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Pitru Paksha: Can Women Perform Shraddha? Garuda Purana Reveals Key Rule!
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News18•22-09-2026, 20:27
Pitru Paksha: Can Women Perform Shraddha? Garuda Purana Reveals Key Rule!
- •Societal beliefs often restrict women from performing Shraddha, Pindadaan, or Tarpan.
- •Garuda Purana states that if no male heir is present, women can perform Shraddha.
- •Mother Sita performed Pindadaan for King Dasharatha in Lord Rama's absence, as per Valmiki Ramayana.
- •Women performing Shraddha should wear simple white or light yellow clothes.
- •Ancestors value pure devotion and feelings over gender, according to the Garuda Purana.
Key Questions Answered
Yes, according to the Garuda Purana, if there is no son in the house, a daughter, wife, daughter-in-law, or mother can perform Shraddha rituals. Ancient scriptures like the Valmiki Ramayana also note that Mother Sita performed Pindadaan for King Dasharatha.
Scholars suggest that instead of directly performing Tarpan with Kush grass and black sesame seeds like men, women should invite a Brahmin, make a sankalpa under their guidance, and have the rituals completed ritually.
Women are strictly prohibited from wearing bright, black, or dark-colored clothes during Shraddha puja. They should wear simple, sattvic clothing such as white, light yellow, or cotton attire.
