Saptami Shradh - 23 September 2024

Pitra Paksha is a special time among Hindus dedicated to paying homage to their ancestors. On this day people perform some puja rituals and eat food for the peace of deceased family members. This period starts from the full moon of Bhadrapada to the new moon of Ashwin month known as Pitra paksha. Saptami Shradh is on the seventh day of either the paksha or shukla paksha and Krishan Paksha of a Hindu lunar month. Saptami Shradh is performed for those who died on Saptami tithi of either of the two paksha.

Shradh puja during pitru paksha is considered very important by Hindus. According to Hindu Purana the Shradh satisfies the ancestors and bestows health, wealth, and happiness. It is believed that the one who performs all the rituals of Shradh attains salvation. The present generation repays its debt by performing Shradh of ancestors during pitru paksha.

What is Saptami Shradh?

Seventh shradh is a special ritual performed during the shradh period to honor ancestors who passed away on the seventh lunar day (Saptami tithi). This tradition helps bring peace to departed souls and seeks their blessings for the living family members. Let us know its importance, rituals, and remedies.

Shardh Ritual Time:

• 23 September 2024, Monday

• Saptami tithi starts on - 23 September 2024 at 01:50 PM

• Saptami tithi ends on - 24 September 2024 at 12:38 PM

• Kutup Muhurat: 11:49 AM to 12:37 PM

• Rohini Muhurta: 12:37 PM to 01:26 PM

• Afternoon time: 01:26 PM to 03:51 PM

Why Saptami Shradh Matters:

1. Paying Respect: Seventh Shradh is for honoring ancestors who died on Saptami tithi of any month. It shows respect and gratitude helping their souls rest in peace.
2. Spiritual Growth: by performing the ritual family members not only help the departed but also purify their spiritual path. Ancestors’ blessings bring health, prosperity, and overall well-being.
3. Karmic Relief: according to Hindu belief everyone has debts to gods, sages, and ancestors, performing Shradh rituals helps repay the ancestral debt, reducing negative effects on one’s karma.
4. Removing Family Troubles: The ritual is believed to clear obstacles such as financial issues, health problems, and family disputes. Pleased ancestors are thought to guide the family away from hardships.
5. Peaceful Transition for Ancestors: The rituals during shradh help ancestors find peace and a smooth transition to the ancestral realm.

Ritual of Saptami Shradh:

1. Purification: Clean the house and set up a sacred space with a picture or symbol of the departed, flowers, incense, and a lamp.
2. Tarpan (Water offering): Offer water mixed with sesame seeds, barley, and grass while reciting mantras to please the ancestors.
3. Pind Daan: Offer rice balls made from rice, barley flour, and sesame seeds to represent the ancestors and nourish their souls.
4. Brahmin Bhoj (Food Offering): Prepare a meal for priests as feeding them symbolizes feeding the ancestors. Typical dishes include kheer, puris, and sweets.
5. Charity: Donate food, clothes or money to the needy, honoring the giving nature of the ancestors.
6. Mantras and Prayers: Recite specific mantras to connect with the ancestors and seek their blessings.
7. Feeding Crows and Cows: offer food to crows (seen as messengers of ancestors) and cows completing the rituals.

Remedies to enhance Saptami Shradh:

1. Daily Tarpan: Offer water mixed with sesame seeds and rice balls during pitru paksha for extra blessings.
2. Donate Essentials: Giving food, clothes, or essentials to the needy generates god karma and pleases the ancestors.
3. Feed Animals: Regularly feed crows, dogs, and cows to honor the ancestors.
4. Plant a Tree: planting a tree in memory of ancestors symbolizes life and continuity, bringing positive energy.
5. Chant Sacred Texts: Recite verses from the Bhagavad Gita or Shraddha mantras to guide souls towards peace.
6. Avoid Certain Foods: Stay away from non-vegetarian food and alcohol to maintain a pure environment during Shradh.
7. Light a Lamp: Light a ghee lamp daily in the house and pray to the ancestors symbolizing guidance and light for their souls.

Conclusion:

Seventh Shradh is a meaningful way to honor ancestors, strengthen family bonds, and receive blessings. By sincerely following, ensure peace for their departed loved ones and prosperity for themselves. These practices uphold cultural heritage and connect the past with the present paving the way for a future blessed by ancestral grace.