Ekadashi Shraddha (Gyāras Shraddha) is the ritual of Shraddha performed for those ancestors (Pitru) who passed away on the Ekadashi tithi (the 11th lunar day). In Hinduism, the primary purpose of Shraddha rituals is to ensure peace for the departed souls and to express gratitude towards them. Especially during Pitru Paksha, these rituals hold immense importance.
- The word “Shraddha” comes from “Shraddha” (faith and devotion), signifying reverence and belief.
- “Ekadashi tithi” occurs twice every lunar month — once in Krishna Paksha (waning phase) and once in Shukla Paksha (waxing phase).
- If an ancestor passed away on an Ekadashi tithi, the Shraddha is performed on the Ekadashi day that falls in the corresponding lunar month.
Why is Ekadashi Shraddha Observed?
The observance of Ekadashi Shraddha has several religious, spiritual, and traditional reasons:
- Peace for the departed souls
It is believed that if Shraddha is not performed on the exact tithi of death, the departed soul suffers distress. By performing Shraddha, the ancestors are satisfied and attain liberation (moksha). - Removal of Pitru Dosha
If an ancestor faced an untimely death or remains unsatisfied due to missed Shraddha rites, they may be in distress in the afterlife. Shraddha performed with devotion helps relieve them from such suffering. - Merit through charity and offerings
Acts like charity, feeding Brahmins, and offering food on Ekadashi Shraddha are considered highly meritorious. Scriptures state that such charity benefits the performer with peace of mind, harmony in the family, and auspicious outcomes. - Tradition and family connection
Performing Shraddha keeps the bond with ancestors alive. It is a way of honoring their legacy, remembering their contributions, and showing gratitude. - Opportunity for reflection and purification
Pitru Paksha Shraddha is also a time for self-introspection. It inspires righteous actions, purifies the mind, strengthens family ties, and reminds one of spiritual duties.
Rituals and Procedure of Ekadashi Shraddha
Though customs vary across regions and families, some common steps are followed:
- Time and Date
- Shraddha is performed during Pitru Paksha.
- Ekadashi Shraddha is observed when Ekadashi tithi falls.
- In 2025, Ekadashi Shraddha will be observed on 17th September, Wednesday.
- Exact start and end times of the tithi vary according to the local Panchang.
- Steps of the Ritual
- Bathing and purification: The day begins with an early bath and wearing clean clothes.
- Worship and prayers: Lord Vishnu, Lord Yama, and the Pitru are worshipped with offerings of wheat, sesame, and water.
- Tarpan and Pind Daan:
- Tarpan is offering water mixed with sesame, rice, and milk to the ancestors.
- Pind Daan involves preparing rice balls (pind) and offering them to the Pitru.
- Charity and offerings: Food, clothes, grains, and money are given to Brahmins and the needy.
- Feeding Brahmins: Feeding Brahmins with devotion is a key part of Shraddha.
- Panchabali (feeding five beings): Food is offered to a cow, crow, dog, deities, and ants.
- Observing fast or restraint: Many observe a fast or practice dietary restraint. Some traditions require a complete fast on Ekadashi.
- Food arrangement: Food offered is simple, sattvic, and prepared with purity.
- Code of Conduct
- Perform Shraddha with sincerity, humility, and a pure heart.
- Avoid falsehood, arrogance, and negative thoughts.
- Focus on respect and gratitude towards the ancestors.
Ekadashi Shraddha 2025 – Date and Timings
- Ekadashi Shraddha Date: 17 September 2025 (Wednesday)
- Ekadashi Tithi Starts: 17th September (early hours, around midnight)
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends: Night of 17th September 2025 (timing varies by location)
Auspicious Time (Muhurat):
- Kutup Muhurat – around noon, considered auspicious for Shraddha rituals.
- Rohina Muhurat – follows Kutup Muhurat, also suitable.
- Aparahna Kaal – afternoon period before sunset.
Beliefs and Special Notes
- Shraddha for ancestors who passed away on Ekadashi tithi is considered especially significant.
- Some traditions recommend observing celibacy and simplicity on this day.
- It is believed that fasting, performing Shraddha, and making offerings on this day blesses the family with prosperity and well-being.
Ekadashi Shraddha is not merely a ritual; it is an expression of reverence for one’s ancestors, a means of purifying the mind and conduct, and a way to strengthen family harmony. In 2025, this Shraddha will be observed on 17th September, when devotees, following auspicious timings, will perform tarpan, pind daan, charity, prayers, and Brahmin service to seek blessings of their ancestors and ensure peace for their souls.
