Significance of Performing Shraadh

The term “Shraadh” has its origins in the Sanskrit word “Shraddha,” which is derived from the combination of two Sanskrit words: “Sat,” meaning truth, and “Adhar,” meaning basis. In simple terms, it signifies any action or gesture performed with utmost sincerity and faith. It can be defined as “Shraddhyaa Kriyate Yaa Saa.” 

Shraadh is a Hindu ritual where homage is paid to deceased parents and ancestors. This ritual is observed annually on the death anniversary of an individual during the Amavasya known as ‘Pitru Paksha.’ This practice, also referred to as Mahalayapitru paksha, commences at Purnima in the Ashwini month.

According to Hindu sacred texts, Sage Atri, the eldest of Lord Brahma’s ten sons, was the first to comprehend the Shraadh rituals, as devised by Lord Brahma for his offspring. Nimi Rishi, having learned the intricacies of the ritual from Narada Muni, initiated the invocation of his ancestors through Shraadh.

From the heavens, voices resounded, saying, “Nimi, your son has already been placed among the Pitru Devas. Your virtuous act of providing nourishment and worship to the soul of your departed son is tantamount to performing Pitru Yagya.”

Since then, Shraadh has held significant importance in Hindu rituals. Lord Shri Ram performed Shraadh in the forest to facilitate the salvation of his late father, Dasharatha’s soul. The Mahabharata and various other Puranic texts also provide detailed descriptions of Shraadh.

Bhagwan Sri Krishna, in Chapter 2, Verse 20 of the Bhagwat Gita, proclaimed: “Naa jayate mriyate va kadacin nayam bhutva bhavita va na bhuyah ajo nityah sasvato ’yam purano na hanyate hanyamane sarire,” indicating that the soul is eternal and unaffected by birth or death.

There are primarily 12 types of Shraadh mentioned in the scriptures, namely: “Nitya, Nimitik, Kamya, Vriddhi, Sapindan, Parvana, Goshta, Shurdhyatha, Karmanga, Devika, Upcharika, and Samvatsarika Shraadh.”

In North and East India, this ritual is known as Pitru Paksha Shraadh, while in Tamil Nadu, it is referred to as Aadi Amavasai. In Kerala, it is known as Karikadaka Vavu Bali, and in other states or regions, it may be referred to as Amavasi rituals.

Here are the details of the Shraadh ritual:

Preparation: The person conducting the Shraadh ritual begins by taking a bath and donning clean attire. A sacred space is arranged, and Lord Vishnu, along with the ancestors, is worshipped.

Rituals: After offering prayers to Lord Vishnu, the ancestors are invoked through the recitation of mantras. A pit or sacred fire is prepared, and offerings like rice, sesame seeds, ghee, honey, and milk are presented to the fire. These offerings are believed to reach the ancestors in the afterlife, providing them with sustenance.

Tarpan: Tarpan involves offering water to the ancestors. The person conducting the Shraadh ritual takes a spoonful of water in their right hand and pours it onto the ground while chanting specific mantras. This action is thought to quench the thirst of the ancestors in the afterlife.

Food Offerings: A meal is prepared for the ancestors, first offered to the sacred fire, and then served to the person performing the Shraadh ritual and other family members

Conclusion: After making the food offerings, the Shraadh ritual is considered complete. The person conducting the ritual seeks blessings from their ancestors and Lord Vishnu, expressing gratitude.

It is believed that failing to perform Shraadh may prevent the soul of the departed from receiving the offerings and blessings intended for them during the ritual, potentially causing restlessness and a lack of peace for the soul. Neglecting Shraadh is also believed to bring negative consequences for living descendants, such as obstacles and misfortunes.