Chaturdashi Shraddha is a significant ritual in Hinduism dedicated to offering respect and peace to the souls of deceased ancestors (Pitrs). This particular Shraddha is performed on the Chaturdashi Tithi (the 14th day of the lunar fortnight) during the Pitru Paksha, and it is meant for individuals who passed away due to sudden or unnatural causes, such as accidents, suicides, murders, wars, or poisonous bites. This Shraddha holds immense religious and spiritual significance, and it is essential to perform it with proper rituals.
Chaturdashi Shraddha Date in 2025
In 2025, Chaturdashi Shraddha will be observed on september 20, 2025 (saturday). This Shraddha occurs in the final days of Pitru Paksha and holds a special significance.
Significance of Chaturdashi Shraddha
- Shraddha for Sudden Deaths: Chaturdashi Shraddha is specifically dedicated to those who have died due to accidents, suicides, murders, or other unnatural causes. The purpose of this ritual is to provide peace to the departed souls and help them attain salvation (Moksha).
- Mention in Mahabharata: The importance of Chaturdashi Shraddha is also mentioned in the Anushasan Parva of the Mahabharata, where it is described as a sacred ritual that grants peace to the souls of ancestors and helps the family receive their blessings.
Chaturdashi Shraddha Rituals
1. Bath and Purification: On Chaturdashi, the person performing the ritual should take a bath in the morning and wear clean clothes. Maintaining purity is crucial during this ritual.
2. Pind Daan and Tarpan:
- Pind Daan: Balls made from sesame seeds, barley, and rice (known as Pind) are offered to the ancestors. This process provides peace to the souls of the deceased.
- Tarpan: Water mixed with sesame seeds is offered to the ancestors, which helps in satisfying and calming their souls.
3. Offering Panchabali: During Chaturdashi Shraddha, an offering called Panchabali is made. It involves feeding a cow, dog, crow, deity, and ants as a way to honor various forms of life.
4. Feeding Brahmins and Charity: After the Shraddha, Brahmins are fed and given clothes, grains, and money as offerings. Feeding the needy is also considered highly meritorious.
5. Darbha Grass Ring: During the Shraddha ritual, the person performing the rites should wear a ring made of Darbha grass, which symbolizes purity and is considered sacred in scriptures.
6. Worship of Lord Vishnu and Yama Dev: On this day, Lord Vishnu and Yama Dev (the god of death) are worshiped. Receiving blessings from Lord Vishnu and Yama Dev is crucial for the salvation of the departed souls.
Time to Perform Shraddha
Chaturdashi Shraddha should be performed in the afternoon (Aparahna Kaal). According to scriptures, the Kutup Kaal and Rohin Muhurat are considered auspicious times for Shraddha rituals. All Shraddha ceremonies should be completed before the afternoon ends, and Tarpan (water offerings) must be performed at the end.
Benefits of Chaturdashi Shraddha
- Peace for the Departed Souls: This Shraddha provides peace to the souls of those who have died sudden or unnatural deaths. It helps them attain salvation (Moksha).
- Blessings from Ancestors: Performing Chaturdashi Shraddha brings blessings from the ancestors, which is important for the family's peace and prosperity.
- Relief from Pitra Dosha: Chaturdashi Shraddha helps in removing Pitra Dosha (ancestral faults) from the family, resolving problems caused by ancestral disturbances, and clearing obstacles.
Who is Chaturdashi Shraddha for?
- Individuals who died due to accidents or sudden events.
- Those who were killed in wars or conflicts.
- Victims of suicide, murder, or death due to poisonous bites.
- It is also performed for those who died an untimely death.
Special Rules for Chaturdashi Shraddha
- The person performing the ritual should consume only pure and sattvic (non-spicy and non-meat) food.
- Non-vegetarian food, garlic, onion, and other tamasic (heavy and impure) items are prohibited.
- The participant should maintain calmness and discipline throughout the ritual.
Chaturdashi Shraddha holds immense importance for the ancestors who passed away due to sudden or unnatural causes. Performing this ritual with the proper method not only brings peace to the departed souls but also bestows blessings upon the family. According to religious texts, this Shraddha eliminates Pitra Dosha and ensures peace and prosperity within the family.
We hope this detailed description of Chaturdashi Shraddha has provided you with a complete understanding of the process, significance, and benefits of this sacred ritual.
