Pitru Paksha 2025: Can Women Perform Tarpan and Shradh? Truth Revealed

During Pitru Paksha, a common question that often arises in people’s minds is: Can women perform Shradh and Tarpan in Pitru Paksha 2025?

Pitru Paksha 2025 will be observed from September 7 to September 21. It is a sacred time in the Sanatangyan tradition to honor ancestors through Shradh and Tarpan. Usually these rituals are performed by men. But many people ask: Can women perform Shradh and Tarpan if there are no male heirs? Ancient books, Maa Sita's story, and the Garud Puran provide us with an explicit answer. Let us examine this spiritual theme in depth.

The Spiritual Significance of Pitru Paksha

Pitru Paksha or Shraddh Paksha is a time when families pay respect to their ancestors, who are referred to as Pitras. They pay respects to them through rituals, food, and prayers. According to Garud Purana, during this time ancestors' souls come back to their descendants. They desire peace and blessings, which they attain through these rituals.

A Sanskrit verse from the Garud Purana beautifully explains:

"यत्रायं श्राद्धकर्माणि विधिना क्रियते सदा।

तत्र पितॄणां तृप्तिः स्याद् यथावर्ष्म जलं नदः॥"

“Wherever Shraddh rituals are performed with devotion, ancestors attain satisfaction just as rivers are filled with rainwater.”

Thus, these rites are not mere customs but pathways of maintaining the eternal cycle of sanatangyan dharma—linking the living with the departed.

Can Women Perform Tarpan and Shradh?

Traditionally, the eldest son or a male heir is expected to carry out Shradh. But what if there is no male descendant? The answer lies in the scriptures and stories.

1. The Pind Daan by Maa Sita

One of the most profound examples comes from the Ramayana era. During their exile, Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana visited Gaya, the most sacred place for Pind Daan. When Lord Rama and Lakshmana were delayed, a Brahmin requested Goddess Sita to perform the ritual. With hesitation but deep devotion, she created pinds out of sand on the banks of the Falgu River.

She invoked the Vata Vriksha (banyan tree), Ketaki flowers, the sacred river, and a cow as witnesses. King Dashrath’s celestial presence accepted her offering with blessings.

According to the natural witnesses, when Rama doubted the authenticity of the ritual, they testified to it.

“स्त्रीभिः श्राद्धं क्रियते सदा फलप्रदं भवेत्।”

Translation: “When Shraddh is performed by a woman with devotion, it bears fruit and grants peace to the ancestors.”

This sacred incident taught an important lesson. It showed that women can also perform rituals. They, too, can help guide their ancestors toward liberation and peace.

2. Scriptural Evidence

The Garuda Purana affirms:

“न स्त्रीणां पित्र्यकं श्राद्धं निषिद्धं शास्त्रवेदिभिः ।

पुत्राभावे स्त्रिया कार्यं श्राद्धं पितृपदप्रदम् ॥”

“The Shraddha performed by women is not forbidden in the scriptures. In the absence of sons, women may perform Shraddha, which grants the same merit to the ancestors.”

This clarifies that neither the shashtras nor Sanatangyan tradition restrict women. In fact, they honor sincerity and shraddha (faith) over gender.

3. Role of Daughters and Widows

Modern practice also supports women’s participation. If a woman has no brothers, she can perform Tarpan for her parents. Widows and unmarried women are also allowed to carry out these rituals if no male relative is alive.

The Deeper Meaning of Pitru Paksha

Our Sanatangyan tradition tells us that forebears never forsake us. They are in us. Shraddh and Tarpan retain us connected to them from generation to generation.

The Bhagavad Gita beautifully reflects this thought:

“उत्सन्नकुलधर्माणां मनुष्याणां जनार्दन ।

नरकेऽनियतं वासो भवतीत्यनुशुश्रुम ॥” ( Bhagavad Gita1.44)

“With the destruction of family dharma, the eternal traditions are lost, and those without ancestral rites dwell in unrest.”

The onus of Shraddh lies with one who continues the family's devotion. It may be a son or a daughter. Either can do these sacred rituals.

Summarizing all of this, Pitru Paksha 2025 holds something valuable in store for us. Shradh and Tarpan are rituals of dedication and not gender-specific. Sanatangyan tradition, Garud Purana, and the case of Maa Sita indicate that women can carry out these rituals when there are no male descendants. What is important is true shraddha, trust, and honesty. With these, ancestors can find peace and blessings generation by generation.