Masikam (Masika Shradh) Pooja Service – Monthly Pind Daan for Ancestors

In Hindu tradition, honoring our ancestors is considered a sacred duty. One such important ritual is Masikam, also known as Masika Shradh or Masika Pindam. This ceremony is performed every month after the death of a family member until the first annual Shradh (Samvatsarika Shradh).

Masikam plays a crucial role in ensuring that the soul of the departed finds peace and smoothly transitions to the ancestral world while continuing to bless the family with prosperity, health, and harmony.

What is Masikam or Masika Shradh?

Masikam (Masika Shradh) is a monthly pind daan ritual observed for 12 months after the death of a loved one. It is performed by the eldest son or a close family member under the guidance of learned priests.

The word Masikam comes from the Sanskrit word Māsa, meaning "month".

Each Masikam is performed with Pindam (rice balls), Tarpanam (water offering), and Daan (charity).

After completing all 12 Masikams, the annual Shradh marks the final step of the mourning cycle.

This practice is followed widely in South India, where it is considered essential for the spiritual journey of the departed soul.

Importance of Masikam Pind daan in Scriptures

The Garuda Purana, one of the most sacred Hindu texts dealing with life, death, and afterlife, clearly mentions the importance of Masikam rituals. According to it, after death, the soul begins its journey towards Pitru Loka (the ancestral realm). This journey is not immediate; it takes time and requires proper rituals.

The Journey of the Soul and the Importance of Masikam Shradh

According to the Garuda Purana, when a person dies, the soul begins its long and sacred journey from the earth (mrityu loka) to the ancestral realm (Pitru Loka). This journey is gradual and can take up to a year in human time. During this period, the soul depends on the monthly offerings of pindam, tarpan, and daan from its family.

Here is how the Masikam rituals from 1st to 12th month help the departed soul:

1st Masikam – The First Month

• The soul is still closely connected to its physical body and the family.

• Masikam Pindam in this month helps the soul separate from the body and start moving forward on its spiritual path.

• The offerings provide the soul with strength to begin its journey.

2nd Masikam – The Second Month

• The soul begins to understand that earthly life has ended.

• The ritual gives it mental clarity and courage to accept the transition.

• Symbolically, the pindam nourishes the subtle body (sūkṣma sharīra) for the next stage.

3rd Masikam – The Third Month

• This is a crucial stage where the soul faces difficult realms (preta yoni) filled with obstacles.

• The Masikam Shraddha at this stage acts as a protective shield, ensuring the soul does not get trapped or restless.

4th Masikam – The Fourth Month

• The soul moves further away from worldly attachments.

• The offerings ensure it does not feel hunger, thirst, or loneliness during the journey.

• Family prayers give comfort and direction.

5th Masikam – The Fifth Month

• At this point, the soul starts moving towards its ancestral group.

• The ritual helps the soul gain guidance from divine beings who lead it towards the Pitru Loka.

• It strengthens the bond between the living family and the departed.

6th Masikam – The Sixth Month

• The soul experiences fatigue and obstacles in its journey.

• Masikam Shraddha provides fresh energy, nourishment, and spiritual support.

• This month’s ritual reduces suffering and helps the soul continue without hindrance.

7th Masikam – The Seventh Month

• The soul starts to feel closer to liberation from the transitional stage.

• The offerings act as protection from negative forces and give the soul confidence.

• Family blessings through ritual reach the soul strongly during this time.

8th Masikam – The Eighth Month

• The soul enters a more refined spiritual stage, leaving behind attachments.

• Pindam and Tarpanam nourish it so it does not feel deprived.

• The Masikam ensures the soul does not look back longingly at the family, but continues its journey peacefully.

9th Masikam – The Ninth Month

• The soul is almost ready to approach the Pitru realm.

• This ritual helps it integrate with ancestral energies and prepare for final acceptance.

• The daan given in this month greatly benefits both the soul and the living family.

10th Masikam – The Tenth Month

• The soul reaches a stage of purification and near completion of its journey.

• The ritual ensures any remaining karmic obstacles are cleared.

• It strengthens the ancestral connection and helps the soul adjust to its new form.

11th Masikam – The Eleventh Month

• The soul stands at the threshold of the ancestral world.

• This Masikam serves as a final preparation and purification, almost like a ritual farewell.

