How to know Shradh day, How to check Shradh date: During Pitru paksha we get lots of confusion about How to decide Shradh date and Shradh tithi. We often get lots of questions like how to find tithi for shradh, How is Shradh tithi calculated, how to check shradh date etc. If you are also looking answers for similar type of questions this article is for you.
How to know Shradh day | How to check Shradh date | Tithi
Following are the scenarios
Case 1 - If you know the Tithi
- Shradh should ideally be performed every year on the Tithi (date) of the individual's death, following the Hindu calendar.
- Just to note its not as per English calender but as per Hindu calender.
Case 2 - If you don't know Tithi but know the month
- If you don't know tithi and know the month, in this case, Shradh can be performed on Amavasya (New Moon day) of that month.
Case 3 - If you don't know both Tithi and month
- If both the tithi and month are unknown, you can perform Shradh on Amavasya of either Magha or Margashirsha month.
Now you know the date/tithi. Next question is what time ?
Now lets see what is the best time to perform Shradh
Best Time to Perform Shradh
The most appropriate time of the day for Shradh is during the Aparanha period, which is the fourth part of the day when the day is divided into five parts. This time is considered ideal for performing the rituals.
Also read - How to do Shradh at home - Simple 5 Step-by-Step Guide
Auspicious Tithis (dates) for performing Shradh
Traditionally, certain tithis (dates) are considered auspicious for performing Shradh. These include:
- Amavasya (New Moon day)
- 12 Sankrantis throughout the year
- Solar and lunar eclipses
- Yugadi and Manvadi tithis (commencement of Eras and Manvantaras)
- Ardhodayadiparva (a special measure of time)
- Tithi (as per Hindu calender) of the individual’s death
- The arrival of learned Shrotriya Brahmans
Daily Tarpana for Pitars - What time should Tarpan be done?
- In an ideal scenario, Shradh for the ancestors should be performed every day through a simple ritual called Tarpana, which involves offering water to the ancestors.
- This must be done early in the morning after taking bath.
Shradh rules - Important points
Follow below Shradh rules.
1 - Shradh for Those Who Died a Natural Death
- The Shradh for those who passed away naturally should be performed on either Bhadrapada Shukla Purnima or Ashwin Krishna Amavasya.
- The Shradh for individuals who died a natural and normal death on Chaturdashi Tithi should never be performed on that day. Instead, their Shradh should be conducted on Trayodashi or Amavasya during Pitru Paksha.
2 - Shradh for Those Who Died an Unnatural Death
- For those who died unnaturally, such as from accidents, snake bites, poison, weapon attacks, murder, suicide, or any other unnatural cause, Shradh should never be performed on the day of death.
- Instead, their Shradh must be performed only on Chaturdashi Tithi, regardless of the actual date of death.
3 - Shradh for Married Women
The Shradh of married women (women who died while their husband was still alive) should always be performed on Navami Tithi of Pitru Paksha, regardless of the actual date of their death.
4 - Shradh for Sanyasis
- For those who were sanyasis (renunciants), the Shradh should only be performed on Dwadashi Tithi during Pitru Paksha, irrespective of the date of their death.
5 - Shradh for Maternal Grandparents
- The Shradh of maternal grandparents (maternal grandfather and grandmother) should be performed only on Ashwin Shukla Pratipada, no matter on which date they passed away.
Also read - Pitru paksha puja vidhi at home - step by step guide
Drik panchang Shraddha calculator and guidelines
Below are Drik panchang guidelines to know Shradh day and check Shradh date.
How to Determine the Date for Annual Shraddha
- If you know the exact date and time of your family member's passing, you can determine the Hindu Tithi (lunar date) at that time.
- The Annual Shradh should be performed on the same Hindu date every year. Since the Hindu calendar is based on the position of the Sun and the Moon, the date will vary each year on the Gregorian calendar.
- Using the Shraddha Tithi Calculator - To find the correct day for performing annual Shraddha, you can use the Shraddha Tithi Calculator. This tool helps identify the appropriate Shraddha day during Pitru Paksha, also known as Mahalaya.
- Performing Shraddha During Pitru Paksha - Pitru Paksha, a 15-day period, is considered the most auspicious time to perform Shraddha rituals. However, note that Shraddha during Pitru Paksha is performed one year after the death of a family member.
