Pitru Paksha Ashtami Kashi-Gokarna Gyat-Agyat Purvaj Moksh Prapti Seva
🕉️ Ashtami - Shiva's Tithi, the Day of His Devoted Ancestors:
Ashtami, the eighth tithi of Pitru Paksha, is set aside especially for those who departed in akaal - by weapon, by fire, by electricity, in accidents. The Shiv Purana also calls Ashtami Shiva's special tithi. 'Ashta' - 8: Shiva's Ashtamurti form - earth, water, fire, air, space, moon, sun, and the jeevatma. Shiva exists in these 8 forms across all of creation, and today, rituals for ancestors will be performed simultaneously at 5 of his kshetras across North and South India. Ashtami brings special shanti to ancestors devoted to Shiva.
🔱 Kashi and Gokarna: Two Cities, One Moksha-Giving Shiva, Complete Moksha
🛕Kashi, Where Shiva Has Given His Word: Sanatan Dharma holds one city where moksha is guaranteed - Bhagwan Shiva has never left it, which is why it is called Avimukt Kshetra. Whoever takes their last breath here has the Tarak Mantra whispered into their ear by Shiva himself, and that soul attains moksha.
🛕Dakshin Kashi Gokarna Teerth Kshetra: The Skanda Purana calls Gokarna equal in punya to the Sapt Mokshapuris. Here, the ocean and Shiva exist together. For ancestors bound by karma, held back by unfinished deeds, Gokarna's coastal Shiva-kshetra frees them from that bondage.
🛕Gokarna and Kashi, Together in One Day, Through Sri Mandir App:
Travelling to five sacred sites across these two great teerths - Gokarna (Karnataka) and Kashi (Uttar Pradesh) - in a single day is entirely beyond what any individual can do. But through the Sri Mandir app, from home, Vedic purohits at all five sites will perform this seva on Ashtami, in your and your ancestors' name and gotra, with complete vidhi-vidhan. Video proof will reach you within 24-48 hours.
🙏Known ancestors whose names you remember, and unknown ancestors whose names time has erased - both wait today for the same Shiva. Kashi will grant them moksha, and Gokarna will grant them forgiveness. Book now!
The Garuda Purana gives a clear account of the method of tarpan and how it reaches them. Jal is offered as anjali along with sesame seeds, kush grass, and the chanting of mantras - the ancestors, positioned in the sky and in the southern direction, receive it there. The scriptures say: "One who performs tarpan with anjali of jal mixed with sesame seeds grants their ancestors satisfaction for many years." The ancestors exist in a subtle body, and it is in that subtle form that they receive the Tarpan.
Yes, once you book an offering, you will receive a certificate immediately. You can view your certificate under the 'Services' page in the 'Your Bookings' section.
Don’t worry. If you do not know your gotra, you can write “Kashyapa Gotra” or “Unknown Gotra” - these are considered scripturally accepted alternatives. And if you do not know your ancestors’ names either, you can say in the Sankalp: “May all known and unknown ancestors of my lineage accept this offering.” This is where the unseen flow of the Saraswati River is believed to play its role - carrying the offering to unknown ancestors.
The Garuda Purana states: “Sesame seeds originated from the body of Lord Vishnu.” Therefore, sesame is considered one of the purest and safest offerings. Adding sesame to Tarpan is believed to protect the offering from “demonic obstacles” (Daitya Badha) and help it reach the ancestors directly. Sesame is also considered dear to both Shani Dev and Yamaraj; therefore, sesame-water (Til-Jal) is believed to help pacify both karmic afflictions and Pitru Dosha.
After booking, you will receive updates via WhatsApp. Additionally, you can check the complete details of your offering in the "Chadhava Bookings" section of the Sri Mandir App.
The Garuda Purana clearly states that ancestors reside in Pitru Loka in a “vayu-rupa” (air-like form) and return to their descendants during Pitru Paksha. The ancestors are said to reside in Chandraloka, and during Pitru Paksha, the distance between Earth and the Moon is at its shortest, both scientifically and spiritually. On Purnima, when the Moon is full, the ancestors are believed to be at their most active and receptive. This is the science of Shradh - when a descendant remembers their ancestors with a Sankalp in their name, the invitation is believed to reach that soul.
Every human being is born with five debts, among which Pitru Rin is considered the greatest. If it is not fulfilled through Shraadh and Tarpan during Pitru Paksha, it gradually takes the form of “Pitru Dosha.” To a greater or lesser extent, everyone carries some form of Pitru Rin in their life. However, in families that regularly perform Pitru rituals, this Dosha is believed to remain inactive. In families that have not performed Shraadh for several generations, this Dosha is believed to become more prominent.
Yes, absolutely. It is a major misconception that only men can perform Shraadh. The Ramayana provides an example: when Rama and Lakshmana went to collect the required materials, Mata Sita performed Pind Daan for King Dasharatha alone on the banks of the Phalgu River. This Shraadh was so powerful that Rama’s Sankalp letter became a witness. The verse “Ye ke chasmatkule jata aputta gotravighrahah” clearly indicates that even in the absence of a son, a daughter or any descendant can perform Shraadh.
Yes! Shraadh is not performed only for deceased parents - it can also be performed for grandparents, maternal grandparents, great-grandparents, and any departed ancestor of the family. Even if all three generations are alive, their ancestors (such as great-grandparents) may still be awaiting Shraadh. The Sankalp during Pitru Paksha is always made for “all the ancestors of the lineage.”
Pitru rituals, Tarpan, and Shraadh can be performed throughout the year, but their spiritual significance during Pitru Paksha is believed to be thousands of times greater. The reason is that during this fortnight, ancestors are believed to come closer to Earth, allowing offerings to reach them more directly and immediately. Just as there is a difference between making a phone call and speaking to someone face-to-face, Shraadh during Pitru Paksha is like speaking to them face-to-face. The Markandeya Purana states that Tarpan performed during Pitru Paksha keeps the ancestors satisfied throughout the year.
Yes, the scriptures give clear permission for this. - those who were dear to you and whose passing brought you grief - may also be honoured through Shraadh. During Pitru Paksha, take a special Sankalp in their name and perform the rituals for the peace of their soul. There is no limit to love, and Shraadh is considered its highest expression.
If you face any issues with your Service, you can contact our Sri Mandir customer service team at 📞918296948051, who are always ready to assist you.