Shraddh Paksha 2025: What Do Hindu Scriptures Reveal About the Eternal Journey of the Soul?

Shraddh Paksha 2025: Understand the eternal soul, the power of Shraddh, and how Hindu rituals keep alive the bond between the living, the departed, and the divine.

Sanatana Dharma, the eternal path, has always looked at life not as a beginning and an end, but as a continuous stream. The body may fall away, but the ātman—the true self—remains untouched, pure, and immortal. Within this timeless philosophy lies one of the most sacred observances: Pitru Paksha, also known as Shraddh Paksha. It is the 16-day period when Hindus across the world remember, honor, and pay gratitude to their ancestors, believing that the bond of love and duty transcends even the boundaries of death.

 In 2025, Pitru Paksha began from 7 September (Bhadrapada Purnima) and will conclude on 21 September (Sarvapitri Amavasya or Mahalaya).

The Eternal Nature of the Soul

The foundation of Shraddh Paksha rests on the understanding that the soul is eternal. The Bhagavad Gītā explains this profound truth with great clarity:

“न जायते म्रियते वा कदाचिन्

नायं भूत्वा भविता वा न भूयः।

अजो नित्यः शाश्वतोऽयं पुराणो

न हन्यते हन्यमाने शरीरे॥”

(Bhagavad Gita 2.20)

“The soul is never born, nor does it die. It is eternal and ancient. Though the body is destroyed, the soul is never slain.”

When we perform Shraddh, we acknowledge this eternal journey of the soul. The rituals are not meant to mourn death but to aid the departed in their onward journey, helping them shed karmic burdens and move closer to liberation (moksha). It is also a way for the living to remember that we are not just bodies but timeless beings connected in an endless chain of existence.

What Hindu Scriptures Say About Shraddh

Hindu scriptures, particularly the Garuda Purana, describe how after death, the soul travels through subtle worlds and how offerings made by descendants—known as Shraddh—bring nourishment and peace to them. The Garuda Purana beautifully explains:

“यत्कृतं भवति श्राद्धं तत् पितॄणां प्रसाधनम्।

प्रीयन्ते तेन देवाश्च भवन्ति तु सुखानि च॥”

“When Shraddh is performed with faith, it pleases the ancestors, the gods are also satisfied, and happiness and prosperity arise for the family.”

Thus, Shraddh is not a mere ritual but a bridge that connects three worlds—the living, the departed, and the divine. By offering food, water, and prayers, the descendants express gratitude, while the ancestors, in return, bless the family with health, peace, and prosperity.

The Eternal Connection Between the Living, the Departed & the Divine

Sanatana Dharma teaches that we are never isolated beings; rather, we are threads woven into a tapestry of generations. Pitru Paksha is the time when this truth becomes most visible. It is believed that during these days, the souls of ancestors come closer to the earthly plane, eagerly awaiting the offerings and love of their descendants.

The Manusmriti emphasizes the sacred duty of performing Shraddh:

“पितॄणां मानसी पुत्राः पुत्राः सन्तानकाः स्मृताः।

तस्मात् सर्वप्रयत्नेन कर्तव्यं श्राद्धमादरात्॥”

“Sons are considered the continuation of their ancestors. Therefore, Shraddh must be performed with full devotion and effort.”

This verse reminds us that the bond with our forefathers is not broken by death; rather, it is our responsibility to sustain them with prayers, gratitude, and offerings. In return, they sustain us with invisible blessings.

Dates, Timing, and Significance of Shraddh Paksha 2025

In 2025, Pitru Paksha will begin on 7 September (Bhadrapada Purnima Shraddh) and will end on 21 September (Sarvapitri Amavasya or Mahalaya Shraddh). 

Each day is dedicated to ancestors who passed away on that particular lunar date (tithi). For example, the Shraddh of a father who departed on Tritiya tithi will be performed on Tritiya Shraddh. Those unable to perform Shraddh on specific tithis can do it on the final day, Mahalaya, which is considered universally auspicious for all ancestors.

