In Vedic Sanatana tradition and Nepali Hindu culture, the sacred rite of expressing heartfelt gratitude, reverence, and filial devotion to departed parents and ancestors (Pitrus) is known as Shradh (Shradha). Scriptural wisdom defines it simply: "Shraddhaya Deeyate Yat Tat Shradham" — whatever sacred offering is made with pure faith (Shraddha) is Shradh.
Following the departure of a loved one, families observe two primary forms of Shradha:
- Annual Ekoddishta Shradh (वार्षिक एकौद्दिष्ट श्राद्ध): The annual death anniversary observed solely for that individual on their exact death lunar month, fortnight (Paksha), and lunar day (Tithi).
- Sohra Shradh / Mahalaya Pitru Paksha (सोह्र श्राद्ध / पार्वण श्राद्ध): The 16-day sacred ancestral fortnight in the month of Bhadra/Ashwin, where offerings are made to three generations of departed ancestors.
Yet modern families and diaspora communities worldwide frequently encounter practical challenges:
- "The hospital death certificate only records the English Gregorian date (AD), but our family priest requires the exact lunar month (Chandra Maas) and Tithi. How do we find it?"
- "We know the Bikram Sambat (BS) date, but what were the prevailing lunar month, Paksha, and Tithi at the exact time of death?"
- "When does our father's or mother's annual death anniversary fall this year in the Nepali calendar? What are the auspicious Kutap and Aparahna Kaal timings?"
To solve these exact challenges, Sripatro (श्रीपात्रो) has created the definitive, astronomically precise Death Tithi Shradh Calculator & Calendar Tool.
In this guide, we explore the science behind Chandra Maas, Paksha, and Tithi determination, rules for death tithi calculation based on time of demise, two-way AD ⇄ BS conversion, and complete scriptural guidance for performing Shradh rituals.
Table of Contents
- Spiritual Significance of Shradh & Pitru Rina
- Understanding Chandra Maas (Lunar Month), Paksha & Tithi
- How Death Tithi is Determined: The Aparahna Rule
- Two-Way Demise Date Conversion: AD ⇄ BS
- Calculating Upcoming Annual Ekoddishta & Sohra Shradh Dates
- Adhik Maas (Malmaas) and Tithi Kshaya Rules for Shradh
- Step-by-Step Guide to Using Sripatro Shradh Calculator
- Sacred Muhurats: Kutap Kaal, Rohina Kaal & Aparahna Window
- Shradh Rituals, Sacred Offerings & Sankalpa Mantra
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Spiritual Significance of Shradh & Pitru Rina
According to Vedic philosophy, every soul born into the physical realm carries three profound ancestral obligations:
- Deva Rina (देव ऋण): Debts to cosmic and divine principles.
- Rishi Rina (ऋषि ऋण): Debts to ancient sages, teachers, and lineage wisdom.
- Pitru Rina (पितृ ऋण): Debts to the physical parents and ancestors who gifted us this life and body.
Serving and respecting parents during their lifetime and offering scriptural water oblations (Tarpana) and food offerings (Pinda Daan) upon their departure discharges this sacred debt, liberating the soul from Pitru Dosha.
"Aayuh Prajaam Dhanam Vidyaam Swargam Moksham Sukhaani Cha. Prayachhanti Tathaa Raajyam Preetaa Nrinaam Pitaamahaah."
— (Garuda Purana)
Meaning: Departed ancestors who are satisfied with Shradha bestow longevity, noble progeny, wealth, knowledge, heavenly joy, domestic peace, and spiritual liberation upon their lineage.
2. Understanding Chandra Maas (Lunar Month), Paksha & Tithi
While contemporary society tracks civil life using the Bikram Sambat (BS) solar calendar in Nepal or the Gregorian (AD) calendar globally, Vedic rituals and Shradha follow the Chandra Maas (Lunar Calendar).
What is Chandra Maas (Lunar Month)?
A lunar month is measured by the moon's angular cycle relative to the sun. In Nepal and Northern India, Shradha determinations follow the Purnimanta System (पूर्णिमान्त पञ्चाङ्ग), where the lunar month commences on the day following the Full Moon (Krishna Paksha Pratipada) and concludes on the subsequent Full Moon (Purnima).
