Sarva PanchangSarva Panchang
Pitru Paksha

Dwadashi Shraddha

Also called: Sanyasi Shraddha, Baras Shraddha

Dwadashi Shraddha is universally known as Sanyasi Shraddha. It is exclusively designated for family members or spiritual preceptors who took sacred vows of renunciation (Sanyasa) and lived as monks or hermits prior to their death. Because renunciates are not cremated in the ordinary householder manner, standard Pinda Daan is not offered; instead, specialized worship of Lord Narayana is conducted on Dwadashi.

Key facts

Paksha
Krishna Paksha
Lunar month
Ashwin (Purnimanta); Bhadrapada (Amanta)
Deities
Monks, Sanyasis, and Ascetics, Lord Narayana

The story

The Garuda Purana and Dharmasindhu explain that sanyasis transcend domestic debts. Their disciples or family lineage perform worship on Dwadashi to honor their monastic vow and invoke their spiritual blessings.

Practices

  • Worshipping Lord Vishnu with Shaligram and Tulsi leaves
  • Feeding sanyasis, sadhus, or Vedic scholars
  • Donating saffron cloth, wooden sandals (paduka), and kamandalu

Regional variations

  • Reverently observed in monastic orders (Mathas) across India, notably in Sringeri, Kanchi, and Belur Math

Common questions

Why is regular Pinda Daan not performed for Sanyasis?
Sanyasis undergo a ritual death to worldly identity (Viraja Homa) during initiation, so they are honored through Vishnu worship rather than mortal ghost rites.

Types of Pitru Paksha