- By Kashish Rai
- Sat, 13 Sep 2025 12:24 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Madhya Ashtami 2025 is a significant Hindu ceremony during the Mahalayam fortnight also referred to as Pitru Paksha Shradh. It is celebrated on the eighth day or Ashtami of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. It comes a few days prior to Ashwin Navratri, the nine-day festivities in honour of Goddess Durga, and usually falls in the span of mid-September and mid-October. Madhya Asthami is particularly important for those offering Shradh ceremonies at Gaya or for those who are unable to undertake the entire 15-day span. It is also referred to as Sakrun Mahalayam and when falling during the Aridra Nakshatra, it is known as the Aridrashtami. This year, Madhya Ashtami 2025 date falls on 14th September.
Check out all the significant details about the date, timings, significance and rituals of Madhya Ashtami below:
Madhya Ashtami 2025: Date And Time
In 2025, Madhya Ashtami is on Sunday, September 14. As per the Hindu Panchang, Ashtami tithi starts at 5:04 AM on September 14, 2025, and ends at 3:06 AM on September 15, 2025.
Madhya Ashtami 2025: Significance
Pitru Paksha Shradh ceremonies in Hinduism hold great significance because they are done to provide satisfaction to the souls of deceased ancestors, also called 'pitrs'. When such ancestors are satisfied by the prayers and offerings, they bless the family members with good fortune, prosperity and overall good health.
Madhya Ashtami is a special day in this tradition and is set apart for paying respects and honouring the deceased. The ones following Madhya Ashtami need not carry out Shradh ceremonies during the rest of the Mahalayam fortnight or Pitru Paksha days, although the Amavasya Shradh remains indispensable for everybody.
Madhya Ashtami, observed during Pitru Paksha, is a time to honour ancestors through Shradh rituals, prayers, and offerings, hoping to receive blessings, peace, and success in return. (Image Source: Canva)
The major advantage of following Madhya Ashtami lies in the fact that one gets a chance to carry out the ceremonies without having any concerns about exact timings, dates, Nakshatras, or astrological doshas. All one requires is having faith and devotion and following the tradition simply, and thereby one gets a chance to attain the favour of their ancestors and bring a sense of harmony and good health in their life.
Madhya Ashtami 2025: Rituals
On Madhya Ashtami, the rituals are the same as the ones seen during the rest of the Pitru Paksha days. These rituals are typically done by the male authoritative figure of the family, and the entire tarpan and pind daan ceremonies are done under the expertise of an elderly priest. It is necessary to conduct these ceremonies in full faith and spirit because the belief is that conducting them in such a way attracts the good wishes of the departed ancestors and provides the family with peace, good health and prosperity.
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Just as in the case of Pitru Paksha Shradh ceremonies, performing Madhya Ashtami ceremonies in holy cities like Haridwar, Varanasi, Rishikesh, Prayag Sangam, and Rameshwaram is highly rewarding. In the Tamil culture, the Noopura Ganga Theertham near Madurai is the most holy spot. In addition to the Shradh ceremonies, devotees also worship Lord Shiva during this day and pray and give offerings in the hopes of receiving protection and blessings from Lord Shiva.
(Disclaimer: This content includes advice providing generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified spiritual or astrological opinion. Always consult a specialist for more information before adopting any measures.)