Bhishma Ashtami 2026: Do you want to perform Shraddha for just one person, not three generations? Follow this 'secret method':Bhishma Ashtami Shraddha: Do you know how to perform Shraddha for just one person

News Topical, Digital Desk : In Indian culture and Sanatan Dharma, Shraddha rituals are considered the simplest way to free oneself from ancestral debt. Among these, Ekodishta Shraddha, performed for the peace of the soul of a deceased person, holds a special place. In 2026, Bhishma Ashtami will be celebrated on January 26th, which has a deep connection with Shraddha. According to the scriptures, offering prayers to ancestors on this day is infinitely fruitful.

"Ekodishta" means an offering made with the intention of serving a single soul. Bhishma Pitamah passed away on this day, making it an auspicious time for attaining salvation. Shraddha performed with devotion on this day not only satisfies the ancestors but also brings happiness, peace, and blessings of progeny to the family.

Nature and importance of Ekodishta Shraddha (Bhishma Ashtami 2026 Ritual)

Ekodishta Shraddha is also known as Naimittik Shraddha. Ekodishta Shraddha is a special puja performed for the peace of the soul of a deceased family member. While in normal Shraddhas, we remember many ancestors, but in this Shraddha, water and food are offered only to the person whose death anniversary (date of death) it is.

According to scriptures, it is essential to perform this Shraddha on the eleventh day after a person's death, and then every year on their death anniversary. The special feature of this ritual is that only one 'Pinda' (pind) is offered and only one sacred 'Kush' (golden ash) is used. It is believed that this ritual brings peace to the wandering soul and grants it a comfortable place in the ancestral world.

Preparation and worship materials for Shraddha (Ekodishta Shraddha Method)

Purity and the right materials are essential for this ritual to be successful. Before beginning the ritual, the courtyard or sacred space of the house is purified by smearing it with cow dung. Black sesame seeds, kusha (sacred grass), Ganga water, raw cow's milk, rice grains, and barley are required for the puja. The Shraddha performer should wear white clothing with restraint and devotion on this day.

The ancestors are invoked by wearing a "pavithri" (a ring of Kusha grass) on the hand. Silver vessels are considered the most preferred metal for this ritual, as silver is considered the favorite metal of the ancestors. Donated with the right ingredients and a concentrated mind, this donation reaches the departed soul directly.

Main methods of Pind Daan and Tarpan (Tarpan and Shraddh Guidance)

Performing "Pinda Daan" and "Tarpan" are considered essential parts of Ekodishta Shraddha rituals. To make the Pinda, small balls are formed by mixing cooked rice, milk, ghee, and honey. Face south and offer the Pind with devotion, chanting the name of the person and their family (gotra). This is followed by pouring black sesame seeds and Kusha grass into water, performing Tarpan, or offering water to the ancestors.

The scriptures state that during this time, mantras must be chanted clearly so that the positive effect of the sound reaches the soul. After offering the Pind Daan, the Pind is either immersed in the flowing waters of a holy river or fed to a cow. It is believed that this ritual satisfies the hunger and thirst of the deceased soul and brings them satisfaction.