Navami Shradh 2023 Date, Matri Navami Shradh, Avidhava Navami
What is Pitru Paksh shradha Period?
The sixteen-day Pitru Paksha period in the month of Bhadrapada (August - September) from Purnima to Amavasya is mainly dedicated to performing shradh rites for the afflicted ancestors.
As a result, every devoted Hindu eagerly awaits this time to pay his ancestors' obligations. Year after year, shradh rituals are usually held in the same month, paksha, and tithi that the person died. However, regardless of the paksha (Krishna Paksha or Shukla Paksha) in which the ancestor died, the Pitru Paksha period permits conducting the shradh on the specific tithi.
What is Navami shradha / Avidhava Navami?
On Navami Tithi, Navami Shraddha might be conducted for those souls who have passed away. The deceased might have died during any of the Paksha or Lunar Fortnights, such as Shukla Paksha (Bright Fortnight) or Krishna Paksha (Dark Fortnight).
Avidhava Navami is an auspicious Hindu ceremony conducted on the 'Navami' (9th day) of Pitru Paksha (the ancestral fortnight). The North Indian calendar observes it during the 'Ashwin Krishna Paksha,' whilst the Amavasyant calendar, which is followed in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, observes it during the 'Bhadrapada Krishna Paksha Navami.'
This day is devoted to married ladies who died before their spouses. As a result, Avidhava Navami is a day observed by widowers. Instead of Hindu Gods, demigods such as 'Dhurilochan' are worshiped on this day. The term 'dhuri' means'smoke,' while 'lochan' means 'eyes' in Hindi, and these demigods' eyes are half-closed due to smoke. Devotees pray on Avidhava Navami to worship these Gods and seek their blessings. Avidhava Navami rituals range from location to region and even among groups. Avidhava Navami is mostly observed in northern India and is also known as 'Adukha Navami.'
Matri Navami (मातृनवमी) is another name for Navami Shraddha Tithi. This Shraddha Tithi is the best day to do Shraddha or the last rites of a mother by son. Though it is important for conducting mother's final rituals, it is also conducted for other female members of the family. On Navami Tithi, it is believed that conducting last rites or Shraddha brings rest to wandering spirits. When a soul receives final rites, it benefits the family. It represents that practicing shraddha during this time appeases all departed female family members.
Naumi Shraddha and Avidhava Shraddha are other names for Navami Shraddha.
Pitri Paksha Shraddhas are Parvan Shraddhas(पार्वणश्राद्ध), and the best times to execute them are Kutup Muhurt and Rohina Muhurt. Last rites might be done till the end of Aparahna Kala (Post Meridian).
Tarpan (तर्पण) might be done at the conclusion of the Shraddha.
Significance of Avidhava Navami/ Importance of Pitru Paksha Shradh
Pitru Paksha shradh aids in gaining the blessings of the ancestors in a variety of ways. It is also a means of appeasing God by sending offerings to the ancestors in the Pitru Lok. Pitru Paksha is the greatest time to hold shradh rites since the ancestors visit their progeny on Earth during this season.
The term 'Avidhava' means 'not a widow' or 'a Sumangali.' As a result, the ceremonies of Avidhava Navami are done for ladies who died as Sumangali. After death, these rites bring tranquility to the married woman's spirit, and she, in turn, bestows benefits on her descendants. Avidhava Navami, according to Hindu Sastras, should be maintained while the muthaide's spouse is still alive. After the death of one's father, this rite must no longer be performed. As a result, the Avidhava Navami Shraddha karma is exclusively done for female ancestors. If a person is unable to execute the Avidhava Navami ceremonies for whatever reason, the Shraddha can be performed on 'Mahalaya Amavasya.'
The primary attraction of Navami tithi is the performance of the shradh for the ancestors who died on this day. However, there are certain additional special preparations made on this day. Men perform shradh rites for their spouses on Navami tithi. This day can also be used by those who want to do the shradh of their moms. As a result, this day is also known as Matru Navami. According to Hinduism, presenting shradh and tarpan to the departed spirits on Navami Shradh frees the wandering souls and offers them rest. As a result, the relieved soul will bless the performers' families.
Rituals during Avidhava Navami:
The eldest son shall execute the Avidhava Navami rites for the women on the 'Navami' (9th day) tithi of the Pitru Paksha period. On this day, regular Shraddha rituals of tarpan and pinda daan are done to provide serenity and liberty to the souls of the departed women. Brahmana muthaide bhojana must also be performed on Avidhava Navami. Following the gift of food, the Brahmins are given Dakshina, which consists of a saree, blouse piece, kumkum, mirror, and flowers.
Normal Shraddha rites are not conducted in certain areas on Avidhava Navami. Instead, a meal is served to the wedded woman's soul. On Avidhava Navami, some individuals do Sankalpa Shraddha, while others merely perform regular Shraddha rites.
- The ceremonies are primarily performed by the family's eldest male member.
- He must rise early in the morning and bathe while dressed in clean garments, a dhoti, and the sacred thread.
- Durva grass is worn on the person's ring finger.
- Lord Vishnu and Yama are worshiped when presenting pinda daan to the ancestors.
- Cows, birds, dogs, and ants are afterwards fed, and Brahmans are given Dakshina at the end of the puja.
- The Brahmans are then provided food, charity, and contributions.
- In front of the family members, the kathas of the Bhagavata Purana and the Bhagat Gita are recited.
On Avidhava Navami, unlike previous Pitru Paksha Shraddhas in which all predecessors' spirits are invited, the observer invites his mother (Mata), grandmother (maatamahi), and great grandmother (prapitaamahi). Following this comes panda pradhana, also known as 'Anvasthaka Shraddha.'
Navami Shradh Ritual Timings
Navami Shradh 2023 Date - Saturday, October 7, 2023
Navami Shraadh Kutup (कुतुप) Muhurat - 11:45 AM to 12:32 PM
Duration - 00 Hours 47 Mins
Navami Shradh Rohina (रौहिण) Muhurat - 12:32 PM to 01:19 PM
Duration - 00 Hours 47 Mins
Navami Shradha Aparahna (अपराह्न) Kaal - 01:19 PM to 03:40 PM
Duration - 02 Hours 21 Mins
Navami Tithi Begins - 08:08 AM on Oct 07, 2023
Navami Tithi Ends - 10:12 AM on Oct 08, 2023
