Shradh 2022 Date: Honoring Ancestors during Pitru Paksha 2022

16 June, 2023

Shradh, also known as Pitru Paksha, is a significant period in Hindu culture dedicated to honoring and paying respects to ancestors. It holds immense importance as it is believed to be a time when the souls of departed ancestors visit the earthly realm to bless their descendants. If you are curious about the Shradh dates in 2022 and want to learn more about this sacred observance, this article will provide you with the essential information you need to commemorate Shradh with reverence.

What is Shradh and Pitru Paksha?

Shradh is a period of 15 lunar days, known as Pitru Paksha, that falls during the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin (September-October). It is believed that during this time, the souls of deceased ancestors visit their descendants. Shradh is an opportunity to express gratitude, seek blessings, and offer prayers and offerings to honor the departed souls.

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Shradh 2022 Dates

• 10 September – Purnima Shradh
• 11 September – Pratipada Shradh
• 12 September – Dwitiya Shradh 
• 13 September – Tritiya Shradh
• 14 September – Chaturthi Shradh
• 15 September – Panchami Shradh
• 16 September – Shasti Shradh
• 17 September – Saptami Shradh
• 18 September – Ashtami Shradh
• 19 September – Navami Shradh (Avidhava Navami)
• 20 September – Dashami Shradh
• 21 September – Ekadashi Shradh
• 22 September – Dwadashi Shradh
• 23 September – Trayodashi Shradh
• 24 September – Chaturdashi Shradh
• 25 September – Mahalaya Amavasya Shradh 

In 2022, the Shradh period or Pitru Paksha will begin on 10th September 2022 and conclude on 25th September 2022. This fortnight is considered highly auspicious for performing rituals and offering prayers to ancestors. It is essential to consult a Hindu calendar or a reliable priest to determine the specific Shradh dates for your region and family tradition.

Rituals and Customs during Shradh

During Shradh, various rituals and customs are followed to honor the ancestors. Some common practices include:

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1. Tarpan: Tarpan is the act of offering water to the departed ancestors, symbolizing respect and nourishment for their souls. It is performed by pouring water into a sacred vessel with prayers and mantras.
2. Pinda Daan: Pinda Daan involves offering rice balls mixed with ghee and other sacred ingredients as food for the departed souls. It is believed to nourish and satisfy their spiritual hunger.
3. Shraddha Ceremony: The Shraddha ceremony is performed to express reverence and gratitude towards ancestors. It involves reciting prayers, performing rituals, and offering food and donations to priests and Brahmins.
4. Charity and Donation: Giving in charity and performing acts of kindness during Shradh is considered meritorious. Donating food, clothes, and other essentials to the needy is a way to honor the ancestors and seek their blessings.

Significance and Benefits of Observing Shradh

Observing Shradh is believed to have several benefits, including:

1. Seeking Ancestral Blessings: Shradh provides an opportunity to seek blessings from ancestors and receive their guidance and protection in life.
2. Resolving Ancestral Debt: It is believed that by performing rituals and offering prayers during Shradh, one can repay any debts or obligations owed to the ancestors.
3. Strengthening Family Bonds: Shradh brings family members together to honor and remember their ancestors, fostering a sense of unity, love, and respect within the family.
4. Spiritual Growth and Purification: By observing Shradh, individuals can engage in self-reflection, gratitude, and spiritual practices, leading to personal growth and inner purification.

Legend Behind Pitru Paksha Shradh

The legend behind Pitru Paksha Shradh can be traced back to ancient Hindu scriptures, particularly the Mahabharata. According to the epic, Karna, one of the prominent characters, was a noble warrior and a generous soul, known for his unwavering charity. However, due to some misfortunes and misunderstandings during his lifetime, he was not able to receive proper respect and recognition.

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After Karna’s death, his soul reached the realm of the afterlife. There, he was granted abundant food and luxuries, but he noticed that he was unable to eat anything because he had never offered food to his ancestors. This left him in a state of immense agony and despair.

Karna approached Lord Yama, the god of death, seeking a solution. Yama advised him to observe the ritual of offering food and water to his ancestors during a specific period called Pitru Paksha. Karna followed Lord Yama’s advice and performed elaborate rituals and offerings for his ancestors during the Pitru Paksha period.

Impressed by Karna’s devotion and his determination to rectify his past actions, Lord Yama granted him the permission to return to Earth for a period of 15 days to perform the rituals. These 15 days came to be known as Pitru Paksha or Shradh, during which people pay homage to their ancestors and perform rituals to seek their blessings and forgiveness.

Conclusion

Shradh, also known as Pitru Paksha, is a sacred period when we pay homage to our ancestors and seek their blessings. By understanding the significance of Shradh, following the prescribed rituals, and observing the specific Shradh dates in 2022, we can honor our departed loved ones with reverence and gratitude. May the observance of Shradh bring spiritual upliftment, ancestral blessings , and a deep connection to our roots. As we perform the rituals and offer prayers during this auspicious time, let us remember the sacrifices and contributions of our ancestors, and may their souls find eternal peace.