Maha Navratri Ashtami-Navami Food & Ration Kits Distribution Seva to Needy
Why Perform Anna Seva on Navratri Ashtami-Navami?
Ashtami and Navami are the two most divinely charged days of Navratri, when the goddess's presence is believed to be at its fullest. Devi Bhagavatam states that feeding the hungry during Navratri is received directly by the goddess herself. And the Vedas place Anna Seva above every other act of giving: “Annadanam Samam Danam Trilokeshu Na Vidhathe: - in all three worlds, no seva equals Anna Seva. To feed someone on these two days is the highest one.
Why Perform Seva at these Three Locations?
This seva is performed across three cities that carry their own distinct sacred weight. Ujjain is the city of Mahakal, where Mahadev himself is believed to witness every act of seva performed here. Haridwar is where the sacred Ganga descends from the divine realm to earth, purifying everything it touches. And Kashi is the city of Maa Annapurna herself, the goddess of nourishment, where Shiva once came with a begging bowl and she fed him from her own hands.
Through Sri Mandir, Food and Ration Kits are distributed to those in need across Ujjain, Haridwar and Kashi on Ashtami and Navami, in your name. A video reaches you within 24–48 hours.
This booking is a collective act of service, made meaningful by everyone who participates. It is a shared contribution for a higher purpose. Through this collective offering, we are able to carry this sacred initiative forward and reach many more people.
Mahaseva is a very virtuous and fruitful donation, which has been mentioned repeatedly in the Vedas and Puranas. When a person performs the highest acts like food, clothing and grains with devotion and selflessness, it is called Mahaseva. This donation not only destroys the sins of the donor, but also satisfies the ancestors, gods and sages and liberates him from the bondage of karma of many births!
We are a for-profit technology company that offers services to facilitate the collection and distribution of voluntary donations to temples and / or registered charitable organizations (NGOs, Section 8 Companies, and Trusts). We charge a small service/processing fee (if applicable), and all transactions are fully transparent. Our role is limited to enabling secure and transparent transactions between donors and recipient organizations.
We do not represent ourselves as a charitable trust, religious endowment, or not-for-profit organization unless otherwise specified and registered under applicable laws. Tax exemptions under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961 are only applicable where the recipient NGO holds a valid 80G certificate and has issued a receipt to that effect. We do not guarantee any tax benefit unless explicitly mentioned. By using our platform, you acknowledge that your contribution is voluntary, and you are solely responsible for confirming the legal, tax, and financial implications of your donation.
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.