Perform rituals such as Mahalaya Shraddha and obtain the blessings of departed Ancestors

A humble request to readers, well-wishers, devout Hindus and important instruction for seekers

1. Performing Shraddha and pindadan (rounded heap of an offering to the departed ancestors) : Pitrupaksha (18^th September to 2^nd October 2024) is the period of the dark fortnight in the Hindu lunar month of Bhadrapad. It is when the departed ancestors approach their descendants for food and water. Since Pitrulok, the abode of departed ancestors, gets closer to Earth during this period, the departed ancestors can easily consume various offerings (food, water, pinda, etc.). They become satisfied and bless their descendants.

These rites also eliminate the obstacles in one’s spiritual practice due to Pitrudosh (Planetary placements in a horoscope which indicate obstacles in life due to unsatisfied departed ancestors) and thus help in performing effective spiritual practice. One should perform Mahalaya Shraddha during Pitrupaksha to satisfy one’s departed ancestors and seek their blessings.

2. Aamanna Shraddha : If one cannot perform Shraddha for some reason, perform Aamanna Shraddha with the associated resolve. Aamanna Shraddha means simply donating food grains, rice, sesame, oil, ghee, jaggery, potatoes, coconut, vida (an offering to a Deity made of betel nut and betel leaf), and a monetary donation to a Hindu priest. If you don’t find a Hindu priest, you can donate these items to a Vedic school or a temple.

3. Hiranya Shraddha : If Amanna Shraddha is also not feasible, one should perform Hiranya Shraddha which involves donating wealth to one of the places mentioned above.

4. Prayer while performing Shraddha : O’ Deity Dattatreya ! Due to Your grace we could perform Aamanna Shraddha / Hiranya Shraddha (mention the type of Shraddha performed) in these challenging circumstances. May our departed ancestors become satisfied with food and water offered through these rites. May their grace be upon us and may they bless us for our spiritual progress. It is our humble prayer at Your Holy feet that they also gain further momentum in their onward spiritual journey.

– Sanatan Purohit Pathashala (Sanatan Ashram, Ramnathi, Goa, 1.8.2024)