Shraadh Puja is a sacred Hindu ritual that is performed to honor and pay respect to the departed ancestors by their descendants. Shraadh Puja holds great significance in Hindu culture and is primarily performed during specific times of the year such as Pitru Paksha. The Hindus worship ancestors at this point in time to get their divine blessings for a fulfilling life.
This year, on Sarva Pitru Amavasya, which is called Pitru Paksha last day, the Shraadh of all ancestors is performed, however, there will be a solar eclipse on Amavasya on the 2nd of October, 2024, the last day of Shraadh. The solar eclipse will start on October 1st, 2024, at 9.40 pm and will end on October 2nd, 2024, at 3:17 am.
What is a Solar Eclipse?
A solar eclipse is a unique cosmic event that will bring an additional layer of spiritual importance to the practice of Shraadha Puja. On this day, the Hindu temples will be closed. There are different beliefs associated with this tradition. As per the astrological significance, eclipses are considered as the time duration when the effect of negative energies is increased intensely. The alignment of celestial bodies disrupts the natural balance, harming cosmic as well as human lives. Therefore, it is thought that going out for spiritual work or to temples at this time can attract negative energy.
Concerning these principles, one must stay preventive of certain things while performing Shraadh puja.
Let’s have a deep dive into what things you must keep in mind to contemplate the Sarva Pitru Amavasya 2024 rightly alleviating the negative effects of the Solar eclipse (Surya Grahan).
Be Careful About Timings
Timing is critical when it comes to performing Shradh puja rituals during the solar eclipse. It is advised that one must not puja during the grehan time is prevailing on. Such as if the timing is going to start this year on October 1st, 2024, at 9.40 pm and will end on October 2nd, 2024, at 3:17 am, you must not perform puja rituals in this timeframe. You should do it before the eclipse starts or when it ends.
Maintain Purity
As you don’t have to go to the temple for worshipping for Shraadh Puja, so it’s important to maintain cleanliness at home. Your home environment must be clutter-free and spiritually pure. Take bathe in Ganga water if you have that sacred Jal by just putting some drops in your bathing water. If you don’t have that you can also bathe in salt water. Wear clean clothes before starting the rituals ensuring that the Puja will be done in divine realm.
Water Peepal Tree
As per Garuda Purana and Shrimad Mahapuran, it is believed that Lord Hari and the ancestors reside in the Peepal tree. So, on this day of Sarva Pitru Amavasya, people must water and worship the Peepal tree to end Pitra Dosh.
Perform Puja Under A Peepal Tree
Perform Shraadh Karma on the bank of a river, under a peepal tree as it is considered that the ancestors consume food and water easily in this way.
Perform Havan With Peepal For Peace
If someone is experiencing constant quarrels or fights in relationships, or if there is any trouble in the house, then to calm Jupiter, performing Havan with peepal wood in Pitru Paksha can help resolve fights and attain peace. This helps in enhancing positive energy flow in the house.
Avoid Cooking & Eating During Surya Grehan
People refrain from cooking and eating during the eclipse (grehan) time. One can cook essential food items before the eclipse sets or afterward. It is considered that eating or cooking during this timeframe can have negative effects on people and families.
Invoke Ancestors in The Shraadh Vidhi
Sit facing south, light a diya, and then place it on the south of your offering area. Chant ancestor's name starting with the most recently departed. Then offer a seat with Kusha grass or a white cloth. Express gratitude and then seek blessings for your family for their well-being.
Offering Food
It means the descendants offer food to their departed ancestors known as Pinda daan. Rice balls, or other food items which are made using milk, ghee, and sesame seeds are usually offered. These offerings are made to Brahmins or kept at a sacred location an offering to departed souls.
Performing Tarpanam
Tarpanam is offering water mixed with black sesame seeds while also chanting some sacred mantras. Water is poured from the copper vessel while also reciting prayers, symbolizing the flow of blessings coming from ancestors to the current generation.
Chant Mantras
Chanting Mantras during the Shraadh Puja or also during the Pitra Paksha time can enhance the effectiveness of the ritual and the Sarva Pitru Amavasya Pooja benefits. Common mantras that are chanted in this ceremony is Pitru Gayatri Mantra:
Aum Namo Vah Pitrah Saumya Svaha
ॐ नमो वः पितृ सौम्य स्वाहा॥
It is also believed that performing Tarpan during this time can help cleanse past karmas and also provide peace to ancestors' souls.
Do Charity
Indulge in goodness by donating food, clothes, and money to the needy or the Brahmins. This act is done to amplify the blessings of ancestors and bring prosperity to the family.
Final Thoughts
Follow these above-mentioned considerations as these are important to contemplate a Sarva Pitru Amavasya ritual correctly during a Solar eclipse (Surya Grehan). These rituals when performed in the right and divine manner will please the ancestors and they will shower their holy blessings on you and your family. The Sarva Pitru Amavasya day is followed, celebrating the beginning of Navratri, worshipping all nine Devis in the next days.
