--> Skip to main content


How To Pray for a Death Anniversary in Hinduism

By

In the Hindu religion, the death anniversary of a loved one is an important occasion to remember and honor the departed soul. This day is typically marked by performing special rituals, prayers, and offerings to seek peace for the soul and express gratitude to the ancestors. In Hinduism, this day is commonly referred to as Shraddha or Tithi, and it involves invoking the blessings of Lord Yama, Pitru Devatas (ancestors), Lord Shiva, and other deities. Below is a detailed guide on how to pray and perform the necessary puja (rituals) on the death anniversary.

Significance of Death Anniversary Prayers

  1. Spiritual Liberation (Moksha): The prayers help the departed soul attain liberation (moksha) or a peaceful afterlife.
  2. Pitru Tarpana: Offering oblations (tarpana) to the ancestors ensures they are satisfied and bless the family with health, happiness, and prosperity.
  3. Balance of Karma: By performing the rituals, the living family members help the departed soul resolve any pending karma and ensure peace in the ancestral realm.
  4. Purification: The prayers purify both the departed and the family members, ensuring the continuation of the dharma (right living).

Gods and Goddesses to Worship

  1. Lord Yama: The god of death, responsible for guiding souls to the afterlife.
  2. Pitru Devatas (Ancestors): These are our forefathers, who are revered and worshipped during the Shraddha ceremony.
  3. Lord Shiva: The destroyer of evil and the granter of moksha (liberation).
  4. Lord Vishnu (especially Rama): Worshiping Vishnu or his avatar, Lord Rama, ensures blessings of protection, righteousness, and peace for the soul.
  5. Lord Parashurama: The sixth avatar of Vishnu and protector of ancestors.
  6. Goddess Durga: Invoked to grant protection and strength to the family and for blessings of liberation for the departed soul.

Puja Steps for a Death Anniversary

  1. Purification: Begin by cleansing the house and the puja area. Bathe and wear clean clothes, preferably white, as a symbol of purity.

  2. Kalash Sthapana (Pot Setup):

    • Fill a copper or brass pot with water, and place mango leaves on top. A coconut is placed on top of the pot. This represents the presence of divine energies.

  3. Offerings (Tarpana):

    • Prepare offerings such as rice, black sesame seeds, water, flowers, fruits, and sweets. These are offered to the ancestors (Pitru Devatas) during the ceremony.
    • Take some water mixed with black sesame seeds in your hands and chant the following Pitru Tarpana Mantra three times while offering water and sesame seeds:

    Pitru Tarpana Mantra:

    ओम रुद्राय पितृभ्य: स्वधा नम:
Om Rudraya Pitrubhyaḥ Svadha Namaḥ

  4. Invocation of the Ancestors (Pitru Stuti):

    • Light a ghee lamp and incense. Recite the following mantra to invoke the ancestors and offer respect:

    Pitru Stuti Mantra:

    ओम पितृ देवाय नमः
Om Pitru Devaya Namah

  5. Worship of Lord Yama:

    • Offer flowers and light a lamp for Lord Yama. Chant the Yama Gayatri Mantra to seek blessings and peaceful passage of the departed soul.

    Yama Gayatri Mantra:

    ॐ सूर्यपुत्राय विद्महे महाकालय धीमहि। तन्नो यमः प्रचोदयात्॥
Om Suryaputraya Vidmahe Mahakalaya Dhimahi | Tanno Yamaḥ Prachodayat ||

  6. Worship of Lord Shiva:

    • Offer bilva leaves, water, and flowers to a Shiva Lingam or an image of Lord Shiva while chanting the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra for the soul's peace and liberation:

    Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra:

    ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्।  
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्॥
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam |  
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat ||

  7. Worship of Lord Vishnu (Lord Rama):

    • Chant the Rama Mantra or Vishnu Stotra for divine protection and peace for the departed soul.

    Rama Mantra:

    श्री राम राम रामेति रमे रामे मनोरमे।  
सहस्रनाम तत्तुल्यं राम नाम वरानने॥
Shri Rama Rama Rameti Rame Rame Manorame |  
Sahasranama Tattulyam Rama Nama Varanane ||

  8. Worship of Goddess Durga:

    • Offer red flowers and light a lamp to Goddess Durga. Chant the Durga Mantra to seek her blessings for the family's well-being and for the soul to be freed from all bondages:

    Durga Mantra:

    ॐ दुर्गे स्मृता हरसि भीतिमशेषजन्तोः।  
Om Durge Smrita Harasi Bhitim Asheshajantoh ||

  9. Final Offerings (Pinda Daan):

    • Prepare rice balls (pindas) and offer them to crows or place them in a clean area, symbolically feeding the ancestors. Recite the following mantra while offering pindas:

    Pinda Daan Mantra:

    ओम पितृभ्यो नमः।
Om Pitrubhyo Namah |

  10. Aarti and Conclusion:

  • Conclude the puja with an aarti and distribute prasad (blessed food). Offer food to a Brahmin or needy individuals as it is considered auspicious and beneficial for the soul of the deceased.

Rare Facts and Relevant Beliefs

  1. Shraddha Ritual Timing:

    • The Shraddha ceremony is usually performed during Pitru Paksha (a fortnight dedicated to ancestors), but it can be done on the specific death anniversary (Tithi) as per the Hindu calendar.

  2. Offering to Crows:

    • Crows are believed to represent the souls of the departed ancestors in Hindu tradition. Offering food to crows during Shraddha is considered a direct way of feeding one's ancestors.

  3. Kusha Grass:

    • Kusha grass is often used during these rituals as it is believed to have the ability to attract positive energy and drive away negative forces.

  4. Presence of Family:

    • It is ideal for the eldest son or male family member to perform the rituals, but anyone can do it with sincerity.

  5. Gaya Shraddha:

    • Performing Shraddha at Gaya, a holy site, is considered highly meritorious for the salvation of ancestors. It is said to provide instant liberation.

By following these prayers and rituals with faith and devotion, Hindus believe they can ensure peace and liberation for the departed souls and bring blessings to their families.