Magha Shraddha

Magha Shraddha is an auspicious ritual for Pitrus performed during the ‘Magha’ Nakshatra kala of the Pitru paksha phase. The day on which Magha prevails in the ‘Aparahna Kala’ is considered for the Magha Shraddha ritual. Magha Nakshatra falls usually on Trayodashi Tithi of the Mahalaya Paksha and is called Magha Trayodashi Shraddha.

Magha Shraddha 2023

Significance

Magha Shraddha is performed on the day of Magha Nakshatra of Pitru Paksha. This day on which Magha Nakshatra falls in the pitru paksha is of great importance in Tarpanam rituals. Magha Shraddha is the most observed shradh ritual after Bharani Shraddha in the Pitru Paksha phase. According to ‘Matsya Purana’, Magha Shraddha is an auspicious day of the Pitru Paksha phase. Magha Nakshatra is considered an efficient nakshatra for performing Shradh rituals since the star is ruled by ‘Pitrus’ -the spirits of departed ancestors. This day pleases the souls of the departed ancestor coupled with religious merits.

This day is naturally conducive for performing Shraddha rituals blessing salvation and peace on ancestors. Their peace and happiness transpire as blessings on their descendants. If Magha Nakshatra prevails partially during Aparahna Kala -Post Meridian for two days, then the day when the star prevails for longer duration is considered ideal for Shradh rituals. 

This day is ideal for performing tarpanam rituals for ancestors who suffered terminal stage diseases and incurable sickness.

Rituals

Shraddha Ritual is performed by the male member of the family, usually the eldest son. The ritual is performed at the banks of sacred rivers or water bodies near temples. The individual performing the ritual takes a holy bath, wears a ring made of Dharbha grass. This Dharbha grass symbolises benevolence and invokes the energy of the ancestors during the mantra recital. Followed by ‘Pind Daan’, a ritual of offering of Pindi or Pinda which are cooked rice balls mixed with sesame seeds. Lord Vishnu is then invoked with another strand of holy Darbha grass to bless the invoked ancestors. The Pind is immersed in the water body or offered to crow.

Crow is believed as both ancestor element or as the messenger of Yama, so when they are eating the Pind or food, it is considered that the hungry ancestor’s appetite is quenched. On this day, special sattvic food is prepared for the ritual and is offered in memory of the dead ancestors.

Benefits

Important Timings On Magha Shraddha

Magha Shraddha festival dates between 2019 & 2029

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