🙏 Shraddha Tithi
Ancestor Worship - Shraddha Karma Procedure & Rules
🪔 Shraddha Tithi Calculator
Find next 5 years Shraddha dates based on death date
📖 What is Shraddha Tithi?
Shraddha Tithi is the lunar tithi designated for performing the annual death anniversary of a deceased person. In Hindu tradition, the tithi at sunrise on the day of death is considered the Shraddha Tithi. Every year on this tithi, Shraddha karma, Tarpana, and Pinda Pradana are offered to the ancestors.
The word Shraddha means "faith" or "devotion". The purpose of Shraddha karma is to express our faith and gratitude towards our ancestors.
📅 16 Tithis
There are 16 tithis in the Hindu calendar. Shraddha should be performed on the tithi when death occurred.
| # | Tithi | Paksha |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pratipada | Both |
| 2 | Dwitiya | Both |
| 3 | Tritiya | Both |
| 4 | Chaturthi | Both |
| 5 | Panchami | Both |
| 6 | Shashthi | Both |
| 7 | Saptami | Both |
| 8 | Ashtami | Both |
| 9 | Navami | Both |
| 10 | Dashami | Both |
| 11 | Ekadashi | Both |
| 12 | Dwadashi | Both |
| 13 | Trayodashi | Both |
| 14 | Chaturdashi | Both |
| 15 | Purnima | Shukla |
| 16 | Amavasya | Krishna |
🕐 Shraddha Timing
- Kutapa Kala: 11:36 AM - 12:24 PM (Best)
- Afternoon: 12:00 - 1:30 PM (Good)
- Aparahna (3-5 PM) is also acceptable
📋 Required Items
- Sesame seeds (Til)
- Darbha grass
- Rice, Dal, Vegetables
- Fruits, Milk
- Water, Ganga Jal
⚠️ Rules
- Sit facing South direction
- Perform on empty stomach
- Feed Brahmins after Shraddha
- Offer food to crows and cows
🌙 Shraddha During Pitru Paksha
The Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada month (Pitru Paksha) is the most sacred period for ancestor worship. During these 15 days, Shraddha can be performed on the deceased's tithi. On Mahalaya Amavasya, Shraddha can be performed for ancestors of all tithis.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shraddha Tithi?
Shraddha Tithi is the lunar tithi on the day of death of the deceased person. Shraddha karma should be performed on this tithi every year.
When should Shraddha be performed?
Shraddha should be performed during Kutapa Kala in the afternoon (3 muhurtas before sunset). It can also be performed during Pitru Paksha.
How to calculate Shraddha Tithi?
Identify the tithi at sunrise on the death date. That tithi becomes the Shraddha Tithi. Use our calculator to easily find the dates.
What if Shraddha cannot be performed?
If unable to perform on the actual tithi, it can be done during Pitru Paksha on that tithi. Mahalaya Amavasya is suitable for performing Shraddha for all ancestors.