Saptami Shradh Puja

BY : STARZSPEAK

By: Manmeet Kaur Tura

Saptami is the seventh day of the sacred Mahalya Paksha or the lunar month. It is also known as Satpava shradha. Saptami Shraddha is performed for the peace of our ancestors who died on Saptami tithi. It is the most auspicious time to perform the Shraddha ceremonies of those who departed from this world during the saptami tithi including both the Krishna Paksha (dark lunar fortnight) and Shukla Paksha (bright lunar fortnight). Tarpan and Pinda Daan of the ancestors are performed on Saptami Shradha.

Pitru Paksha Shradhas are Parvan Shradhas and the most suitable time to perform these Shradhas is either Kutup Muhurat or Rohini Muhurat. One must never perform this ritual in the Aparahana Kaal. Tarpan is done at the end of the Shradha.

The Pindas are then either immersed in the river or is fed to the cows as a ritual. It must be kept in mind that the lunch during the process of the Shradha must be done during the Aparahana Kaal which is around 1 to 2 pm. Feeding Brahmins and donating them money, groceries, clothes and other things can provide immense benefits on this day. People also feed birds and other animals and do charity works on this day in addition to the regular Shraddha ceremonies to win the blessings of the ancestors.  

These rituals help the performer gain prosperity and economic growth in the business or at the job.

1. Kutup Muhurat Timing – 11:47 am To 12:34 pm (47 Mins)
2. Rohina Muhurat Timing – 12:34 Pm To 01:21 pm (47 Mins)
3. Aparahna Kaal Muhurat Timing – 01:21 Pm To 03:42 Pm (2 Hours 21 Mins)
4. Saptami Tithi Begins = On 1 October 2018, 05:44 am (Tuesday)
5. Saptami Tithi Ends = On 2 October 2018, 04:09 Am (Tuesday)

Puja Vidhi –

The pitru daan is also known as pirta parkash. Pirta tarpan Vidhi is done by a Brahmin. The people that perform the Shradha are called karta.

The whole process of shradha ritual must conclude in such a manner that lunch must happen at Aparahna period.

11 Brahmins are invited during the ritual and are offered with the traditional food items. This food offering to the Brahmins is an act of honor to your ancestors.

Also dakshina is given to the Brahmins to show respect.  

As per the Hindu mythology Lord Shri Ram himself performed tarpanam for his father Raja Dashratha and his ancestors. It is a ritual that has been followed for years and is believed that we must never forget our ancestors and what they have done for us. We must always be grateful to them and seek blessings from them and practicing this ritual is a regular reminder of it. It is believed that those who do not follow these rituals will never be happy and prosperous in their lives.