Chaturth Shraddh|| शनिवार को पितृ पक्ष के चतुर्थ श्राद्ध का अद्भुत योग ||

The Chaturth Shraddh is observed on the fourth day of Pitru Paksha, which varies each year according to the lunar calendar. In 2024, the Chaturth Shraddh will be observed on September 21. If this day falls on a Saturday, it holds special significance for showing reverence to ancestors and seeking blessings from Shani Dev (Saturn). The rituals and ceremonies conducted on this day are spiritually and religiously important. Here's a detailed guide on what should be done and whom to worship on this day:

1. Shraddh and Tarpan for Ancestors:

• Purpose: The Fourth Shraddh is specifically for ancestors who passed away on the fourth tithi (day) of the lunar calendar.
• Rituals: The ritual involves offering water, food, and other necessary items to ancestors with devotion. The primary rites include Tarpan (offering water mixed with sesame seeds), Pindadan (offering rice, barley, and sesame balls), and feeding Brahmins.
• Tarpan: Water mixed with sesame seeds is offered to the ancestors to bring peace to their souls and seek their blessings.

2. Worship of Shani Dev:

• Significance: Since the Chaturth Shraddh falls on a Saturday, it is considered auspicious to worship Shani Dev on this day.
• Rituals: Offer black sesame seeds, mustard oil, and black clothing to Shani Dev. This is believed to help remove obstacles and receive Shani Dev’s blessings.
• Mantra: Recite the following mantra to please Shani Dev: “ॐ शं शनैश्चराय नमः” (Om Shanaishcharaya Namah)

3. Worship of Lord Vishnu:

• Significance: Worshiping Lord Vishnu is important during Pitru Paksha as he is considered the protector of ancestors.
• Rituals: Offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and recite “Vishnu Sahasranama” or “Vishnu Chalisa” to seek blessings and peace for the ancestors.

4. Worship of Lord Shiva:

• Significance: Lord Shiva, considered a deity who grants liberation to the ancestors, is also worshiped on this day.
• Rituals: Offer water, milk, and bel leaves on the Shiva Lingam. Reciting the “Mritunjaya Mantra” is also highly beneficial: “ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्” (Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Mamritat)

5. Mantras for Ancestors:

To please the ancestors, recite the following mantras:

• “ॐ पितृगणाय विद्महे जगत धारिणी धीमहि तन्नो पितृो प्रचोदयात्” (Om Pitru-Ganaya Vidmahe Jagat Dharini Dhimahi Tanno Pitro Prachodayat)
• “ॐ आद्य-भूताय विद्महे सर्व-सेव्याय धीमहि। शिव-शक्ति-स्वरूपेण पितृ-देव प्रचोदयात्” (Om Adya-Bhutaya Vidmahe Sarva-Sevyaya Dhimahi. Shiva-Shakti-Swarupena Pitru-Deva Prachodayat)

6. Charity and Donations:

• Significance: Performing charity and giving donations is highly significant on this day. It is beneficial to donate black sesame seeds, black clothing, and mustard oil to please Shani Dev.
• Rituals: Feed Brahmins and provide them with clothes, food, and money. Donate to the needy to bring peace to the ancestors' souls.
• Peepal Tree: Worship and offer water to the Peepal tree, as it is considered a dwelling place of ancestors.

7. Special Rules and Restrictions:

• Diet: Avoid consuming tamasic food like meat, fish, and eggs on this day.
• Purity: Maintain purity and cleanliness during the Shraddh rituals. Ensure that the offerings are made with devotion and respect.
• Rituals: Use incense, lamps, flowers, and offerings (bhog) in the worship. Offer things that the ancestors liked.

The Fourth Shraddh, when falling on a Saturday, is observed with special rituals for both ancestors and Shani Dev. Performing Shraddh, Tarpan, and Pindadan with reverence and following the prescribed rituals helps in attaining peace for the ancestors' souls and removing life’s obstacles through Shani Dev’s blessings. This day is marked by devotion and adherence to traditional practices to honor the ancestors and seek divine grace.