How to Calculate Your Ancestor’s Tithi
In Hindu tradition, performing Shraddha rituals on the correct tithi (lunar day) is essential to honor your ancestors effectively. Calculating the tithi of your ancestor’s demise helps you determine the right day to conduct these rituals during Pitrupaksha. Here’s a simple guide to help you find your ancestor’s tithi.
What is a Tithi?
A tithi is a lunar day in the Hindu calendar, calculated based on the angular relationship between the sun and the moon. A lunar month consists of 30 tithis, divided into two phases:
- Shukla Paksha (Waxing Phase): From Amavasya (new moon) to Purnima (full moon).
- Krishna Paksha (Waning Phase): From Purnima to Amavasya.
Each tithi has its own significance and is used to determine auspicious timings for rituals.
Steps to Calculate Your Ancestor’s Tithi
1. Determine the Date of Demise
Find the Gregorian calendar date and year of your ancestor’s death. This serves as the starting point for calculating their tithi.
2. Identify the Lunar Date
To calculate the tithi:
- Refer to a reliable Hindu Panchang (almanac) or use online tithi calculators.
- Input the Gregorian calendar date of demise to find the corresponding tithi and paksha.
3. Match the Tithi During Pitrupaksha
During Pitrupaksha, you’ll need to identify the same tithi that corresponds to the ancestor’s death tithi. For example:
- If your ancestor passed away on Krishna Paksha Tritiya, perform Shraddha on the Tritiya tithi during Pitrupaksha.
4. Adjust for Regional Differences
Note that tithi timings may vary slightly based on geographic location. It’s advisable to:
- Check a Panchang specific to your region.
- Consult a local priest for precise timings.
5. Use Online Tools for Accuracy
Several online tools and apps can help calculate tithi accurately. You can input the Gregorian date and find:
- The exact tithi of demise.
- The corresponding date is the upcoming Pitrupaksha.
Example Calculation
Suppose your ancestor passed away on September 15, 2020. Here’s how you calculate their tithi:
- Use an online Panchang or visit a temple to find the tithi of September 15, 2020. Assume it is Krishna Paksha Dashami.
- Check the Pitrupaksha calendar for the Dashami tithi in the current year.
- Perform the Shraddha ritual on that specific day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if I don’t know the exact date of demise?
If the exact date is unknown, Shraddha can be performed on Mahalaya Amavasya, the last day of Pitrupaksha, considered universal for all ancestors.
Q: Can I perform Shraddha for multiple ancestors on the same day?
Yes, Shraddha for multiple ancestors can be performed together if their tithis fall close together or if circumstances prevent individual rituals.
Q: Do I need a priest to calculate the tithi?
While a priest’s guidance ensures accuracy, you can calculate the tithi yourself using online Panchang tools or mobile apps.
OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT [Large language model]. https://chatgpt.com
