Parva Dinas for Performing Pitru Karya

 Pithru Yagna

As we approach the end of Pitru Paksha, it is important to know the Parva Dinas for performing Pitru Karya. In this regard, here is a list of ParvaDinas for performing rituals such as Sraddha, Thila Tarpana, and Pinda Daana, etc. Parva Dinas for Performing Pitru Karya... In general, there are 96 special days in a Hindu calendar year dedicated to performing Pitru Karya (rituals for ancestors), collectively known as Shannavathi (Items 2 to 11 below). Beyond these, there are daily, annual, and specific astronomical occasions to perform these rituals. I. Daily and Annual Rituals - Brahma Yajna – Performed daily. - Pitru Tithi – The annual death anniversary (Kaala Sraddha), performed once a year. II. The 96 Shannavathi Days (Occurring Annually) - Amavasya – The new moon day (12 times a year). - Vyatipata Yoga – An auspicious astrological alignment (12+ times a year). - Vaidhruti Yoga – An auspicious astrological alignment (12+ times a year). - Surya Sankramana – Solar transits, including Dakshinayana and Uttarayana (12 times a year). - Pitru Paksha – The fortnight dedicated to ancestors (15 days a year). - Manvadi – The anniversaries of the creation of different Manvantaras (14 times a year). - Yugadi – The start dates of the four Yugas (4 times a year). - Poorvedyu – The day before the Ashtaka rituals (5 times a year). - Ashtaka – The eighth tithi of the Krishna Paksha in specific months (5 times a year). - Anvashtaka – The day following the Ashtaka rituals (5 times a year). III. Astronomical and Rare Occasions - Chandra Grahana – Lunar eclipse. - Surya Grahana – Solar eclipse. - Adhika Masa – The extra lunar month added to the calendar (occurs once every three years). - Mahodaya – A rare, highly auspicious astrological conjunction. - Ardhodaya – A rare, highly auspicious astrological conjunction. - Kapila Shashti – An extremely rare solar and planetary alignment. * Footnote on High-Merit Occasions & Ritual methodology... Among the Vyatipata Yogas, Dhanur-Vyatipata Yoga (which occurs annually during Dhanur Masam) holds supreme significance. Performing Pitru Karya on this day is scripturally considered a thousand times more meritorious than doing so even during the rare Ardhodaya Parvakaala. - Ekadashi Aacharana... Except for Amavasya, if any of the above Parva Dinas coincides with Ekaadasi (Aacharana day), Pitru Karya should not be performed. Instead, Pavamana Sukta Parayana is prescribed, which immensely pleases the Pitrus (ancestors). - Modality of Performance: Kaala Sraddha, Pitru Paksha, and Poorvedyu, Ashtaka, Anvashtaka - "Pinda Sahita" Amavasya, - "Aama Sraddha" For all other Parva Dinas listed above: "Thila Tarpana" Brahma Yajna (Daily) - "Jala Tarpana" - Shraddha Kaala (Timing Windows): Amavasya and Kaala Sraddha - Aparaahnna kaala. Pitru Paksha - Kutapa kaala to Aparaahnna kaala. Eclipses (Grahana) and Surya Sankramana - during their specific Parvakaala windows mentioned in Panchanga. All other Parva Dinas mentioned - Poorvaahnna kaala (before noon). - Target Ancestors (Pithru Varga): For Kaala Sraddha, strictly to the respective Varga Thraya (3 generations of maternal or paternal lineages as applicable). For Eclipses (Grahana), Uttarayana, and Dakshinayana - Sarva Pithru (all ancestors). All other Parva Dinas mentioned - Dwadasa Pithru

Please note: While these guidelines are based on standard scriptural texts as per Madhva Sampradaya, minor variations in practice (Aacharana) may exist. In such cases, please follow your respective Matha Sampradaya.

Teertha & Kshetra Shraddha:

Performing Teertha or Kshetra Shraddha for the departed souls at Punya Kshetras forms an integral part of Pitru Yajna. Whenever a Teertha Shraddha is performed, it must always be targeted toward Sarva Pitru and must include full Pinda Pradana.

Some of the most sacred places prescribed for Kshetra Shraddha include: Kashi, Gaya, Prayaga, Kurukshetra, Ayodhya, Naimisharanya, Badari, Dwaraka, Somnath, Rameswaram, Gokarna, Kapila Theertham (Tirupati), Tirumala, and Pushkar, as well as on the sacred banks of holy rivers like the Godavari, Narmada, Kaveri, Krishna, Tungabhadra, and on the banks of Pushkara-related rivers.

- A Note on Spiritual Alignment... Did you know there is more to sacred timings (Parvakaala) than just Eclipses (Grahana) and Solstices (Uttarayana/Dakshinayana)? While the general public is familiar with these major events, ancient wisdom actually highlights several other lesser-known Parvakaalas that are incredibly powerful and meritorious for spiritual practice. My mission is to bring this hidden knowledge to light, making it simple and accessible for everyone. To help you seamlessly integrate these sacred windows into your routine, I have published a comprehensive guide: "PARVAKAALA SAADHANA" an eBook from my digital library You can freely download from the Link (below) to begin your journey into deeper spiritual alignment.

https://archive.org/details/parvakaala-saadhana-20.11.2022

Related eBooks from my digital library for ready reference: 

• SrAddHaAya ChAritAm SraAddHa

https://archive.org/details/sraddhaaya-charitam-sraaddha-2023

This eBook covers the entire spectrum of Pitru Yagna—moving seamlessly from structural theory (why we perform it) to precise astronomical timing (Thithi reckoning), material requirements (Dharbha, Thila), and actionable procedures.

• THEERTHA YAATHRA - A PILGRIMAGE

https://archive.org/details/theertha-yaathra-a-pilgrimage-e-book

Sri KrishnaArpanamastu naaham karta harih karta