Pitru Paksha 2025: Can Women Perform Tarpan and Shraddh? Scriptural Insights & Method
By Pt. Amitabh Sharma
Scriptural rules for women, Sita’s offering, Garud Purana, FAQs, rituals, guidance
Table of Contents
Pitru Paksha, in Hindu tradition, is one of the most sacred windows for honoring ancestral souls with Shraddha and Tarpan. In 2025, it falls between September 7 and September 21. Traditionally, men lead these rites. Yet, time and again, families wonder-can women also perform these rituals? Can daughters, daughters-in-law, wives or even solitary women themselves conduct pinda daan, tarpan and Shraddha for the departed? After deep study and story, here is the scriptural, social and practical truth.
Key Shraddha Dates and Their Spiritual Importance
| Shraddha Date | Day | Pitru Paksha 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Shashthi Shraddha | September 12 | Krishna Paksha Shashthi |
| Saptami Shraddha | September 13 | Krishna Paksha Saptami |
| Ashtami Shraddha | September 14 | Krishna Paksha Ashtami |
| Navami Shraddha | September 15 | Krishna Paksha Navami |
| Dashami Shraddha | September 16 | Krishna Paksha Dashami |
| Ekadashi Shraddha | September 17 | Krishna Paksha Ekadashi |
| Dwadashi Shraddha | September 18 | Krishna Paksha Dwadashi |
| Trayodashi Shraddha | September 19 | Krishna Paksha Trayodashi |
| Chaturdashi Shraddha | September 20 | Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi |
| Sarva Pitru Amavasya | September 21 | Krishna Paksha Amavasya |
On every sacred tithi, Shraddha offerings, tarpan, pinda daan and serving food are carried out.
Can Women Perform Tarpan and Shraddha? Ancient Scriptures and Living Examples
1. Direct Scriptural Affirmation
- Garud Purana and major scriptures state that in the absence of a male heir or elder, women may perform Shraddha, Tarpan or Pinda Daan as true family custodians. The duties fall on the descendant, not exclusively the male.
- Daughters may offer rites for their father, wives for their husbands and so forth.
2. Maa Sita's Pinda Daan: The Puranic Example
During Rama’s exile, Lord Rama, Lakshmana and Sita visited Gaya in Pitru Paksha. When their help was requested but Rama and Lakshmana were delayed, Sita was asked to guide and perform the offering. With hesitation but deep faith, Sita shaped pinds of sand by the Falgu River. She invoked the banyan tree, ketaki flower, river and a cow as witnesses. King Dasharatha’s spirit was appeased and blessed her. When Rama returned and sought validation, all witnesses attested to Sita’s sacred act-showing again that deep devotion transcends gender.
3. What Vedic Texts and Law Codes Say
| Text/Tradition | Stance/Notes |
|---|---|
| Garud Purana | Women permitted in men’s absence |
| Parashara Smriti | Daughters may also fulfill ancestors’ duties |
| Yajnavalkya Smriti | Women allowed to perform charity at holy sites |
| Modern Hindu Panels | Nationally recognized priestly boards agree |
Scriptures mention ‘descendant,’ not always ‘male.’ The core value is devotion.
Who in the Family Can Perform the Rituals?
- Daughters: If no son lives, daughters can perform Shraddha or tarpan for parents.
- Wife or Daughter-in-law: In the absence of sons or senior men, wives care for family Shraddha traditions.
- Mother/Sister: When sons or brothers are not present, mother or sister may carry out the rites as the anchor.
Full Ritual Process and Important Notes for Women
- Women wishing to offer Shraddha should bathe, wear clean clothing, gather a calm mind and announce their intent and relative’s gotra for the offering.
- Recommended mantras: “Om Pitribhyo Swadha Namah,” and for pinda offering: “Om Sarvebhyo Pitribhyo Namah.”
- Mentally recall Sita’s act at Falgu, letting sincerity guide your hands.
- Feed cows, dogs, crows, Brahmins or the needy as part of the ritual, in line with classic Panchabali tradition.
- Keep the atmosphere peaceful, avoid fanfare, allow faith to guide the heart.
| Woman Conducting Shraddha | Cultural/Spiritual Benefit |
|---|---|
| Keeps family roots alive | Calms family karma and Dosha |
| Symbolizes equality and care | Transmits stability across generations |
| Cements ancestors’ memory | Earns continued respect and blessings |
FAQs - The Real Questions about Women, Shradh and Tarpan
Q1: Can women seek to participate even if men are present?
A: Tradition gives priority to men but understanding, harmony and devotion permit women’s supportive role or leadership as needed.
Q2: Are there special instructions for women?
A: Rituals are essentially the same. What matters is mental commitment, simplicity and purity of intention.
Q3: What if the family has only women left?
A: Absolutely, two main sources-Sita’s example and Garud Purana-affirm women’s right and power to perform these rituals.
Q4: Can a priest or family pandit help in a female-led Shraddha?
A: Yes. Most modern priests support and assist, providing mantras, clarity and direction for the family.
Q5: Does the Shraddha performed by women bring peace to ancestors?
A: Sincere offerings, by any gender, reach the ancestors and bring peace to the home.
During Pitru Paksha, any family member-man or woman-working from sincerity, discipline and humility can perform tarpan, Shraddha or charity. What matters most is heart and intention, not gender. This is the real spirit of Vedic ancestor reverence.
