In Sanatan Dharma, Pitru Paksha holds immense sacred and spiritual significance. During this fortnight, offerings of tarpan, pind daan, and shraddha are made to the ancestors so that their souls attain peace and bless their descendants. Each day of Pitru Paksha has special importance and is dedicated to ancestors who passed away on that specific lunar date. One such day is Saptami Shraddha.
On the seventh lunar day (Saptami tithi), shraddha is especially performed for those ancestors who left their mortal bodies on this date. It is considered important not only for granting peace and liberation (moksha) to the departed but also for ensuring prosperity and spiritual upliftment of the family.
What is Saptami Shraddha?
Saptami Shraddha is the shraddha performed on the seventh day of Pitru Paksha. This ritual is observed for those ancestors who passed away on the Saptami tithi of any lunar month.
According to religious beliefs, performing shraddha on the same lunar date on which a person passed away helps satisfy the soul and grants them liberation. The purpose of Saptami Shraddha is to express respect, gratitude, and love toward departed souls.
Why is Saptami Shraddha Observed?
There are several religious and spiritual reasons behind observing Saptami Shraddha:
- For the satisfaction of ancestors – By offering water, sesame seeds, and food during tarpan and pind daan, the souls of ancestors are nourished and pleased.
- To uphold family tradition – Performing shraddha is considered a sacred family duty that ensures peace and harmony within the lineage.
- To repay ancestral debt – Every human is indebted to their ancestors. Shraddha rituals help in partially repaying this debt.
- To receive ancestral blessings – It is believed that satisfied ancestors bless their descendants with health, wealth, wisdom, and prosperity.
- Spiritual practice – Shraddha is not just a ritual, but a spiritual discipline symbolizing the continuity of relationships across generations.
For Whom is Saptami Shraddha Performed?
On this day, shraddha is performed especially for:
- Ancestors who passed away on the Saptami tithi of any lunar month.
- Those who died in sudden accidents or unusual circumstances.
- Ancestors whose shraddha rituals could not be performed properly at the time of death.
- Those who passed away at a young age.
Additionally, many families also perform collective shraddha for all departed ancestors on this day.
Saptami Shraddha in 2025
According to the Hindu calendar, Pitru Paksha in 2025 will begin on 7 September 2025, Sunday (Purnima Shraddha) and will conclude on 21 September 2025, Sunday (Amavasya Shraddha / Sarva Pitru Amavasya).
Date of Saptami Shraddha in 2025:
13 September 2025, Saturday
On this day, feeding learned Brahmins, making donations, and offering tarpan are considered highly auspicious.
Rituals of Saptami Shraddha
1. Morning Preparations
- Take a holy bath and wear clean clothes.
- Purify the place of shraddha using kusa grass, sesame seeds, and water.
- Place a picture or symbolic representation of the ancestors at the designated spot.
2. Sankalpa (Resolution)
- Hold kusa grass in hand and make a vow to perform shraddha.
- Mention the names, gotra, and tithi of the departed ancestors.
3. Tarpan
- Offer water mixed with sesame seeds using kusa grass.
- Chant and remember the ancestors while offering tarpan.
4. Pind Daan
- Prepare pind (balls) of rice, barley, or wheat flour and offer them to the ancestors.
- This act helps guide the soul on the path of liberation.
5. Feeding and Donations to Brahmins
- Serve meals to Brahmins and donate food grains, clothes, or money.
- This is considered the most essential part of the ritual.
6. Family Meal
- Family members consume a simple, sattvic meal at the end.
- Non-vegetarian food, alcohol, onion, and garlic are strictly avoided.
Religious Importance of Saptami Shraddha
- Blessings from Pitru Loka: Shraddha performed on this day directly reaches the ancestors in Pitru Loka.
- Spiritual progress: The ritual aids the soul’s elevation and liberation.
- Protection of the lineage: Ancestors’ blessings ensure growth, longevity, and prosperity in the family.
- Invisible connection: The ritual strengthens the eternal bond between the living and the departed.
Beliefs and Legends Associated with Saptami Shraddha
- The Garuda Purana and Brahma Purana describe shraddha rituals in detail.
- It is believed that children who neglect their ancestors’ shraddha face obstacles and hardships in life.
- Shraddha performed during Pitru Paksha satisfies ancestors like offerings made to gods.
- A verse states:“Shraddham kurvanti ye nityam shraddhaya pitruvattaya,
na tesham kshiyate saukhyam na cha dharmo’pi hiyate.”(Those who perform shraddha with faith and devotion never lose happiness or righteousness.)
Do’s and Don’ts on Saptami Shraddha
Do’s:
- Feed Brahmins with devotion.
- Consume sattvic food.
- Perform tarpan with focus and sincerity.
- Remember ancestors by name and lineage.
Don’ts:
- Do not consume meat, alcohol, or tamasic food.
- Avoid lying, anger, or wearing unclean clothes.
- Do not donate with pride or arrogance.
- Never take shraddha rituals lightly.
Spiritual Benefits of Saptami Shraddha
- Brings peace to the souls of ancestors.
- Ensures abundance of food and wealth in the family.
- Removes obstacles in household and family life.
- Grants good health and progeny blessings.
- Secures the continuity of family traditions.
Relevance of Saptami Shraddha in Modern Times
In today’s fast-paced life, people often neglect traditions, but shraddha is not merely a ritual—it is a way of showing respect and gratitude to our ancestors.
It connects us to our roots and reminds us that whatever we are today is because of the legacy left by our forefathers.
Saptami Shraddha is not just a religious ritual but a festival of gratitude. It reminds us of the invaluable contribution of our ancestors and emphasizes that their blessings are the foundation of peace, happiness, and prosperity in our lives.