Other Pujas — Vedic Puja Vidhi
Shradh Puja
Shradh Puja is a sacred Vedic ritual performed to honor deceased ancestors (Pitrus) and ensure their peace and liberation in the afterlife. Derived from the Sanskrit word "shrat" (faith/truth), Shradh involves offering tarpan (water oblations), pind daan (rice ball offerings), and feeding Brahmins and crows as representatives of the ancestors. It is believed that ancestors visit the earth plane during the Pitru Paksha fortnight and the Shradh ritual satisfies them, earning their blessings for the living family. Shradh is performed on the death anniversary (tithi) of the departed or during Pitru Paksha.
Last updated: 23 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Benefits
Frees ancestral souls from karmic debts and grants them moksha, removes Pitru Dosha from the family horoscope, brings peace and prosperity to the living descendants, ensures protection from ancestral curses, and improves fertility, health, and fortune of the family lineage.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Take a ritual bath and wear clean white or unstitched clothes. Face south (direction of the Pitrus). Offer tarpan — mix sesame seeds in water and pour southward three times while reciting the ancestors' names. Prepare pind (cooked rice mixed with sesame and honey) and offer them on kusha grass. Feed crows, cows, and dogs before eating yourself. Invite and feed a Brahmin. Perform the ritual annually on the ancestor's death tithi or during Pitru Paksha.
Best Time (Muhurat)
Death anniversary tithi of the ancestor, or any day during Pitru Paksha (16-day period in Bhadrapada/Ashvin). Kutup muhurta (midday) is most auspicious for Shradh.
Materials Required (Samagri)
- ·Kusha grass
- ·Black sesame seeds
- ·Rice
- ·Barley flour
- ·Honey
- ·Cow milk
- ·Ghee
- ·White flowers
- ·Incense sticks
- ·Copper vessel for tarpan
- ·Black cloth
- ·Food for Brahmin and crows
FAQ
Q.What is Shradh Puja?
Shradh Puja is a sacred Vedic ritual performed to honor deceased ancestors (Pitrus) and ensure their peace and liberation in the afterlife. Derived from the Sanskrit word "shrat" (faith/truth), Shradh involves offering tarpan (water oblations), pind ...
Q.What are the benefits of Shradh Puja?
Frees ancestral souls from karmic debts and grants them moksha, removes Pitru Dosha from the family horoscope, brings peace and prosperity to the living descendants, ensures protection from ancestral curses, and improves fertility, health, and fortune of the family lineage.
Q.What is the best time to perform Shradh Puja?
Death anniversary tithi of the ancestor, or any day during Pitru Paksha (16-day period in Bhadrapada/Ashvin). Kutup muhurta (midday) is most auspicious for Shradh.
Q.What materials are needed for Shradh Puja?
Kusha grass, Black sesame seeds, Rice, Barley flour, Honey, Cow milk, Ghee, White flowers, Incense sticks, Copper vessel for tarpan, Black cloth, Food for Brahmin and crows.