sraddhaaya charitam sraaddha - all about mahaalaya pithru paksham

8/8/2019 SRADDHAAYA CHARITAM SRAADDHA - All about Mahaalaya Pithru Paksham

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collectively in case they are staying together; otherwise individually attheir respective places. In case a person doesn't have sons, widow of the deceased by making a proper sankalpa can get it performedthrough a Brahmin.

To whom the ceremonies are to be performed?

The ritual should be addressed or performed only to the deceased andnot to those who are alive; even though they figure in the eligible list.

Apart from ones kith and kin , it should be performed to ones Guru,Teacher, Priest (Purohit), Friend or to any person whom one hascome across in life and from whom has received help. In case father isalive; question of performing Sraaddha does not arise at all . Similarly in case Mother is alive; Sraaddha should not be performed to

Pitaamahi (paternal grand-mother) and to Prapithaamahi (paternalgreat grand-mother) ; for list of eligible Pithrus see Annexure below.

How to reckon a particular day as Sraaddha thithi?

Availability of particular thithi that is spread beyond noon(Aparaannah) is prevailed upon for considering a day as Sraaddhathithi . Sometimes two thithis also occur on the same day. In such acase, Sraaddha will be performed on the same day for both the thithis.Sraaddha should not be performed on Ekaadasi day . Similarly sometimes there will be Sraaddha Bhaava (non availability of Sraaddha Thithi); then also Sraaddha should not be performed.

When to perform a Paksha Sraaddha? Specified days!

Paksha Sraaddha is required to be performed during the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) of Bhaadrapada maasam. It is prescribedthat it should be performed on all the 15 days of Pithru Paksha excepton Ekaadasi day. Since it is not practically possible to perform on all

the days; it should at least be performed for one day preferably on theday corresponding to the Fathers Thithi (death day). Rest of the daysat least, Thila Tharpana should be given to Sarva Pithru or at leastto Dwaadasa Pithru (three generations on paternal side and threegenerations on maternal side). On Mahaalaya Amaavaasya day; ThilaTharpana should be given to all the eligible forefathers.


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In case a person due to some reason misses to perform the rituals onthe said date; or doesn't know the Fathers dea th thithi; it can beperformed on any one of the specified days viz.

Ashtami; Dwaadasi; on the day coinciding with Bharani star;On the day of Vyatheepaatha Yoga; Mahaalaya Amaavaasya.

During Krishna Paksha there will be no Pournami thithi. Hence, forthose Pithrus whose thithi (lunar day of death) happens to bePournami (full moon day), rites should be performed on any of the specified days mentioned above.

If one misses to perform even on the day of Mahaalaya Amaavaasya;still one can perform on any day before Aaswayuja Sukla Panchami.

Even then if it is not possible, one can still perform Paksha Sraaddhaon any one of the specified days mentioned above during ThulaMasam when Sun is in Thula Raasi (Libra) before He transits intoScorpio (Vrischika Raasi).

Those performing daily Thila tharpanam or Paksha Sraaddha duringPaksha maasam should perform on all days except Ekaadasi;including Yati Mahaalaya and Ghaatha Chaturdasi.

When not to perform Paksha Sraaddha?

These ceremonies should not be performed on the day of Ekaadasi(day of fasting). If fathers death corresponds to Ekaadasi Day; ritualsshould be performed on the next day (Dwaadasi) except during PithruPaksha when it should be performed on any one of specified daysmentioned above other than Dwaadasi. Also read Yati Mahaalaya

Paksha Sraaddha should not be performed if Pithru thithicorresponds with Chaturdasi. However it can be performed on any one of specified days as mentioned above. Performing Pakshaceremonies on Chaturdasi day is earmarked for those who hadaccidental or unnatural death. This day is known as GhaathaChaturdasi .

Paksha Sraaddha should not be performed during the period of Asoucha due to birth (janana-asoucha) or death (marana-asoucha) in


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family. In such a case it should be performed only after the period of asoucha on any one of the specified days if possible during PithruPaksha or else it should be performed during Thula maasam as saidabove.

Similarly in case of deceased; Paksha Sraaddha should not beperformed till completion of One year from the date of death; i.e.during the Mrutha Varsha (year of death).

When Baadrapada maasam happens to be Adhika maasam?

In case Adhika maasam coincides with Bhaadrapada maasam then,Mahaalaya Sraaddha that is required to be performed during KrishnaPaksha of Bhaadrapada maasam has to be performed twice; in Adhika

maasam as well as in Nija maasam. While Dharma-Saastra Dharpanaof Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt, Mantralayam has affirmed this;Dharma Sindhu differs in this regard. Those who differ may follow according to their sampradaya.