The 12 Classical Chandra Maas (Lunar Months):
| Chandra Maas (Lunar Month) | Sidereal Sun Sign | Ritual Context & Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Vaisakha (बैशाख) | Aries (मेष) | Mata Tirtha Aunsi (Mother's Day in Nepal), Akshaya Tritiya |
| 2. Jyeshtha (जेठ) | Taurus (वृषभ) | Ganga Dussehra, Nirjala Ekadashi |
| 3. Ashadha (असार) | Gemini (मिथुन) | Guru Purnima, Harishayani Ekadashi |
| 4. Sravana (साउन) | Cancer (कर्कट) | Nag Panchami, Janai Purnima / Raksha Bandhan |
| 5. Bhadrapada (भदौ) | Leo (सिंह) | Kusesi Aunsi (Father's Day in Nepal), Haritalika Teej, Praushthapadi Purnima Shradh |
| 6. Asvina (असोज) | Virgo (कन्या) | Sohra Shradh (Pitru Paksha), Matri Navami, Sarva Pitru Amavasya, Dashain |
| 7. Kartika (कार्तिक) | Libra (तुला) | Tihar / Deepawali, Laxmi Puja, Chhath, Haribodhini Ekadashi |
| 8. Margashirsha (मंसिर) | Scorpio (वृश्चिक) | Bala Chaturdashi, Dhanya Purnima / Udhauli |
| 9. Pausha (पुस) | Sagittarius (धनु) | Paush Purnima, Tamu Lhosar |
| 10. Magha (माघ) | Capricorn (मकर) | Maghe Sankranti, Shree Panchami (Saraswati Puja) |
| 11. Phalguna (फागुन) | Aquarius (कुम्भ) | Maha Shivaratri, Fagu Purnima (Holi) |
| 12. Chaitra (चैत) | Pisces (मीन) | Ghode Jatra, Chaite Dashain, Ram Navami |
Paksha (Fortnight): Shukla Paksha & Krishna Paksha
Each lunar month consists of two fortnights:
- Shukla Paksha (शुक्ल पक्ष / Waxing Moon): From the day after New Moon to Full Moon (15 days of growing light).
- Krishna Paksha (कृष्ण पक्ष / Waning Moon): From the day after Full Moon to New Moon (15 days of receding light).
The 15 Tithis (Lunar Days)
Pratipada, Dwitiya, Tritiya, Chaturthi, Panchami, Shashthi, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, Dashami, Ekadashi, Dwadashi, Trayodashi, Chaturdashi, and Purnima (Full Moon in Shukla Paksha) or Amavasya (New Moon in Krishna Paksha).
3. How Death Tithi is Determined: The Aparahna Rule
Dharmashastra texts like Dharmasindhu and Nirnayasindhu govern how death tithis are calculated:
Rule 1: "Aparahna Vyapini Tithir Graahya"
The primary period for performing ancestral rites is Aparahna Kaal (afternoon, approx. 12:00 PM to 2:48 PM). Whichever lunar tithi was prevailing during Aparahna on the day of demise is considered the primary death anniversary tithi.
Rule 2: Instantaneous Tithi at Time of Demise
When the exact clock time of death is known, the astrological tithi prevailing at that specific minute (computed via Swiss Ephemeris astronomical calculations) establishes the soul's transition tithi.
Rule 3: Deaths Occurring Before Sunrise
In the Vedic calendar, a civil day runs from sunrise to the following sunrise. If a demise occurs after midnight (e.g. 2:00 AM) but before sunrise, it belongs to the previous Vedic day's prevailing tithi, even though the western Gregorian calendar has advanced to a new date.
👉 Sripatro's Shradh Calculator accounts for these astronomical nuances, using high-precision planetary ephemeris algorithms to pinpoint the exact Chandra Maas, Paksha, and Tithi for any date and time.
4. Two-Way Demise Date Conversion: AD ⇄ BS
Modern documentation often creates calendar friction:
- Official death certificates and overseas records record Gregorian dates (AD).
- Traditional family records and Nepali priests operate on Bikram Sambat (BS) and Tithis.
