Go Seva
Care and feeding of the temple cows, so beloved to Krishna, offered in your ancestors’ name.
ISKCON · Pitru Paksha 2026
Shradh at Gaya
Through the sacred fortnight of Pitru Paksha, register — free — to have Shradh and Pinda-daan offered at holy Gaya in the name of your ancestors, on the tithi you choose. The priests perform the rites for the peace and liberation of the departed souls of your family.
Free registration You may also offer Annadaan Seva in your ancestors’ name, on the same day.
The offering
Repaying the debt to our ancestors
Pitru Paksha is the sacred fortnight the Vedic tradition sets aside to remember and repay the pitru-rina — the debt every soul owes to the forefathers who gave us this life. During these sixteen days it is said the ancestors draw near, and the offerings of their descendants reach them directly.
Of all places, Gaya is the most sacred for these rites. The Garuda and Vayu Puranas tell how Shradh and Pinda-daan performed at Gaya bring lasting peace and liberation to the departed — so much so that Lord Rama Himself is said to have offered Pinda-daan there for King Dasharatha. To have the rites done at Gaya is the highest service a family can render its ancestors.
When you register, ISKCON’s priests perform the Shradh and Pinda-daan at Gaya on the tithi you choose, taking the names of your departed souls, their gotra and your family’s prayer — and, if you wish, Annadaan is offered in their name on that same day, for feeding the pure devotee is the offering the ancestors love the most.
“May my forefathers be satisfied.” — the prayer of every Shradh. What we offer at Gaya in this fortnight is received by the ancestors as our love and gratitude, and returns to us as their blessing.
How it works
Three steps, one minute
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Register the names & tithi
Your details, your ancestors’ names and gotra, and the tithi on which you wish the Shradh performed.
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The priests perform the Shradh at Gaya
On your chosen tithi, Shradh and Pinda-daan are offered at Gaya in your ancestors’ names.
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Annadaan in their name
If you offer Annadaan, devotees are fed on that same day in the name of your departed souls.
Registration
Register for Shradh at Gaya
There is nothing to pay to register. Your details are asked only so the temple can perform the rites in your ancestors’ names and reach you about the Shradh — they are never shared.
Registered ✓
Your Registration is confirmed
Further details will be sent to you on WhatsApp. For any correction, call +91 95029 64233. Hare Krishna 🙏
In your ancestors’ name
Offer Annadaan
Offered on your chosen tithi, in the name of your departed souls.
Every offering carries an 80G exemption.
More ways to serve
Offered in your ancestors’ name, for their peace and blessings.
Bhagavad Gita Daan
Sponsor Bhagavad Gitas given to seeking souls — the gift of divine knowledge, in your ancestors’ name.
Questions
What devotees ask
Is registration really free?
Yes. Registering for the Shradh at Gaya costs nothing. Annadaan Seva, shown afterwards, is an optional offering for those who wish to feed devotees in their ancestors’ name — it is an invitation, never a condition.
Do I need to travel to Gaya?
No. ISKCON’s priests perform the Shradh and Pinda-daan at Gaya on your behalf, on the tithi you select. You are warmly welcome to attend if you can.
Which tithi should I choose?
Traditionally the Shradh is performed on the tithi (lunar day) on which the ancestor departed. If you are unsure, Sarva Pitru Amavasya — the final day — is offered for all ancestors together. The temple office can guide you on +91 95029 64233.
Will my ancestors’ names be kept private?
Yes. The names, gotra and prayer you give are used only for the rites and are never published on this website or shared.
May the blessings of your forefathers, and the mercy of the Lord, rest upon your family and your home for all time.