Shradh in Gaya
What is Shradh?
In Hinduism, shraddha, Sanskrit srddha, often written sraddha, is a ceremony held in memory of a deceased ancestor. All male Hindus are required to perform the ceremony, which is both a social and religious obligation (with the exception of some sannyasis, or ascetics). For the departed father, grandpa, and great-grandfather, as well as the mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, the rite is done. Its purpose is to nurture, protect, and sustain the dead’s spirits on their journey from the lower to higher realms, prior to their reincarnation and reappearance on Earth.
Book Shradh in Gaya this Pitrupaksha 2024
Pitrupaksha 2024 Dates
In 2024, Pitrupaksha will commence on Friday, 29th September, and conclude with Mahalaya Amavasya on 14th October. Each day of this period is dedicated to performing Tarpan for different family members.
Here are the dates:
| Date | Name | Occasion |
|---|---|---|
| September 17 | Purnima Shraddha | Bhadrapada, Shukla Purnima |
| September 18 | Pratipada Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Pratipada |
| September 18 | Dwitiya Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Dwitiya |
| September 19 | Tritiya Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Tritiya |
| September 20 | Chaturthi Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Chaturthi |
| September 20 | Maha Bharani | Ashwina, Bharani Nakshatra |
| September 21 | Panchami Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Panchami |
| September 22 | Shashthi Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Shashthi |
| September 23 | Saptami Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Saptami |
| September 24 | Ashtami Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Ashtami |
| September 25 | Navami Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Navami |
| September 26 | Dashami Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Dashami |
| September 27 | Ekadashi Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Ekadashi |
| September 28 | Dwadashi Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Dwadashi |
| September 29 | Trayodashi Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Trayodashi |
| September 29 | Magha Shraddha | Ashwina, Magha Nakshatra |
| September 30 | Chaturdashi Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Chaturdashi |
| October 1 | Sarva Pitru Amavasya | Ashwina, Krishna Amavasya |
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why to Perform Shradh in Gaya?
According to Hindu mythology, the soul must wander through numerous planets after death. Pitra Paksha is a time when people conduct Shraddha to appease their deceased ancestors. It is a rite in which obligations to the ancestors are repaid. The significance of “Shraddha” is explained in great depth in Hindu texts such as the Agni Puran, Garuda Puran, and Vayu Puran. At Gaya Lord Ram and Mata Sita did Pind Daan for Raja Dashrath, on the banks of Falgu River. Since then this place is renowned for doing Shradh, Pind Daan & Asthi Visarjan.
Who can perform Shradh in Gaya?
The eldest son gets the first privilege to conduct Shradh karma with Tarpan or Pinddaan to the ancestors, according to Hindu scriptures.
Son can conduct Shradh with his wife after their marriage.
If the elder son is deceased, the younger son can execute Pinddaan, Tarpan, and Shradh karma as well.
In the absence of a son, Shradh karma might be performed by the grandchild of the son.
If a person does not have a son, his siblings might carry out Shradh karma on his behalf.
The daughter’s son has the right to conduct Shradh karma if the individual has exclusively daughters.
Where to Perform Shradh in Gaya?
Shradh can be done on the banks of Falgu River in Gaya. It is the pilgrim’s first holy place, and it is here that he must make his first gift for the spirits of his ancestors. The Phalgu is the incarnation of Vishnu himself, according to the Gaya Mahatmya, which is part of the Vayu Purana. According to one legend, it formerly flowed with milk.