Seamless Two-Way Conversion
On Sripatro Shradh Calculator, you can:
- Enter a BS Date: Instantly see the converted Gregorian AD date (Day, Month, Year, and Weekday).
- Enter an AD Date: Instantly see the converted Nepali BS date (Year, Month, Gate, and Bar).
- Switch Modes Instantly: Click the "Switch Mode" toggle button to transfer your selected date across formats without retyping.
5. Calculating Upcoming Annual Ekoddishta & Sohra Shradh Dates
Once the death tithi and lunar month are determined, the tool projects the exact future dates:
1. Annual Ekoddishta Shradh (वार्षिक एकौद्दिष्ट श्राद्ध)
- Observed For: The individual departed soul.
- Frequency: Once every year, on the same lunar month (Chandra Maas), same Paksha, and same Tithi.
- Example: If a demise occurred on "Kartik Krishna Navami", the annual Shradh is performed every year on the day when Kartik Krishna Navami prevails during Aparahna Kaal.
- Information Displayed:
- Upcoming BS Date & Weekday (e.g., Kartik 17, 2083 BS, Monday)
- Corresponding Gregorian AD Date (e.g., November 2, 2026)
- Live Days Countdown (e.g., 7 days remaining)
- Auspicious Kutap, Rohina, and Aparahna Muhurat timings
2. Sohra Shradh (Mahalaya Pitru Paksha / पार्वण श्राद्ध)
- Observed For: Three generations of maternal and paternal ancestors.
- Frequency: During the 16 days of Pitru Paksha (from Bhadrapada Purnima to Ashwin Amavasya).
- When It Falls: On the same tithi number during Sohra Shradh (e.g. Navami Shradh on Ashwin Krishna Navami).
- Matri Navami (मातृ नवमी): For departed mothers, grandmothers, and female ancestors, Ashwin Krishna Navami (Matri Navami) is the supreme day of observance, regardless of their exact original death tithi.
- Sarva Pitru Amavasya (सर्वपितृ मोक्ष औंसी): If the exact death tithi is unknown or was missed due to illness, travel, or ritual impurity (Sutak/Jutho), Shradha is observed on this final New Moon day.
6. Adhik Maas (Malmaas) and Tithi Kshaya Rules for Shradh
Every 32.5 months, an intercalary lunar month (Adhik Maas / Malmaas) is inserted to reconcile lunar and solar calendars.
Scriptural rules for Malmaas:
- First Death Anniversary (बरखी / Barkhi): The initial annual Shradh after demise must be performed upon completion of 12 lunar months, even if it falls within Adhik Maas.
- Subsequent Annual Shradhas (2nd year onwards): Regular annual Ekoddishta Shradha is not performed during Malmaas; it is observed in the pure (Shuddha) month.
- If Demise Occurred in Adhik Maas: Shradha is performed in the pure month each year, and additionally in Adhik Maas whenever it recurs.
7. Step-by-Step Guide to Using Sripatro Shradh Calculator
[ Select Date Type: BS or AD ]
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[ Enter Date and Clock Time of Demise ]
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[ Choose Relationship: Father, Mother, or Other ]
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[ Click "Calculate Shradh" ]
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✨ View Chandra Maas, Paksha, Tithi & Converted Dates
✨ View Upcoming Annual Ekoddishta Shradha Date & Countdown
✨ View Upcoming Sohra Shradh (Pitru Paksha) Date
✨ Add to Google/Apple Calendar (.ics) or Share on WhatsApp
- Navigate to the Calculator: Open Sripatro Shradh Calculator.
- Choose Date Type: Select either BS (वि.सं.) or AD (ई.सं.).
- Enter Demise Date & Time: Input the year, month, day, and time. If time is unknown, the default midday time of 11:30 AM is applied.
- Select Ancestral Relationship: Father, Mother, or Other. Selecting "Mother" activates special Matri Navami ancestral guidance.
- Click Calculate: View the complete astrological analysis, upcoming annual date, and download your
.icscalendar reminder.
