Sarva Pitru Amavasya सर्व पितृ अमावस्या
Dedicated to Yama
About Sarva Pitru Amavasya
Sarva Pitru Amavasya is the most important day of Pitru Paksha, falling on the new moon (Amavasya) of Bhadrapada Krishna Paksha. 'Sarva Pitru' means 'all ancestors' — this day is universally applicable regardless of the specific tithi on which an ancestor passed away. It serves as a catch-all day for performing Shraddha for any and all departed family members, including those whose death date is unknown. The rituals are similar to other Pitru Paksha days but carry amplified spiritual merit. Tarpan (water libation), pinda daan (offering rice balls), and feeding Brahmins and the needy are the core observances. Many families who cannot observe rituals on every day of Pitru Paksha perform their entire Shraddha obligations on this single day.
सर्व पितृ अमावस्या पितृ पक्ष का सबसे महत्वपूर्ण दिन है, जो भाद्रपद कृष्ण पक्ष की अमावस्या को पड़ता है। 'सर्व पितृ' का अर्थ है 'सभी पूर्वज' — यह दिन सार्वभौमिक रूप से लागू होता है, चाहे पूर्वज का देहत्याग किसी भी तिथि को हुआ हो। यह सभी दिवंगत परिजनों के लिए श्राद्ध करने का सर्वसमावेशी दिन है, जिसमें वे भी शामिल हैं जिनकी मृत्यु तिथि अज्ञात है। अनुष्ठान अन्य पितृ पक्ष दिनों के समान हैं लेकिन बढ़े हुए आध्यात्मिक पुण्य के साथ। तर्पण (जलांजलि), पिंड दान (चावल के गोले अर्पित करना) और ब्राह्मणों तथा ज़रूरतमंदों को भोजन कराना मुख्य आचरण हैं। कई परिवार जो पितृ पक्ष के हर दिन अनुष्ठान नहीं कर सकते, अपने संपूर्ण श्राद्ध दायित्व इसी एक दिन पूरे करते हैं।
Spiritual Significance
Sarva Pitru Amavasya carries the most powerful spiritual merit of all Pitru Paksha days. It ensures that every ancestor, regardless of the circumstances of their passing, receives proper remembrance and offerings. The day embodies the Hindu commitment to maintaining the bond between the living and the departed.
सर्व पितृ अमावस्या सभी पितृ पक्ष दिनों में सबसे शक्तिशाली आध्यात्मिक पुण्य धारण करती है। यह सुनिश्चित करती है कि प्रत्येक पूर्वज को, उनके देहत्याग की परिस्थितियों की परवाह किए बिना, उचित स्मरण और अर्पण प्राप्त हो। यह दिन जीवितों और दिवंगतों के बीच बंधन बनाए रखने की हिंदू प्रतिबद्धता को मूर्त रूप देता है।
Key Rituals & Practices
- Perform Shraddha and tarpan for all ancestors collectively
- Offer pinda daan at a sacred river or water body
- Cook special food and offer it to ancestors before eating
- Feed Brahmins, cows, and birds as part of the ritual
- Donate clothes, food, and essentials in ancestors' memory
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should perform Shraddha on Sarva Pitru Amavasya?
Traditionally, the eldest son or male family member performs the Shraddha rites. However, in modern practice, any family member — son, daughter, grandson, or granddaughter — can perform the rituals with sincere devotion. If no family member is available, a trusted priest can perform the rites on the family's behalf. The key is the genuine intention to honor and seek peace for the departed souls. Some families perform the rituals collectively, with all members participating.
Can Shraddha be done at home?
Yes, Shraddha can be performed at home. While pilgrimage sites like Gaya carry special significance, home-based Shraddha is perfectly valid and widely practiced. The essential elements are: cooking the prescribed food offerings, performing tarpan with water and sesame seeds, offering pinda, and feeding at least one Brahmin or needy person. The ritual should be done with devotion and proper sankalpa (intention). Many families perform Shraddha at home and then donate food and essentials to complete the observance.
What foods are offered during Shraddha?
The traditional Shraddha meal includes kheer (rice pudding made with milk and sugar), cooked rice, urad dal, seasonal vegetables, and chapati. Specific items considered especially meritorious include sesame seeds (til), barley, and cow's milk products. The food is first offered to ancestors, then to Brahmins, then to crows (considered messengers of ancestors), cows, and dogs before the family eats. Onion, garlic, and certain strong-flavored foods are typically avoided in Shraddha cooking.
Festival Details
- Deity
- Yama
- Category
- Ancestor Worship
- Regions
- Pan-India
- Calendar Basis
- Hindu Lunar (Panchang)
- Hindu Month
- Bhadrapada — Krishna Paksha, Amavasya
- Importance
- major