• The family’s devotion ensures the soul enters Pitru Loka peacefully.

12th Masikam – The Twelfth Month

• This marks the completion of the one-year journey.

• The Twelfth Masikam Shradh prepares the soul for the Samvatsarika Shraddha (annual ceremony).

• It symbolizes the soul’s acceptance into the lineage of ancestors (Pitru Gana).

• From this point onwards, the departed becomes one among the Pitru devatas (ancestral beings) and continues to bless the family.

In short: Each Masikam Shradh is like a step or a bridge that helps the soul cross one stage of its journey safely. Skipping them may cause the soul distress, but performing them with devotion ensures peace for the departed and blessings for the family.

Masikam: Monthly Pind Daan for Ancestors

90

Book Now

A Story from Garuda Purana about Masikam Pindam

In the Garuda Purana, Lord Vishnu tells Garuda that when a person dies, the soul feels hungry and thirsty during its journey. It is only through the monthly offerings of pindam (rice balls), sesame water (tarpana), and daan that the soul gets nourishment.

Without these offerings, the soul may wander unsatisfied and restless. That is why Masikam Shradh is not just a ritual; it is a way of caring for the departed even after death.

Lord Vishnu emphasizes that a son or family member who performs these Masikam Pindam rituals ensures the ancestor’s journey is smooth, peaceful, and free from obstacles. Such a family is blessed with health, prosperity, and protection from unseen troubles.

How is Masikam Pooja Performed?

The Masikam Shradh is performed with devotion and involves the following steps:

• Purification and Sankalpam – The priest chants mantras and takes a vow (sankalpa) on behalf of the family.

• Pindam Preparation – Rice balls (pindams) are prepared and placed on banana leaves.

• Tarpanam – Water mixed with black sesame seeds is offered while chanting the names of ancestors.

• Offerings and Homa – Ghee, food, fruits, and other offerings are made.

• Daan (Charity) – Donations are given to Brahmins, including clothes, food, and dakshina.

The rituals can be performed at home, in temples, or sacred places like Varanasi, Gaya, Rameswaram, and Haridwar.

Online Masikam Pooja Service

In today’s busy lifestyle, many families cannot be physically present to perform rituals. For them, Online Masikam Service is a blessing.

At MahaTarpan, we provide authentic Masikam Shradh services with experienced priests. Families can join live via video call or receive recordings of the rituals.

What we offer in Online Masikam Service:

• Vedic rituals by trained purohits

• Complete samagri arrangement

• Monthly reminders for each Masikam

• Live participation or recorded video

• Transparent and hassle-free booking

Difference Between Masikam and Pitru Paksha Shraddha

Masikam (Masika Shradh) – Performed monthly for 12 months after death.

Pitru Paksha Shradh – Performed annually during Shradh Paksha (Pitru Paksha) to honor all ancestors.

Both are equally important and help strengthen the bond between the living and their ancestors.

Why Choose MahaTarpan for Masikam Service?

• Authentic Priests with years of experience

• Transparent process with dakshina and samagri included

• Online and offline service available

• Rituals performed strictly as per Vedic traditions

• 100% trust, devotion, and spiritual assurance

By choosing MahaTarpan, you can fulfill your duty towards your ancestors with ease and devotion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How many Masikam rituals should be performed?

A total of 12 Masikam Shradhs are performed, followed by the annual Shraddha.

Q2. Can Masikam be performed online?

Yes, our Online Masikam Service allows families to participate remotely via live video or recordings.

Q3. Who should perform Masikam Pooja?

Traditionally, the eldest son or a close male relative performs it. If not possible, our priests can perform on behalf of the family.

Q4. What happens if Masikam rituals are missed?

If missed, they can be performed later with proper remedies, but it is best to perform them every month without fail.

Q5. Where can Masikam be performed?

It can be performed at home, in temples, or at sacred places like Varanasi, Gaya, Rameswaram, Haridwar, and Kashi.

Final Thoughts

Masikam (Masika Shradh) Pooja Service is not just a ritual – it is a bridge of love, gratitude, and respect between generations. By performing this monthly pind daan, we ensure that our departed loved ones find peace while our family continues to receive their eternal blessings.

At MahaTarpan, we are committed to making these rituals easy, authentic, and spiritually fulfilling for every family.

Book your Masikam Service today and honor your ancestors with devotion.