Bhadrapada Amavasya (Sarva Pitru Mahalaya)
भाद्रपद अमावस्या (सर्वपितृ अमावस्या / महालया)
Sarva Pitru Amavasya (Mahalaya Amavasya) is the paramount day of Pitru Paksha. It is the universal day when Shradh and Pinda Daan are performed for all ancestors whose date of departure is forgotten or unknown.
September 11, 2026
Friday
04:45 AM to 06:30 AM
Sacred river bath muhurta
September 10, 2026 at 10:15 PM
Commencement
September 11, 2026 at 09:05 PM
Conclusion
आयन्तु नः पितरः सोम्यासः अग्निष्वात्ताः पथिभिर्देवयानैः। अस्मिन यज्ञे स्वधया मदन्तु अधिब्रुवन्तु ते अवन्त्वस्मान्॥
Āyantu naḥ pitaraḥ somyāsaḥ agniṣvāttāḥ pathibhirdevayānaiḥ | Asmin yajñe svadhayā madantu adhibruvantu te avantvasmān ||
May our noble, benevolent ancestors arrive by the divine paths. May they accept these sacred offerings with joy and bestow protection and blessings upon our lineage.
Spiritual & Scriptural Significance
Offering Tarpan, Pinda Daan, and charity on Sarva Pitru Amavasya appeases all ancestors across past generations, bestowing longevity, prosperity, family harmony, and freedom from Pitra Dosha.
Pauranic Katha & History
The Markandeya Purana and Mahabharata tell the story of the generous Karna. Upon reaching Svarga, Karna was given gold and jewels to eat instead of food, because in life he had donated immense wealth but never offered food to his ancestors. Lord Indra permitted Karna to return to earth for 16 days to perform Shradh and feed the hungry—culminating on Sarva Pitru Amavasya.
Step-by-Step Pitru Tarpan & Puja Vidhi
- 1Wake up during Brahma Muhurta, take a holy bath, and wear clean white dhoti or clothing.
- 2The Karta (performer) performs Tarpan during the auspicious Kutup and Rohina Muhurta (around noon) facing South.
- 3Offer cooked rice balls mixed with black sesame seeds, honey, and ghee (Pinda Daan) on banana leaves.
- 4Perform Panchabali karma: offer separate portions of food to cows, dogs, crows, ants, and devas.
- 5Feed learned Brahmins and needy people with respect, providing clothes and Dakshina.
Frequently Asked Questions: Bhadrapada Amavasya (Sarva Pitru Mahalaya)
Who can be offered Shradh on Sarva Pitru Amavasya?
Any ancestor whose specific death tithi is unknown, forgotten, or who passed away under unusual circumstances can be offered Shradh on Sarva Pitru Amavasya.
What is Mahalaya?
Mahalaya marks the conclusion of Pitru Paksha and the auspicious invitation to Goddess Durga to descend to earth, heralding the arrival of Sharad Navratri.