Dwadashi Shraddha and Indira Ekadashi Parana Today: Know Significance, Rituals, and Auspicious Timings
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Krishna Paksha Trayodashi Tithi of the Ashwin month falls on Thursday. On this day, Dwadashi Shraddha will be performed along with the conclusion of Indira Ekadashi fast (Parana). According to the Drik Panchang, the Sun will remain in Virgo while the Moon will be in Cancer. The Abhijit Muhurat will begin at 11:50 AM and last for 39 minutes, while Rahu Kaal will be observed from 12:15 PM to 1:47 PM.
The Dwadashi Tithi will begin on September 17 at 11:39 PM and will end on September 18 at 11:24 AM, after which Trayodashi Tithi will commence. Hence, Dwadashi Shraddha rituals are to be observed on Thursday itself.
As per the Puranas, Dwadashi Shraddha is performed for ancestors who passed away on Dwadashi Tithi or for those who embraced Sannyasa (renunciation). It is also known as Sannyasi Shraddha, and performing it is believed to bring wealth, health, victory, and longevity.
During Pitru Paksha, the Kutup and Rohini Muhurat are considered highly auspicious for Shraddha rituals. These should ideally be completed by the afternoon, followed by Tarpan (offering water to ancestors) for their peace and satisfaction.
Rituals for Shraddha include:
Purifying the home with Ganga Jal and Gomutra.
Performing Tarpan facing the south direction.
Preparing pure vegetarian food for the ancestors and first offering it to Brahmins.
Donating items such as cow, land, sesame, gold, clothes, and food grains.
Using white flowers, milk, honey, sesame seeds, and white cloths, which hold special significance in Shraddha.
For those observing Ekadashi Vrat, it must be broken (Parana) before the end of Dwadashi Tithi. If done later, the fast loses its significance. The ideal time for Parana is after sunrise and before the end of Dwadashi Tithi.
Sometimes, Ekadashi is observed for two consecutive days — with Smarta followers breaking the fast on the first day, while renunciates seeking liberation observe it on the second day.