Pitru ShantiSandhya Kaal
Sunday Evening Lamp — Ancestral Peace and Family Blessings
Last updated: 14 June 2026
Sunday sunset — when the Sun is at the horizon, lighting a ghee lamp facing south opens a path of light for ancestors. This is the simplest, most powerful Pitru remedy.
Surya = Pitru Devata
In Vedic tradition, the Sun is considered the Pitru Devata — "Suryadyapitaro Jatah" (Atharvaveda). The Sun is the light of Pitru Loka (ancestral realm). Lighting a lamp facing south at sunset on Sunday gives ancestors the light that guides them toward liberation.
Why South Direction?
1
South = Yama's Direction
Yamaloka (Pitru Loka) is in the south direction — that is why all Pitru rituals are performed facing south
2
Sunset = Sandhya Time
The junction of day and night — at this time the Sun's influence reaches Pitru Loka
3
Sunday = Solar Day
Pitru rituals done on the Sun's day make the Sun himself the medium — the fruit is doubled
Materials
Ghee lamp
Cow ghee — sesame oil lamp is also auspicious
Black sesame
Ancestors are especially pleased by sesame
Water vessel
Copper or clay, for water offering
White flowers
Ancestors prefer white flowers
2026 Sunset Timings
April-May 20266:45 – 7:15 PMSunset around 6:30-6:45 — begin at 6:15 PM
June-July 20267:30 – 8:00 PMLate sunset — begin at 7:00 PM
Pitru Lamp Ritual — 5 Steps
☑ Pitru Lamp Checklist
0/5- Clean south corner 30 minutes before Sunday sunsetWipe floor, spread clean cloth
- Light ghee lamp facing south, sit facing south
- Place black sesame around the lampMantra: Om Pitribhyo Namah
- Offer water from copper vessel toward south"May my ancestors find peace"
- Let the lamp burn fully, then flow in waterBurn lamp at least 15 minutes after sunset
Updated for 2026
