing peace, prosperity and protection by appeasing the ancestors.
3. Mitigating ancestral karma: The rituals performed during Ekadashi Shradh are believed to reduce the impact of ancestral karmas (Pitra Dosha) on the family, which can positively influence one’s health, success and harmony.
4. Expression of Gratitude: It is a way to express deep respect, gratitude and reverence towards the ancestors acknowledging their blessings and guidance in shaping the lives of the current generation.

Remedies and Rituals for Ekadashi Shradh:

1. Tarpan and Pind Daan: This ritual involves offering water mixed with black sesame seeds, barley, and kusha grass to the ancestors. It is a symbolic gesture of satisfying the departed souls and seeking their blessings.
2. Feeding Brahmins and the needy: feeding Brahmins the poor and animals such as cows, crows and dogs is considered highly auspicious on this day. This act of charity is believed to please the ancestors and bring their blessings to the family.
3. Lighting a ghee lamp: Lighting a diya (lamp) filled with Ghee in front of the ancestors’ pictures or symbols is an important ritual. It symbolizes guiding the souls towards light, peace, and liberation.
4. Offering sattvic food: Prepare food without onion and garlic (sattvic food) and offer it to the ancestors. This food once offered is distributed among Brahmins and the needy symbolizing sharing the blessings of the ancestors.
5. Chanting Mantras: Reciting sacred mantras such as “Om Pitrubhyo Namah” or the “ Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra” can help calm and bless the souls of the ancestors bringing tranquility to the family.
6. Incorporating Tulsi Leaves: Offering food with Tulsi (holy basil) leaves is considered highly auspicious. Tulsi is known for its purifying properties, making the food more acceptable and pleasing to the ancestors.
7. Donating clothes and essentials: Donating clothes , footwear, and daily essentials in memory of the departed ancestors helps gain their blessings. It is an act of kindness that reflects the soul’s journey through generosity and compassion.
8. Performing tilanjali: offering black sesame seeds with water known as Tilanjali, is believed to cleanse sins and provide peace to the ancestors. It is an essential part of Shradh rituals, representing the connection between the living and the departed.
9. Avoiding suspicious activities: Refrain from beginning new ventures wearing black clothes, cutting nails or shaving on Ekadashi Shradh. These activities are considered inauspicious during the period dedicated to ancestors.

Conclusion:

Ekadashi Shradh is a day  of deep spiritual reflection and connection with one’s ancestors. By performing the prescribed remedies and rituals with devotion individuals can honor their forebears, seek forgiveness and invite positive energies into their lives. The blessings of the ancestors when sought earnestly help protect the family bringing peace, harmony and prosperity for generations to come.