What is Bharani Nakshatra Shraddha and Why is it Important?

Pitru Paksha (the fortnight dedicated to ancestors) is about to begin. This sacred period, lasting for 15 days, will be observed from 7th September to 21st September 2025. During Pitru Paksha, people honor their ancestors through tarpan (offering water), shraddha rituals, and charity, all performed for the peace of their departed souls. In Pitru Paksha Bharani Nakshatra Shraddha is very important.

According to scriptures, every human being carries three types of debts—Deva Rin (debt to the gods), Rishi Rin (debt to sages), and Pitru Rin (debt to ancestors). One repays Deva Rin through yajnas, Rishi Rin through self-study and knowledge, and Pitru Rin through Shraddha and Tarpan. Pitru Paksha is considered the most auspicious time to perform these duties toward one’s ancestors.

Among the different days of Pitru Paksha, Bharani Nakshatra holds a very special place. Let’s understand why:

Bharani Nakshatra Tarpan

On 11th September 2025, Bharani Nakshatra coincides with Panchami Tithi.
Performing Tarpan on Bharani or Rohini Nakshatra is considered as powerful as offering Tarpan at Gaya Tirtha, the holiest place for Shraddha rituals.
The Kurma Purana and Agni Purana both describe the significance of Bharani Nakshatra for ancestor rituals.
Offering Tarpan during Bharani Nakshatra removes physical, mental, family, and financial troubles.
Scriptures like the Vayu Purana and Shraddha Prakash also highlight its importance.
It is believed that performing Shraddha on Bharani Nakshatra helps eliminate doshas like Kaal Sarp Dosh from one’s life.
On this day, during the afternoon, devotees should face south, take a bronze vessel filled with water, and offer Tarpan to their ancestors using sesame seeds, barley, black lentils, rice, and kusa grass.

Significance of Bharani Nakshatra Shraddha

Bharani Shraddha is performed to bring peace to the souls of one’s ancestors. People who, during their lifetime, could not visit sacred pilgrimages like Matrugaya, Pitrugaya, Pushkar, or Badrikedar, receive the same spiritual merit when their descendants perform Bharani Shraddha for them.

It is important to note that Bharani Shraddha is not performed in the first year of death, as the departed soul remains in the state of preta until the first annual Shraddha is completed. From the second year onward, Bharani Shraddha must be performed for ancestral blessings and peace.