Death & Transitions
Chaturthi Shradh — Day 4 of Pitru Paksha
चतुर्थी श्राद्ध
Last reviewed: April 2026
Chaturthi Shradh (चतुर्थी श्राद्ध) on day 4 of Pitru Paksha honors ancestors whose death tithi was chaturthi in any lunar month. Also called "Bharani Shradh" when it coincides with Bharani nakshatra — considered extremely powerful. चतुर्थी तिथि पर मृत पूर्वजों का श्राद्ध।
The Practice
In some lineages, Chaturthi is sacred to Ganesha and a small Ganesha puja is done before the pitru rite — to remove obstacles in the offering reaching the ancestors.
The shradh food includes modak or laddu as naivedya — sweet items Ganesha and pitrus both accept.
The Pitru Sukta (Rig Veda 10.15) is recited fully during the pind daan on Chaturthi in orthodox traditions.
A copper vessel is preferred over brass for the tarpan — copper is held to carry pitru offerings more efficiently.
After the Brahmin has eaten, a circumambulation of the puja area is done three times by the karta.
The rite concludes with a pledge: "May my ancestors always be satisfied; may my lineage prosper in dharma."
Regional Variations
North Indian Tradition
In North India, Chaturthi Shradh is often performed with a small Ganesha puja at the start, given the tithi's Ganesha association.
South Indian Tradition
South Indian Brahmins perform the rite with full Vedic procedure including til-homa.
Bengali Tradition
Bengali families focus on Mahalaya tarpan; individual tithi shradh is less emphasized.
Gujarati Tradition
Gujarati families observe Chaturthi with modak offering and Ganesha invocation at the start of the rite.
The Thing Nobody Else Says
Chaturthi Shradh combined with Bharani nakshatra carries equal ritual weight to a full shradh performed at Gaya — a rare combination that occurs in some years.
Nirnaya Sindhu notes that "Bharani Shradh" — Chaturthi coinciding with Bharani nakshatra — is specifically elevated in the text and equated with the Gaya shradh in its ability to liberate ancestors from lingering states.
Classical Source
चतुर्थ्यां श्राद्धकर्तव्यं भरण्यां च विशेषतः। गयाश्राद्धसमं प्रोक्तं मुनिभिः शास्त्रदर्शिभिः॥
caturthyāṃ śrāddhakartavyaṃ bharaṇyāṃ ca viśeṣataḥ। gayāśrāddhasamaṃ proktaṃ munibhiḥ śāstradarśibhiḥ॥
“On chaturthi, shradh should be performed, and especially on Bharani. This is declared by the sages equal to the Gaya shradh.”
— Nirnaya Sindhu, Shraddha Prakarana, Verse 24
What If —
What if Chaturthi and Bharani nakshatra both coincide?
This combination — Bharani Shradh — is especially powerful. Perform the rite with full procedure and, if possible, visit a tirtha. Many families plan their annual shradh around this day in years when it falls during Pitru Paksha.
What if I can only do one shradh in the fortnight?
If you must choose one day, Sarvapitru Amavasya (day 15) is the default. If Chaturthi coincides with Bharani, that day is also a powerful choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bharani Shradh?
Bharani Shradh is when Chaturthi Shradh coincides with Bharani nakshatra — considered equal in power to a Gaya shradh. (Hindi: भरणी श्राद्ध — चतुर्थी और भरणी नक्षत्र का संयोग, गया श्राद्ध के बराबर।)
Which ancestors are honored today?
Ancestors whose death tithi was chaturthi of any month. Some traditions also add those who died in accidents or violence.
What samagri is needed?
Same as other shradh days: til, jau, rice, ghee, honey, kusha, flowers, and a brass or copper vessel.
Is Ganesha puja performed?
Yes, in some traditions, since Chaturthi is sacred to Ganesha. This is a remover-of-obstacles invocation before the pitru rite. (Hindi: कुछ परम्पराओं में श्राद्ध से पहले गणेश पूजा की जाती है।)
Can I perform Chaturthi Shradh at a temple?
Yes. A Shiva or Vishnu temple pond is ideal. Many families also go to a river ghat or a Ganesha temple for this day.