Shradh Puja is a deeply respected Hindu ritual performed by descendants to honor and show profound respect for their departed ancestors. This powerful ceremony holds immense importance, particularly during Pitru Paksha. Through these rites, Hindus seek the divine blessings of their ancestors for a joyous and prosperous life. Interestingly, in 2025, the culminating day of Pitru Paksha, known as Sarva Pitru Amavasya (September 21), will coincide with a solar eclipse.
Why are Eclipses Considered Inauspicious?
According to ancient astrological wisdom, eclipses are viewed as periods when negative energies are significantly heightened. The unusual alignment of celestial bodies is believed to disrupt the natural cosmic balance, posing risks to both human well-being and the broader universe. For this reason, it is traditionally advised to avoid visiting temples or engaging in major spiritual activities during an eclipse, as it is thought that such actions could attract adverse energies.
Performing Puja on Sarva Pitru Amavasya: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Invite Brahmins
It is customary to invite Brahmins to your home, offering them pure ‘sattvik’ food, new clothes, and footwear. This act is considered highly auspicious.
2. Perform Tarpanam
‘Tarpanam’ involves the chanting of sacred mantras and offering water mixed with black sesame seeds. This intricate ritual should always be performed under the guidance of an experienced priest.
3. Chant Mantras
Reciting specific mantras during Shradh Puja or Pitru Paksha can significantly amplify the power and benefits of the Sarva Pitru Amavasya Pooja. The ‘Pitru Gayatri Mantra’ is particularly recommended for this ceremony.
4. Offer Water to the Peepal Tree
As per the Garuda Purana, the revered peepal tree is believed to be the dwelling place of Lord Hari and ancestral spirits. To alleviate ‘Pitra Dosh’ (ancestral afflictions), devotees should offer water mixed with milk and sugar to the peepal tree and worship it on Sarva Pitru Amavasya.
5. Peepal Tree Puja
Light a ‘diya’ (lamp) with ‘desi ghee’ (clarified butter) beneath the peepal tree and perform a special puja dedicated to your ancestors.
6. Avoid Cooking and Eating During the Solar Eclipse
It is a widely followed tradition to refrain from cooking and eating during the ‘grahan’ (eclipse) period. Any essential food preparation should be completed either before or after the eclipse. Consuming food or cooking during this time is believed to bring adverse effects upon individuals and their families.
7. Perform Pind Daan
To seek liberation from ‘Pitru Dosha’ (ancestral curses), one must perform ‘pind daan’ at designated sacred locations, strictly under the guidance of a priest. Offerings typically consist of rice balls and other foods prepared with milk, ghee, and sesame seeds. These sacred offerings are either presented to the departed souls or given to Brahmins and then stored in a sanctified spot.
8. Take a Holy Bath
Devotees are encouraged to visit sacred rivers and take a holy dip, especially in the purifying waters of the Ganges, to cleanse themselves and purify their souls.