The Shraddha ritual holds significant importance in Hinduism, where devotees pay homage to their deceased ancestors, seeking their liberation and peace. This observance, known as Shraddha puja, takes place during the ‘Pitru Paksha,’ a fortnight dedicated to honouring ancestors, which falls within the ‘Krishna Paksha,’ the waning phase of the moon, in the month of ‘Ashwin’ according to the traditional Hindu calendar.
Among the various rituals during Pitru Paksha, the Bharani Shraddha is particularly auspicious. It is performed when the ‘Bharani’ Nakshatra aligns with the ‘Aparahna Kala.’ Typically, this Nakshatra falls on either the ‘Chaturthi’ (4th day) tithi or the ‘Panchami’ (5th day) tithi, referred to as ‘Chauth Bharani’ and ‘Bharani Panchami’ respectively. During this time, devotees have the opportunity to conduct the Shraddha ceremony for their departed family members, coinciding with the tithi that marks the actual date of the deceased’s passing. By doing so, it is believed that the soul of the departed finds liberation and eternal peace.
Devotees often choose to perform the Bharani Shraddha in sacred places like Kasi (Varanasi), Gaya, and Rameshwaram, enhancing the significance and efficacy of the ritual.
Maha Bharani Shraddha 2023: Date, Muhurat and Timings
This year, Bharani Shraddha will start on Monday, October 2, 2023
- Kutup (कुतुप) Muhurat: 11:45 a.m to 12:33 p.m
- Duration – 00 Hours 48 Mins
- Rohina (रौहिण) Muhurat: 12:33 p.m to 01:21 p.m
- Duration – 00 Hours 48 Mins
- Aparahna (अपराह्न) Kaal: 01:21 p.mto 03:44 p.m
- Duration – 02 Hours 24 Mins
Significance of Bharani Shraddha
The significance of Bharani Shraddha, along with other forms of Shraddha puja, is mentioned in various Puranas such as the ‘Matsya Purana,’ ‘Agni Purana,’ and ‘Garuda Purana.’ It states that Bharani Shraddha holds particular importance during the Pitru Paksha and is also referred to as ‘Maha Bharani Shraddha.’ The association with the ‘Bharani’ Nakshatra is noteworthy because this Nakshatra is governed by Yama, the God of Death.
According to the scriptures, it has been explicitly mentioned that the merits gained from performing Bharani Shraddha are equivalent to those acquired from performing Gaya Shraddha. Gaya Shraddha is another significant and highly revered ancestral ritual performed in the sacred city of Gaya, Bihar, to pay homage to departed ancestors.
The convergence of Bharani Shraddha with the influence of the ‘Bharani’ Nakshatra, ruled by Yama, enhances the ritual’s potency and spiritual significance. Devotees believe that performing this Shraddha with sincerity and devotion can greatly benefit the souls of their deceased ancestors, helping them on their path to liberation (Moksha) and bestowing blessings upon the living family members.
It further emphasises the ritual’s significance and encourages devotees to observe it with utmost dedication and faith. By doing so, they seek to honour their ancestors, express gratitude for their guidance, and ensure their well-being in the spiritual realm.
Devotees who observe the Maha Bharani Shraddha offer various rituals and offerings to their ancestors, including food, water, and other symbolic items. By doing so on this specific day, they seek to honour their ancestors and express gratitude for their guidance and blessings in their lives. Additionally, it is believed that by performing the Shraddha with sincerity and devotion during this auspicious time, one can receive blessings and positive influences from their departed ancestors, which can bring harmony, prosperity, and spiritual growth to the living family members.
Important Rituals during Bharani Shraddha
The Bharani Nakshatra Shraddha is typically performed once after the individual’s passing, but according to ‘Dharmasindhu,’ it can be conducted annually as well. This ritual holds great significance and is regarded as highly auspicious, necessitating the observer to uphold its sanctity.
The person, particularly the male head of the family, undertakes various rites and pujas to bring satisfaction and liberation to the departed soul. Under the guidance of a knowledgeable priest, ceremonies like ‘Pinda Puja,’ ‘Pinda Daan,’ and ‘Brahmana Suvasini’ are performed.
During the Bharani Shraddha, the person performing it refrains from haircuts and shaving and must maintain control over their senses. After the ‘Tarpan’ ritual, Brahmins are offered ‘saatvik’ food, sweets, clothes, and Dakshina (donation). This ritual holds particular significance as it is believed, according to Hindu mythology, that the food consumed by Brahmins reaches the souls of the departed.
On the day of Bharani Shraddha, it is customary to feed crows as they are considered messengers of Lord Yama. Additionally, dogs and cows are also offered food. The devout and sincere performance of Bharani Shraddha rituals is believed to bring peace to the liberated soul, which, in turn, blesses their descendants with protection, prosperity and tranquillity.
Why Is Bharani Shraddha Performed?
Bharani Shraddha holds special significance for those individuals who are unable to undertake pilgrimages during their lifetime. When individuals who couldn’t make such pilgrimages pass away, it is believed that performing Bharani Shraddha can grant them the same spiritual benefits as if they had performed rituals in sacred places like Matru Gaya, Pitru Gaya, Pushkar Tirth, Badrikedar, and others.
Bharani Shraddha is observed on the day of Bharani Nakshatra during the Pitru Paksha period. However, it is important to note that this particular Shraddha is not performed in the first year following the person’s death. Instead, it is recommended to begin the Bharani Shraddha ritual in the second year after the individual’s passing.
By performing Bharani Shraddha annually, the living family members seek to provide solace to the departed soul and facilitate their journey towards liberation and peace in the afterlife. The observance of this ritual allows individuals to honour their ancestors and express their devotion, even if they couldn’t undertake physical pilgrimages during their lifetime. This practice highlights the belief in the continuity of spiritual growth and the bond between the living and deceased family members, ensuring that the departed souls receive ongoing prayers and blessings from their descendants.
Benefits of Bharani Shraddha
Performing the Bharani Shraddha brings about the same benefits as performing the revered Gaya Shraddha. Traditionally, the Bharani Nakshatra Shraddha is conducted once after the person’s demise. However, according to Dharmasindhu, it is also considered auspicious to perform it annually.
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