Ridhi Bahl
Shraadh, originally a Sanskrit word, is a
combination of two words ‘Sat’ meaning truth and ‘Adhar’ meaning basis. So it
means anything or any act that is performed with all sincerity and faith. It is
a ritual that Hindus perform to pay homage to their ancestors (pitrs) especially
to one’s dead parents. It is a way for people to express their heartfelt
gratitude and thankfulness towards their parents and ancestors, for having
helped them to be what they are and praying for their peace. As per Garuda Purana,
after thirteen days of death, the soul starts its journey for Yamapuri for
another eleven months and only in the twelfth month it reaches to the court of Yamraj.
During the period it has no access to food and water. It is believed that Pind Daan
and Tarpan done by the son and family members satisfy this hunger and thirst of
the soul during its journey till it reaches the court of Yamraj. Hence Shraadh
rituals are considered very important during the first year of death.
Every year in the month of Ashwin (Hindu month) Krishana
Paksh, that is 15 days commencing from Purnima (full moon night) to Amavasya,
Shraadh is performed. One has to perform certain rituals this day like preparing
pure vegetarian food, one can also prepare the favourite food of the departed soul.
This food is offered to the Brahmins or pundits and is known as Brahmin Bhoj. Prayers
should be offered for the peace of soul of our ancestors. The food should also be offered to cows, dogs
and crows. One can also indulge in serving the needy like beggars and old
people for the peace of the ancestors’ souls. The ritual is performed on the
death anniversary of the departed member of the family or a particular day from
Shraadh during Pitr Paksh which is dedicated to that departed member. It is
believed that if the rituals are performed with full faith, love and respect, our
ancestors get happy and protect us from all the evil powers of the universe.
They don’t let anything harm us, be it natural or supernatural.
Ritual of Tarpan or Pind Daan is considered very
important in cases of unnatural deaths, as these rituals help in removing the effects
of unnatural death and attaining divine peace for the departed soul.
According to Mahabharata, when Karna died, his soul
was sent to heaven. There he was offered only gold and silver ornaments in
food. He asked king Indra ,the reason for serving him ornaments in food and not
edibles. Lord Indra told him that he had only donated gold and silver ornaments
to the needy but never donated food to his ancestors. Indra gave him a 15 day
period to go back to earth and donate food and other offerings in the name of
his ancestors. Post this, Karna came back and performed the rituals of Shraadh
or Tarpan for the peace of his ancestors’ souls.
Pitr Paksh or Shraadh is considered as an
inauspicious period for starting of any new venture and shopping of new clothes
or any household items. Every year, as per the Hindu calendar, the days of
performing Shraadh fall on different dates. The last day of Pitra Pakash is
known as Pitr Amavasya Shraadh which can be used to perform the Shraadh of
anyone.
There are certain things which can be avoided while
one is performing Shraadh:
1) Do not use non-vegetarian items for preparing
food.
2) Do not consume alcohol while performing the
rituals.
3) Never use iron vessels for preparing or serving
food
4) Do not perform rituals at dusk or dawn or even
after nightfall.
Author is a renowned Vastu consultant & expert. Views expressed in the article are her own.
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