Shradh Puja is a Hindu ritual where we show respect and gratitude to our ancestors. It’s a way to thank them and receive their blessings. This special ritual is done during Pitru Paksha, a 16-day period in the Hindu calendar. For 2024, Shradh Puja can be performed between 17th September and 2nd October. If you plan to do Shradh Puja at home, here’s a simple guide to help you perform the ritual properly.
In this blog, we’ll explain how to perform Shradh Puja at home in easy-to-follow steps. Whether it’s your first time or you just need a refresher, this guide will assist you. For personal help, you can also visit the Astro Vijay website to get expert advice on performing rituals.
Step-by-Step Guide for Performing Shradh Puja at Home
1. Choose the Right Date
Shradh Puja is always performed during Pitru Paksha, which usually falls in September to October. The puja should be done on the Tithi (Hindu lunar day) that matches the death anniversary of the deceased family member. Check the dates carefully to choose the right day.
2. Get Ready for the Puja
First, clean your house, especially the room where you will perform the puja. The space should be neat and peaceful. Then, gather all the required items for the ritual. Here’s a basic list of things you will need:
- A photo or symbolic representation of your ancestors
- Holy water (Gangajal) for offering (Tarpan)
- Black sesame seeds (til)
- Barley grains (jau)
- Kusha grass
- Flowers and incense sticks
- A clean cloth
- A brass plate and spoon
- A diya (lamp)
These items can be easily found at local shops.
3. Offer Prayers (Tarpan)
Tarpan is an important part of Shradh Puja, where you offer water to your ancestors. Follow these steps:
- Take a brass or copper vessel filled with water. Add black sesame seeds and barley grains to it.
- Sit in front of the photograph of your ancestors.
- While slowly pouring the water into a plate or on the ground, call out their names.
If you know the mantras, chant them while offering the water. If not, don’t worry. You can easily find mantras online or consult Pandit ji Mahakal puja, an expert astrologer in Ujjain, for help.
4. Perform Pind Daan
Pind Daan is another important part of Shradh Puja, where rice balls (pinds) are offered to the departed souls. Here’s how to do it:
- Take some cooked rice and mix it with black sesame seeds. Shape them into small round balls.
- Place these pinds on a clean plate in front of your ancestor’s photo.
- Pray for their peace and happiness in the afterlife.
5. Feed Brahmins or the Needy
It is believed to be very auspicious to feed Brahmins, priests, or needy people after Shradh Puja. You can also feed crows, as they are considered messengers of ancestors. Prepare food like rice, dal, vegetables, and sweets. If you cannot feed Brahmins or priests, you can donate food or other necessities to the poor instead.
Benefits of Performing Shradh Puja
Performing Shradh Puja at home is a meaningful way to honor your ancestors. It brings peace to their souls, removes obstacles, and invites their blessings into your home. It also strengthens the spiritual bond within your family.
Shradh Puja is a simple yet heartfelt way to show respect to the departed. If you need any assistance or are unsure about any step, Pandit Vijay Joshi Ji can guide you through the process. He is a well-known astrologer in Ujjain who specializes in performing various Hindu rituals and can ensure that the puja is done properly.
Performing Shradh Puja at home is a beautiful gesture of respect toward your ancestors. If you want to do it yourself, follow the steps outlined above. For any further questions or help with the ritual, you can always reach out to Pandit Vijay Joshi Ji for expert guidance.