Ghaatha Chaturdasi (Mahalaya Pithru Paksha)

What is Ghaatha Chaturdasi?

14th thithi (Chaturdasi) of Pithru Paksha during Bhadrapada Maasam is earmarked exclusively for all those who had accidental or unnatural death viz. snake bite, suicide, murder, killed with weapon, accident (road, train, air, including fire/drowning), killed in war, natural calamities etc.

Such Sraaddha (for those who had accidental/unnatural death) on the day of Chaturdasi should be performed as Ekoddishta (only one Pinda) and not for Varga Thraya.

For example if Father had died in accident or had unnatural death, only Father will be called out but not Pithamaha & Prapithaamaha. If two or all the three in Varga Thraya had such death then it should be performed for two/three accordingly.

Therefore Sarva Pithru Paksha Sraaddha should not be performed on this day even if Pithru thithi happens to be Chaturdasi.

However, those who are doing daily Sraaddha/Thila tharpana during Pithru Paksha can do it even on Chaturdasi days also.

If Paksha Sraaddha is performed for only one day during Pithru paksha, then, it should be performed on any of the specified days like Bharani, Vyatheepaatha, Madhyaashtami, Amaavaasya for Sarva Pithru including those who had accidental/unnatural death.

In case Pithru Prati Saamvatsareeka Sraaddha (regular annual ceremony) coincides with Chaturdasi during Pithru Paksha, it can be performed as usual. Then Sarva Pithru Paksha Sraadha should be performed on any of the other specified days.

Samastha Pithrantharaaymi Sri Maha Vishnu preetyartham...

Sri Krushnaarpanamasthu