How to perform Shraddha ?
The Shraddha rites & rituals are a salient feature of the continuation of funeral rites outlined in Hindu Dharma. Hindu culture teaches that just as we serve our parents and close relatives when they are alive as part of abiding by our Dharma, we are duty-bound to help them after their death too. The Shraddha rites provide us an excellent opportunity to fulfil these duties and repay our debts unto the pitars (departed ancestors). The Shraddha rites are necessary so that the afterlife of our departed dear ones is comfortable, without any distress, and that they acquire sadgati (Momentum for moving to the next higher region). Negalecting the Shraddha rites and rituals leaves the desires of our pitars unfulfilled. Negative energies make easy victims of such desire-riddled pitars and enslave them.
The Mahalaya paksha or the Pitru paksha is also known as the fortnight of the ancestors. Pitru paksha is observed in the dark fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Bhadrapad. In 2023, Pitru paksha will be observed from the 29th of September to the 14th of October. It is an opportunity for us to perform the Mahalaya Shraddha ritual, appease our departed ancestors, and obtain their blessings.
Chant Deity Datta’s Name in Pitru paksha
Deity Datta (or Dattaguru) is the Deity who takes care of our departed ancestors. If you have reason to believe that your departed ancestors may be stuck in their afterlife, praying to and chanting Deity Datta’s Name helps. Deity Datta will provide the necessary energy to your departed ancestors to move on and protect us.
1. Shri Gurudev Datta
2. Om Om Shri Gurudev Datta Om
We have provided the audio of these two chants on the link below.
Chanting of Deity Datta’s Name – Shri Gurudev Datta
If you want to chant along with the audio, we suggest you download our free Chaitanyavani app for these chants (and many more). Click here to download the app
Shraddha And Shraddha Rituals
Clarification of doubts regarding Shraddha
Videos