In case Pithru annual ceremony falls during Paksha Masam!

In such a case Pithrus annual ceremony has to be performed on thesaid day (thithi) and Mahaalaya Sraaddha has to be performed on any one of the specified days.

What are the items required for these ceremonies?

Dharbha (Kusa Grass); Cooked Rice; Black Sesame (Thila seeds); Water; Thulasi leaves; Ghee; Honey; Pavithra (made with Dharbha); Vishnu Paadam (foot print impression of Lord Vishnu); Kalasha;Panchapaatre; Uddharne; Copper plate; Poorcha; Areca nuts; Coins;Betel leaves; Plantains (Bananas); Gopichandana, Yagnopaveetha etc.

Brief about the Ritual & Significance

"Sraddhaaya charitam Sraaddha "; literally Sraaddha means the onethat need to be conducted with utmost sincerity, attention, care anddevotion. While essence remains same; procedure, customs andrituals may differ from region to region; according to sampradaya;

based on Varnaasrama dharma. Sraaddha should be performed wearing a ring made with Dharbha called Pavithra .


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Strictly speaking Sraaddha has to be performed in the direct presence( Pratyaksha ) of two Brahmins. In view of practical difficulties it isperformed generally with a symbolic presence by using Dharbhacalled Dharbha Braahmana ; one representing Pithru Devathas called

Pithru Braahmana; the other representing Visvedevathas called DaivaBrahmana. Agni Kaarya will be performed first and then PithruKaarya. In view of intricacies involved in the process; it is betterperformed under the guidance and supervision of a learned Purohit

who is specially trained for the purpose.

Pindaas are made with cooked rice and mixed with Thila (sesameseeds); During Pinda Pradhaana; rice balls (Pindaas) are arranged ina specific order on Vishnu Paada (foot print of Lord Vishnu) kept onDharbha (Kusa grass). Left over Anna (cooked rice) after makingPindaas will be treated as Pithru Prasaada ( Pithrusesha ).Specification for the size of Pindaas is Sameepathra Pramaanena that means it should be of the size of a Samee tree leaf.

What is the significance of Pinda Pradhana and Thila Tharpana?

Dharbha; Thila (black sesame seeds); cooked rice are the three majoritems widely used during the rituals. They are highly sacred andcelestial. Dharbha from hair; Thila from the sweat have surfaced from

the body of Lord Vishnu . Anna is so sacred and celestial that, it iscalled ParaBrahma Swaroopa ; personification of the supreme LordSri ManNaaraayana the primordial person. Annam ParaBrahmaSwaroopam It is not only used during Pithru Kaarya; but also during

Agni Kaarya while performing several sacrifices viz. Homa; Yajna etc.Pindaas made with Anna are symbolic representation of forefathers.

How does Pithrus get satisfied with Pinda Pradhaana?

After the death; the soul (praani) will dwell in different Lokas

(worlds) according to its Karma phala. Since we do not know whereand in which Loka forefathers are dwelling; it is prescribed toperform Pithru Yagna in seven forms ( Saptaanna ) the ritual beingcalled Chataka Sraaddha.

Seven types are: Vaiswadeva Homa (Agni Kaarya); BraahmanaBhojana; Pinda Pradhaana; Thila Tharpana; Uchhishta Pinda; Bhoori


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Bhojana (Anna Daana); Thaamboola+ Dakshine. Pithrus get satisfiedif they are;

In Deva Loka with Agni Kaarya

In Swarga Loka with Braahmana Bhojana In Yamaloka (Pithru Loka) with Pinda Pradhaana In Naraka Loka with Thila Tharpana (Vikiraanna) In Paisachika roopa with Uchhishta Pinda In Asura roopa with Bhoori Bhojana (Anna Daana) In Human form with Dakshine Thaamboola to Brahmins

It is believed and said that the rituals performed reach the departedsouls through the rays of Sun God; and Vasu, Rudra and Aaditya

acting as intermediaries. During Sraaddha three generations of forefathers are identified as Vasu, Rudra and Aaditya, assumed asPradyumna; Sankarshana and Vaasudeva forms respectively of Lord

Vishnu.

What are other types of Sraaddha?

