Shraddh Puja - India for Corruption

Shraddh Puja




By Aam Admi, Activist & Astrologer Arvind Kejriwal



Shraddh Puja and offerings- Homage to Pitra’s

The deceased souls or Pitras are ancestors from our current and previous lifetimes. It is believed that pitras with lord Ganesha’s grace approach the earth once a year to get relief from their sufferings. During these days they feed on the willing offerings made to them by descendants. If offerings are not made willingly they forcefully take good fortune energies from their unwilling or ignorant descendants.

Depending upon the death time (tithi) of the ancestor (if known), a specific day is allotted for making the offerings and Puja to them. If the tithi is not known, then the offering can be made on the first or last day of Shradh. These offerings are being made to pitras who are the most in need of help and those pitras who are obstructing one's progress the most.

Astrospeak, keeping in mind the need of its clients has organised special Shradh pujas during Pitra Paksh.

The ritual shall contain the Puja offered to the Pitra on his/her death Tithi. The puja is performed by able and learned priests in strict accordance with Vedic rituals as prescribed in classics. One time proper food is offered to 5 Brahmins. Clothes, fruits and Dakshina will also be given to all 5 brahmins. In addition to this the chief Brahmin shall be given mahadaan comprising of 35 items. These include-

Ganga Jal , Mustard Oil , Ghee , Rice ,Wheat , Salt , Sugar ,Chana ,Kali Urad Dal ,Umbrella , Shoes/socks or chappals , Steel utensils-5 (glass,plate,spoon,katori,lota) , Blanket ,White cloth-dhoti+gamcha , Towel ,Fruits, Mithai, Coconut , Banana ,Cooked food-mathi/sag/poori halwa ,Dals (dry-5) ,Vegetables-5 , Milk , Yogurt ,Bangles/suhaag things or janau , Comb ,Mehndi ,Nav Ratan , Gold, Silver , Jaun , Kale Til , Supari/Paan , Lavang, Ilaichi , Dhoop/aggarbatti (incense stick)

Tithes of various Shradh’s during 2012

September 30, 2012 – Purnima and Pratipada Shradh

October 1, 2012 – Dwitiya Shradh

October 2 – Tritiya Shradh

October 4 – Chaturthi Shradh

October 5 – Panchami Shradh

October 6 – Shasti Shradh

October 7, 2012 – Saptami Shradh

October 8, 2012 – Ashtami Shradh

October 9, 2012 – Navami Shradh

October 10, 2012 – Dasami Shradh

October 11, 2012 – Ekadashi Shradh

October 12, 2012 – Dwadashi Shradh

October 13, 2012 – Trayodashi Shradh

October 14, 2012 – Chaturdashi Shradh

October 15, 2012 – Mahalaya Amavasi