8. Sacred Muhurats: Kutap Kaal, Rohina Kaal & Aparahna Window
The day is divided into 15 Muhurats. The sacred windows for Shradha are:
Daily Muhurat Windows for Shradh:
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Morning (प्रातःकाल): Deva Puja (Ancestral rites prohibited)
11:36 AM - 12:24 PM: Kutap Kaal (कुतप मुहूर्त) ★★★ Ideal Start & Sankalpa
12:24 PM - 01:12 PM: Rohina Kaal (रौहिण मुहूर्त) ★★ Pinda Daan Window
12:24 PM - 02:48 PM: Aparahna Kaal (अपराह्ण काल) ★★★ Main Shradha Window
Evening / Night: Ancestral rites strictly forbidden ✗
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- Kutap Muhurat (11:36 AM - 12:24 PM): The 8th muhurat of the day. The sun's rays are calm and ancestors descend to accept offerings. Ideal for initiating the ceremony.
- Rohina Muhurat (12:24 PM - 1:12 PM): The 9th muhurat of the day, ideal for offering Pindas and Tarpana.
- Aparahna Kaal (12:24 PM - 2:48 PM): The primary afternoon block where ancestral ceremonies must be completed before evening.
9. Shradh Rituals, Sacred Offerings & Sankalpa Mantra
Essential Sacred Ingredients:
- Kush Grass (कुश): Sacred grass without which water tarpana cannot reach ancestral realms. Worn as a ring (Pavitri).
- Black Sesame Seeds (कालो तिल): Originating from Lord Vishnu's divine essence, black sesame wards off negative energies.
- Cow Milk, Ghee & Curd: Mandatory for cooking sacred Pinda rice and Panchamrita.
- Barley (जौ) & Rice: Used for Vedic havan and Pinda preparation.
- Tulsi Leaves: Placing a sacred basil leaf upon the Pinda ensures ancestral liberation to Vaikuntha.
- Pure Water: For offering Tarpana to Devas, Rishis, and Pitrus.
Core Ancestral Sankalpa Mantra:
"Om Vishnur Vishnur Vishnuh... Asmad Pitroh (Matroh) Akshaya Triptyartham Ekoddishta (Paarvana) Shradham Aham Karishye."
Pitru Gayatri Mantra:
"Om Devataabhyah Pitribhyashcha Mahaayogibhya Eva Cha. Namah Swaahaayai Swadhaayai Nityameva Namo Namah."
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How do I calculate death Chandra Maas and Tithi from an English date?
Answer: Enter your Gregorian (AD) date and time into the Sripatro Shradh Calculator. The tool evaluates the exact sidereal position of the Sun and Moon to compute the corresponding Bikram Sambat date, lunar month (Chandra Maas), Paksha, and Tithi instantly.
Q2: What is the difference between Ekoddishta Shradh and Sohra Shradh?
Answer: Ekoddishta Shradh is observed once a year specifically for a single departed soul on their exact death tithi. Sohra Shradh (Mahalaya Pitru Paksha) is observed across 16 days in Bhadra/Ashwin for all ancestors of the lineage.
Q3: When should Shradha be performed for mothers?
Answer: An annual Shradh is performed on the mother's exact death tithi every year. During Sohra Shradh, Matri Navami (Ashwin Krishna Navami) is celebrated as the foremost sacred day for departed mothers and grandmothers.
Q4: What if I do not know the exact death tithi of my parents?
Answer: If a father's exact death tithi is unknown, perform Shradha on Sarva Pitru Amavasya (the final day of Sohra Shradh). If a mother's tithi is unknown, observe it on Matri Navami or Sarva Pitru Amavasya.
Q5: Can Shradha be performed in the morning or at night?
Answer: No. Morning hours belong to divine deities (Deva Karya) and night belongs to dark energies. Ancestral rites must strictly be performed during Kutap Kaal (11:36 AM to 12:24 PM) and Aparahna Kaal.
Conclusion
Ancestral blessings are the spiritual foundation for family harmony, good health, and worldly success. Observing Shradha on the exact scriptural tithi and auspicious muhurat brings peaceful liberation to departed ancestors.
To accurately determine your ancestors' death Tithi, Chandra Maas, Paksha, and upcoming annual dates, use the Sripatro Shradh Calculator today.
🙏 Om Pitribhyo Namah Swadha Namah.
Deepak Thapa
The Sripatro editorial team publishes research-backed guides on Vedic astrology, Panchang calculations, cultural events, and modern productivity tools.