Ashtami Shraddha during Pitru Paksha is a sacred day to remember, honor and pray for our ancestors. Pitru Paksha is the sacred 16-day period dedicated entirely to our ancestors. Every Tithi during these 16 days carries its own significance, and Ashtami Shraddha is observed on the eighth lunar day. On this sacred day, a special Kalabhairav Darshan and Aarti will be offered with your name and Sankalpa.

Lord Kalabhairav is one of the most powerful forms of Lord Shiva. He is connected with Kala - time, karma, protection and fearlessness.

During Pitru Paksha, when we consciously remember our ancestors and pray for the healing of ancestral karmas, worshipping Kalabhairav becomes especially meaningful.

This is an opportunity to pray for those who came before you, seek peace for departed family members and ask for Lord Kalabhairav’s protection and blessings for your entire family lineage.

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?

We inherit much more than our family name.

According to Vedic tradition, we can also carry the Samskaras, blessings, unresolved karmas and patterns of our ancestors.

Sometimes the same struggles can repeat through generations - difficulties in relationships, finances, health, peace of mind or progress in life. Pitru Paksha gives us a sacred opportunity to remember our ancestors with gratitude and consciously pray for healing across our lineage.

Lord Kalabhairav represents the power that transcends time and karma. He is traditionally worshipped for protection, courage and freedom from fear, unseen obstacles and negative influences. On Ashtami Shraddha, your name and Sankalpa will be included in the special Kalabhairav Darshan and Aarti, with prayers for your ancestors and your family lineage.

Benefits

1. Honor Your Ancestors and Seek their Blessings
   Offer prayers and remembrance for departed family members during the sacred period of Pitru Paksha.
   
2. Ancestral Blessings
   Seek the blessings and grace of your ancestral lineage for yourself and your family.
   
3. Peace for Departed Souls
   Prayers are offered for the peace and spiritual wellbeing of departed family members.
   
4. Ancestral Karma Cleansing
   Pray for freedom from unresolved karmic patterns that may be continuing through the family lineage.
   
5. Kalabhairav’s Protection
   Seek Lord Kalabhairav’s blessings for protection from fear, obstacles and negative influences.
   
6. Strength & Fearlessness
   Invoke Kalabhairav’s grace for inner strength, courage and stability during difficult situations.
   
7. Blessings for Future Generations
   Pray that ancestral blessings, protection and positive Samskaras continue through children and future generations.
   

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

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

Kalabhairav Deepa Seva - A special lamp will be offered before Lord Kalabhairav with your name and Sankalpa.

Lighting a Deepa represents the removal of darkness and is offered with prayers for protection, clarity and freedom from obstacles.

Brahmana Bhojanam - A meal will be offered to Brahmanas in the name of your ancestors.

Offering food during Pitru Paksha is traditionally considered a sacred way of remembering and honoring one’s ancestral lineage.

Gau Seva - Food and care will be offered to cows in the name of your family and ancestors.

Gau Seva is traditionally considered a highly auspicious act of charity and can be dedicated as an offering of gratitude to your Pitrs.

Ganga Deepa Daan in Kashi - A sacred lamp will be offered on the banks of Mother Ganga in Kashi with prayers for your ancestors.

The Deepa will be offered with your Sankalpa for peace, blessings and healing across your family lineage. (Video will be sent)

Special Pinda Tarpanam in Kashi - A special Pinda Tarpanam will be performed in Kashi for a departed family member or loved one. The ritual will be performed with their name and your Sankalpa, with 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.