Answering questions about Shradh (श्राद्ध)

According to Hindu Dharma, currently the fortnight of the ancestors or पितृ पक्ष is in progress. This is a solemn time when Hindus remember their deceased ancestors and offer sincere prayers of gratitude to these ancestors. These prayers and rituals are called Shradh (श्राद्ध ). In this video I try and answer various questions relating to Shradh (श्राद्ध ). By the end of this video an individual will be able to perform the absolute basic ritual of Shradh themselves.

Please find the answers to various specific questions on the following time maps.

What is Shradh? - 00:20
When do we perform Shradh? 5:55 + 18:15
What is the logic behind performing Shradh? 3:45
Who can perform Shradh? 9:30
Can women perform Shradh? 9:30
How to perform Shradh yourself? 10:21 + 13:35
What is tarpanam? 10:21
Why do we perform Shradh? 01:18
Prayer for Shradh - 11:41
Who are Pitri (पितृ) ? 00:43
What are the three debts (ऋण ) every human carries? 01:22
What if your ancestors have taken birth in another life form (योनि) and are no longer only in their spirit form? 15:28
What if all our ancestors have merged into the light of god? 16:41
How do we know that our ancestors are truly benefiting by us performing Shradh? 17:08
Examples of performing Shradh (with Sanskrit shloka) in the Valmiki Ramyana by Emperor Dasharatha - 18:44

Pitru Paksh dates 2020 - 2nd Sept - 17th Sept
Pitru Paksh dates 2021 - 20th Sept - 6th Oct

More questions
1.What if a fresh source of water is not available like a river?
If a fresh water source is not available, feel free to do this ritual in the kitchen sink as well. The coins can be reused.

2. What is a sankalp?
A “sankalp” means an oath in English.

3. What should be done with the contents of the tray after doing Shraddh?
The contents of the tray can be drained in the sink at home. If you put coins, you can reuse them or give it away to someone, as you wish.

4. Can Shraddh be performed more than once per year? Do you have any advice for a person with pitrudosh?

Shradh can be performed as often as everyday, specifically if you are looking at fixing one or more afflictions in your life - like those in pitrudosh. In this case you could take a sankalp (oath) that you are doing Shradh for a specific affliction.

But whatever you do, do not do it as a burden. Do it with utmost sincerity and with faith. After sometime you will reach a level of saturation in performing Shardh with a sankalp. Stop then and resume again (when you desire) and continue till you feel the affliction is lessened or over.

Also take concrete action in this life to alleviate particular afflictions as certain inherited habits are performed unknowingly and we have science/various teachers to help us improve our afflictions (in the modern era). Ask your ancestors to guide you to a better life and take action (karma) to accomplish that betterment.


Please note, I am merely following and sharing the basic steps of Shradh as mentioned in the scriptures and by various gurus. I am a mere compiler and sharer of knowledge contained in the scriptures. I attribute all my knowledge to numerous gurus and wise men - I humbly stand on the shoulders of giants.