Pitru Paksha 2025: Rules And Vidhi To Perform Pitru Tarpan And Shradh At Home

Pitru Paksha 2025 is a sacred period dedicated to paying homage to our ancestors. During this time, performing Tarpan and Shraddha holds special significance, as it is believed to bring peace and satisfaction to the departed souls. Even if priests are not available, these rituals can be performed at home in a simple and meaningful way with the right guidance. In 2025, Pitru Paksha falls from 7th to 21st September.

According to Hindu tradition, this sixteen-day observance is considered extremely important for the spiritual well-being of ancestors. Performing Tarpan and Shraddha during this period is believed to earn the blessings of one’s ancestors. Astropatri shares the rules and puja vidhi to perform Pitru Tarpan and Shradh rituals at home below:

Significance Of Pitru Tarpan

Tarpan is the sacred act of offering water, milk, sesame seeds and other sacred items to satisfy and honour one’s ancestors. This ritual is believed to bring peace to their souls and invite their blessings. If the exact death anniversary of an ancestor is known, performing Tarpan at noon on that day is considered most auspicious. When the date is unknown, it is highly beneficial to perform Tarpan on Sarvapitri Amavasya, as this day is regarded as especially favourable for seeking the well-being and blessings of all departed ancestors. However, Tarpan can also be performed every day during the Pitru Paksha.

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Pitru Tarpan and Shradh are performed in honour of the ancestors during the Pitru Paksha. (Image Source: Canva) 

Pitru Tarpan Vidhi

Prior to starting Tarpan, it is important to bathe and dress in fresh clothes. Find a comfortable spot facing either north or east. Get a container of clean water and mix in sesame seeds with rice. As you prepare, keep your ancestors in your thoughts and show them your respect. Slowly, pour the water northward, using either your fingers or the vessel, while saying a mantra like, “Om Pitru Dev Tarpito Bhava.” Once you're done, light a lamp, burn some incense. If you want, you may also offer some food for your ancestors as an offering.

Rules To Perform Pitru Tarpan And Shradh

- The first Shraddha should be performed after completing one year from the death of the departed soul.

- The first Shraddha is always observed on the first death anniversary of the deceased.

- Shraddha rituals must be performed according to the exact date of death of the person.

- If the death date is not known, a knowledgeable priest can help determine the correct tithi.

- For those who passed away on any tithi of the bright (Shukla Paksha) or dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha), their Shraddha is performed on the same tithi during Pitru Paksha.

- Performing Shraddha on the exact tithi of death holds special significance and is considered highly auspicious.

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- If the death anniversary falls during Pitru Paksha, performing Shraddha on that day is believed to bring even greater spiritual benefits.