Shraddha Tithi Calculator
Find the tithi of a death from its date, time and place, the day of the Mahalaya Shraddha in Pitru Paksha, and the annual Shraddha of the coming years with their Kutapa, Rauhina and Aparahna times.
Understanding Shraddha Tithi and Vedic Rituals
In Hindu tradition, Shraddha is a sacred ritual performed to honor, appease, and pray for the peace and liberation of departed ancestors (Pitrus). Annual Shraddha (Varshik Shraddha / Barsi) is performed on the same lunar month and lunar day (Tithi) on which the soul departed.
Because the Hindu calendar is lunisolar based on the relative motions of the Sun and Moon, the secular Gregorian calendar date shifts every year. This calculator adheres strictly to classical scriptures like Dharma Sindhu and Nirnaya Sindhu.
Why is Shraddha Performed in Aparahna Kaal?
Scriptures divide the daytime into 5 equal periods: Pratah, Sangava, Madhyahna, Aparahna, and Sayahna. The 4th period, Aparahna Kaal (roughly afternoon from 1:15 PM to 3:45 PM), belongs exclusively to the ancestors. Shraddha rites must be performed when the tithi prevails during this window.
Sacred Muhurats: Kutup, Rohina, and Aparahna
Tarpan, Pinda Daan, and Brahmin Bhojan should be performed during these auspicious afternoon windows:
- Kutup Muhurat (8th Muhurat): The 8th muhurat of daytime. Regarded as the most auspicious moment to initiate Shraddha rites and welcome ancestral spirits.
- Rohina Muhurat (9th Muhurat): The 9th muhurat of daytime, following Kutup. Ideal for offering Pindas and conducting ancestor prayers.
- Aparahna Kaal (4th/5th of Day): The overarching afternoon window spanning from 3/5 to 4/5 of daytime, which defines the Shraddha tithi validity.
Key Scriptural Principles
- Chaturdashi Shraddha Rule: Chaturdashi during Pitru Paksha is called Ghatachaturdashi. It is meant only for those who died of weapons, poison, accidents, or suicide. Those with natural deaths have their Shraddha on Amavasya.
- Matri Navami (Avidhava Navami): The 9th day of Pitru Paksha is dedicated to mothers and women who died as Suhagans (with husband living).
- Adhik Maas (Intercalary Month): If death occurred in an Adhik Maas, Shraddha is performed in the corresponding Nija (pure) Maas in normal years, and in Adhik Maas when it recurs.
- Pancha Bali Offerings: Five mandatory food offerings made before meals: to the Cow (Gau Bali), Dog (Kukkura Bali), Crow (Kaka Bali), Devas, and Ants (Pipilika Bali).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the difference between Varshik Shraddha and Pitru Paksha Shraddha?
- Varshik Shraddha is the individual death anniversary performed every year in the month and tithi of death. Pitru Paksha Shraddha is the collective 16-day fortnight where rites are offered on the corresponding tithi.
- What if I do not know the exact date or tithi of passing?
- Classical scriptures advise performing ancestral rites on Sarvapitru Amavasya (Mahalaya Amavasya), which satisfies all ancestors whose tithis are unknown or forgotten.
- What is Aparahna Vyapini Tithi?
- It refers to a lunar day (Tithi) that is actively prevailing during the Aparahna window (afternoon period) of that civil day.