Ashtami Shraddha during Pitru Paksha is a sacred day for remembering and honoring our ancestors.

Pitru Paksha is the sacred 16-day period dedicated entirely to our ancestors. Each Tithi during this period holds importance for ancestral prayers, remembrance and offerings. Ashtami Shraddha is observed on the eighth lunar day and provides a special opportunity to pray for departed family members and seek the blessings of our ancestral lineage.

On this sacred Ashtami Shraddha, special Kalabhairav Darshan and Aarti will be offered with your Sankalpa.

Lord Kalabhairav is a powerful form of Lord Shiva associated with time, karma, protection and fearlessness. His worship is traditionally performed to seek protection from difficult circumstances, overcome fear and negative influences, and receive the grace of Lord Shiva.

This is a beautiful opportunity during Pitru Paksha to remember those who came before us while seeking Lord Kalabhairav's protection and blessings for your family.

Timings

October 2, 2026

08:00 PM IST | 10:30 AM EDT | 07:30 AM PDT | 04:30 PM CEST | 03:30 PM BST

To find your local time - check here

Why Kalabhairav During Pitru Paksha?

Pitru Paksha gives us an opportunity to consciously acknowledge our lineage, express gratitude, pray for departed family members and seek freedom from unresolved ancestral karmic patterns.

According to Vedic tradition, we inherit much more than our family name. We may also carry the Samskaras (impressions), blessings, unresolved karmas and patterns of our lineage.

Lord Kalabhairav is worshipped as a powerful form of Shiva connected with time, karma and protection. His worship is traditionally associated with overcoming fear, difficult circumstances, unseen obstacles and negative influences.

On Ashtami Shraddha, your name and Sankalpa will be included in the special Darshan and Aarti, seeking blessings for both your ancestors and your family.

Benefits

1. Honors Your Ancestors - offers prayers and remembrance for departed family members during Pitru Paksha.
2. Kalabhairav's Protection - seeks Lord Kalabhairav's blessings for protection from fear, obstacles and negative influences.
3. Peace for Departed Family Members - dedicated prayers are offered for the peace and spiritual wellbeing of your ancestors.
4. Ancestral Karma Cleansing - seeks relief from unresolved ancestral karmic patterns carried through the family lineage.
5. Family Harmony & Stability - prayers for greater peace, understanding and stability within your family.
6. Strength & Fearlessness - invokes Lord Kalabhairav's grace for courage and strength during challenging circumstances.
7. Blessings for Future Generations - seeks ancestral blessings and protection for children and future generations.

Family Sankalpa (2 Members) - Include another loved one in the sacred Sankalpa so that the prayers and blessings may be extended to your family.

Family Sankalpa (4 Members) - Include up to four loved ones in the Sankalpa for this special Ashtami Shraddha worship.

Anna Dhaan (Food Donation) - A nourishing meal will be offered to people in need in the name of your ancestors.

Anna Dhaan, the offering of food, is traditionally considered one of the highest forms of charity. During Pitru Paksha, feeding others in remembrance of our ancestors is considered an especially meaningful act of Seva.

Temple Seva - A contribution will be made to a sacred temple in the name of your family and ancestors, supporting the preservation of a place of worship and spiritual practice.

Special Pinda Tarpanam in Kashi - A special Pinda Tarpanam will be performed on the banks of the sacred Ganga in Kashi for a departed family member or friend.

The ritual will be performed with their name and your Sankalpa, offering prayers for their peace and spiritual wellbeing. A video of the Pinda Tarpanam will be sent to you after the ritual.

Note - For each sacred add-on you have purchased, we’ll send you the Zoom link to join that Arti live. If you’re unable to attend the live session, don’t worry-we’ll also share the recording of that Arti with you.