In Sanatan Dharma, Pitru Paksha holds immense spiritual importance. It is considered a sacred period when the living remember their ancestors with reverence, love, and gratitude. The rituals performed during these days—shraddha, tarpan, and pind daan—are believed to grant peace and liberation (moksha) to the departed souls while also ensuring blessings for their descendants.
Each day of Pitru Paksha has its own significance. Among them, Trayodashi Shraddha is especially important. This shraddha is performed for those ancestors who passed away on the Trayodashi tithi (13th day of the lunar fortnight). According to religious belief, performing shraddha on this day not only grants peace to the departed souls but also brings prosperity, mental peace, and ancestral blessings to the family.
1. What is Trayodashi Shraddha?
The term “Trayodashi” comes from Sanskrit, meaning “thirteenth day” in the Hindu lunar calendar, whether in the Krishna Paksha (waning phase) or Shukla Paksha (waxing phase).
Shraddha is a religious ritual in which prayers, offerings, and rituals are performed for the peace, satisfaction, and liberation of ancestors’ souls.
Trayodashi Shraddha is specifically performed for ancestors who passed away on the 13th lunar day. In cases where the exact date of death of an ancestor (or a child) is unknown, this shraddha may also be performed. Like all other shraddhas, it is observed during Pitru Paksha—the fortnight dedicated to honoring ancestors.
2. Why is Trayodashi Shraddha Observed?
Several spiritual and cultural beliefs are associated with its observance:
- For Peace of the Departed Souls
According to Hindu belief, after death, the soul travels to the next realm. Without rituals like shraddha, tarpan, and pind daan, the soul may not find peace. Trayodashi Shraddha provides an opportunity to offer that peace. - Repayment of Pitru Rin (Ancestral Debt)
Hindu philosophy teaches that every person is indebted to their ancestors for life and values. Performing shraddha is a way to repay this Pitru Rin. - To Ensure Family Prosperity & Well-being
It is believed that when ancestors are pleased, they bestow blessings of health, peace, stability, and prosperity upon their descendants. - Astrological and Spiritual Importance
The Trayodashi tithi itself is considered auspicious for rituals like tarpan and pind daan. Planetary positions are believed to favor ancestral offerings on this day.
3. Trayodashi Shraddha 2025 – Date
In 2025, Trayodashi Shraddha will be observed on:
19th September 2025 (Friday)
This is the ideal day for performing shraddha rituals if an ancestor passed away on the Trayodashi tithi.
4. Auspicious Muhurat for Trayodashi Shraddha 2025
The recommended timings (muhurats) are:
- Kutup Muhurat – 11:50 AM to 12:39 PM
- Rohina Muhurat – 12:39 PM to 01:28 PM
- Aparahna Kaal (Afternoon period) – 01:28 PM to 03:55 PM
Performing shraddha during these periods is considered highly meritorious.
5. Rituals & Procedure for Trayodashi Shraddha
A general step-by-step process (which may vary by tradition and family custom):
- Preparation & Purification
- The performer should bathe early, wear clean clothes, and maintain purity.
- The house and ritual area should be cleaned properly.
- Required Items
- Water, milk, ghee, sesame seeds (especially black), darbha grass, flowers, incense, diya, and sattvic food.
- Tarpan & Pind Daan
- Offer water (tarpan) to ancestors.
- Prepare pindas (rice balls mixed with sesame and barley) and offer them with devotion.
- Food Offering
- Prepare food, including items the ancestors liked.
- Offer it to Brahmins, cows, crows, and dogs—believed to be messengers of ancestors.
- Charity & Donation
- Donate clothes, grains, food, and money to Brahmins or the needy.
- Prayers & Mantras
- Chant sacred mantras like “Om Pitryebhyo Swaha” or “Om Pitryebhyo Namah”.
- Offer prayers for the peace of souls.
- Conclusion
- Thank the deities and ancestors, and distribute prasad among family members.
6. Special Beliefs & Rules of Trayodashi Shraddha
- If the exact date of death of an ancestor is unknown, Trayodashi Shraddha can be performed.
- It is especially recommended for children above 2 years of age whose death occurred on Trayodashi tithi.
- Shraddha is traditionally performed for up to three generations (parents, grandparents, great-grandparents).
- Feeding Brahmins is considered essential, as it completes the ritual.
- Observing proper muhurat enhances the spiritual benefits of the shraddha.
7. Significance of Trayodashi Shraddha 2025
- Date: 19th September 2025, Friday
- Best Muhurat: Kutup, Rohina, and Aparahna kaal
- Performing the ritual on this day is believed to:
- Bring peace to ancestors’ souls.
- Remove Pitru Dosha (ancestral afflictions).
- Ensure family harmony, health, and prosperity.
Trayodashi Shraddha is not merely a ritual but an expression of love, respect, and gratitude towards one’s ancestors. Observing it with devotion ensures their souls attain peace and that the family continues to receive their blessings.