The timing is equally important. Shraddh rituals are usually performed during the Aparahna kala (afternoon), considered sacred for offering tarpan and pindas. Consulting a local panchang helps families align with exact muhurta.

Rituals and Puja Vidhi of Shraddh

The Shraddh rituals are simple but deeply symbolic. They begin with purification—taking a holy bath, wearing clean white clothes, and preparing the sacred space with banana leaves and kusa grass. The devotee then makes a sankalpa (sacred vow), mentioning the names of the ancestors for whom the offerings are being made.

The most important ritual is pinda-pradana, the offering of rice balls mixed with black sesame seeds, ghee, and honey. Each pinda represents an ancestor, and as they are offered, mantras are chanted to invite the departed souls to accept the offering. This is followed by tarpana, the ritual of pouring water mixed with sesame seeds while chanting mantras such as:

“ॐ पितृभ्यो स्वधा नमः।”

Om Pitrubhyo Swadha Namah

“Obeisance to the ancestors, may this offering reach you.”

After tarpan, food is served to Brahmins, the poor, cows, and crows. Scriptures say that feeding these beings is equivalent to feeding the ancestors themselves. The sight of a crow partaking of the food is considered a sign of acceptance. Charity in the form of anna-daan (feeding), vastra-daan (giving clothes), or vidya-daan (supporting education) is also an important part of Shraddh, as it reflects the spirit of selfless giving.

The Pitru Gayatri Mantra is often recited during these offerings:

“ॐ पितृगणाय विद्महे जगद्धारिणी धीमहि तन्नः पितृः प्रचोदयात्॥”

“We meditate upon the assembly of ancestors, may they inspire and guide us.”

Through these acts, Shraddh transforms into an expression of love, respect, and gratitude, creating a spiritual circle between the past, present, and future.

Gratitude as the Core of Pitru Paksha

At its heart, Shraddh Paksha is not about fear of the afterlife or superstition—it is about gratitude. It is about bowing to those who gave us life, wisdom, and protection. The rituals remind us that our existence is built on their sacrifices and blessings. Feeding a crow, pouring water into the earth, or offering rice balls are outward symbols of an inward feeling: thank you for all that you have given us.

The Bhagavad Gita echoes this spirit of gratitude:

“यज्ञशिष्टाशिनः सन्तो मुच्यन्ते सर्वकिल्बिषैः।

भुञ्जते ते त्वघं पापा ये पचन्त्यात्मकारणात्॥”

(Bhagavad Gita 3.13)

“Those who partake of food offered in sacrifice are released from all sins, but those who prepare food only for themselves eat sin.”

This verse teaches us that food offered selflessly—to ancestors, to gods, to beings—is purifying. Gratitude uplifts both giver and receiver.

The Beauty of Remembering with Love

Performing Shraddh is not a burden, nor is it only about ritual precision. The essence lies in love and sincerity. Speaking the name of an ancestor during Sankalpa, preparing food with devotion, and silently recalling their face during prayers—these are the real offerings. Even if someone cannot perform elaborate rituals, a simple prayer, a candle lit with intention, or feeding a hungry soul in their memory carries the same fragrance of devotion.

Pitru Paksha reminds us that death is not the end of relationships. Love continues, blessings continue, and our duty to honor those who came before us continues. In that remembrance, we not only nourish their souls but also cleanse our own hearts.

Conclusion

Shraddh Paksha 2025 presents every seeker with an opportunity to pause and reflect on the timeless truths of Sanatana Dharma. By honoring our ancestors, we honor life itself. By feeding them with faith, we feed the roots of our existence. By bowing to them, we bow to the Divine order that binds generations together.

Pitru Paksha is not just about death—it is about eternal life. It is a festival of gratitude, a ritual of love, and a reminder that the soul is timeless. When we perform Shraddh with devotion, we keep alive the eternal bridge between the living, the departed, and the Divine.

“पितृभक्तिर्हि परमं धर्मः