Ekodisht Shradh 2026: Why is Ekodisht Shradh special? Know its importance and auspicious time

In Hindu religion, all the months of the year are associated with some religious significance, but the month of Magh is considered especially auspicious. It is said in the scriptures that this month is dedicated to Mother Ganga. Bathing in Ganga, charity, penance and worship have special significance during Magh. Devotees from all over the country reach Tirtharaj Prayag in this holy month and perform Kalpavas and earn virtue by taking bath in Ganga regularly.

In the month of Magh, not only bathing and charity, but also some special rituals are done for the peace of the ancestors. One of these is Ekodishta Shraddha, which has its own religious significance. Let us know what Ekodishta Shraddha is, when it is performed and what is its auspicious time.

What is Ekodishta Shraddha?

According to Dharmacharyas, Ekodishta Shraddha is a special Shraddha ritual dedicated to the ancestors. This Shraddha is mainly performed for the deceased father and grandfather. Apart from this, Ekodishta Shraddha can also be performed on the death anniversary of a particular person. It is mentioned in the scriptures that a special Shraddha is performed on the Ashtami Tithi of Shukla Paksha of Magh month, which is associated with Bhishma Pitamah. On this day, Bhishma Pitamah had sacrificed his life during the Uttarayan period of the Sun.

Pandavas had performed Shraddha of Bhishma Pitamah

Magh Shukla Ashtami is celebrated every year as Bhishma Ashtami. On this day, Shraddha and Tarpan of Bhishma Pitamah is performed. It is believed that Shraddha performed on this day is especially fruitful. It is told in the scriptures that any common person can perform Shraddha of Bhishma Pitamah. According to mythology, after Bhishma Pitamah merged into the Panchatatva in Dwapar Yuga, the Pandavas performed Shraddha and Tarpan for him.

Date and auspicious time of Ekodishta Shraddha

According to the Panchang, the Ashtami Tithi of Shukla Paksha of Magh month will start on January 25 at 11:10 pm. This date will last till 9:17 pm on 26th January. According to Udaya Tithi, Bhishma Ashtami and Ekodishta Shraddha will be celebrated on 26 January. The auspicious time for performing Ekodishta Shraddha on this day will start from 11.29 am in the morning and will continue till 1.38 pm in the afternoon. During this period, it is considered best to do Shraddha, Tarpan and donations for the ancestors.