Type of Sraaddha to be performed depends on ones (Karthas) ability,patience, age, physical fitness etc. It is prescribed and suggested toperform this ritual always as Chataka Sraaddha ( Saptaanna ) as said

above which is considered to be sacred and meritorious. We findpeople opting other types of Sraaddha like; Hiranya Sraaddha;Sankalpa Sraaddha etc. according their convenience. Apart fromperforming rituals one should also offer Anna Dana along withThaamboola + Dakshina at least to five Brahmins on the day of PithruSraaddha.

How to address forefathers while performing ceremonies?

Each Pithru has to be addressed with their name and Gothra. If onedoes not know or remember the name and Gothra of forefathers, they should be spelled as Yagnappa (Male), and Yagnamma (female) andGothra to be spelled as Kaasyapa Gothra . Male Pithrus are addressedas Sarma and female Pithrus as Dhaam suffixing their names; for e.g.male as Yagnappa Sarmaanaam and female as Yagnamma Dhaam .


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How to dispense with Pindas (rice balls) after the ceremony?

In this regard following tradition is in vogue.

Feeding to the Crows

Dropping them in water preferably in a river or a canal Feeding to a Cow Digging an earth pit and burying them in it

One of the above may be followed according to convenience. They should not be thrown into garbage.

What should be done when sraaddha could not be performed?

As far as possible dont avoid performing sacred rites on thescheduled date or at least on one of the specified days. In a givensituation where, it is not possible to perform Sraaddha due tocircumstances beyond ones control, one can adopt one of thefollowing...

Perform Pithru Thila Tharpana; Observe fasting on that day; Saaka-Paaka Dana to a Brahmin along with Dakshina; Feed a Cow with grass; plantains; When nothing is possible; pray & offer a sincere Namaskara.

What is Mahaalaya?

Pithru Paksha is also called as Mahaalaya. Maha means great or big orlarge. Laya means destruction. Mahaalaya means great destruction . Itis said that on one of the occasions of Deva-Asura Sangraama (war

between Deities and Demons) large number of Devathas and Rishis

had died at the hands of Raakshasas starting from BhaadrapadaBahula Paadyami to Amaavaasya. It is also known as SasthrahathaMahaalaya . These Deities and Rishis are like our forefathers and it is

befitting to worship the departed souls during the fortnight thatcoincides with Mahaalaya. Hence, this period of 15 days has become

very sacred and meritorious for performing sacred rites toforefathers.


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What is Avidhava Navami?

Vidhava means Widow; Avidhava means not a widow (Sumangali).Navami is a thithi as per Hindu lunar calendar. Avidhava Navami inthe context of Pithru Paksha is the day on which ceremonies are to beperformed for those Women (Mothers) who died as Sumangali(husband alive). It should be performed by the son (whose father isalive) on the Navami thithi day during Pithru Paksha and the ritual isdifferent from regular Paksha Sraaddha.

What is Dauhithru Sraaddha?

Sraaddha performed by a daughters son to his mat ernalgrandparents is known as Dauhithru Karthruka Sraaddha . This is

possible only when a person doesn't have a son but has a daughter; insuch a case daughters son can perform this ceremony. This is anexceptional case where, a person (Jeevat Pithru) performs ceremony

when his father is alive. This ceremony is performed on the first day of the bright fortnight during Aaswayuja Masam.

What is Mahaa-Bharani Sraaddha?

Sraaddha performed on the day coinciding with Bharani star duringPithru Paksha is known as Mahaa-Bharani Sraaddha or Bharani

Mahaalaya . It is said and believed that it gives merits equivalent tothat of Gaya Sraaddha.

What is Yati Mahaalaya?

Though Dwaadasi is one of the specified days as per Dharma Sindhu;in practice, we find this day exclusively reserved for Yatis (Ascetics)called Yati or Sanyaasi Mahaalaya . It is performed by givingHasthodaka to all those Saints who have made Brundavana pravesaand by performing Anna Santharpana.

What is Kapila Shashti?

If there is coincidence of Bhaadrapada Maasam; Krishna Paksha; Sunin Hastha constellation; Moon in Rohini constellation; Shashti thithi;Sunday; Vyatheepaatha Yoga ; that day is known as Kapila Shashti.


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Any charity, worship, homa, sacred rites performed on this day is saidto be highly meritorious.

What else can be done during Pithru Paksha?

People visit Theertha Kshethras like Kaasi, Prayaaga (TriveniSangam) and Gaya (Pithru Kshethra) for performing Pithruceremonies during Paksha maasam. At Gaya Kshethra there will be a

big rush during this fortnight of Mahaalaya Pithru Paksha.

Garuda Purana can be read (Paaraayana) or listened to during PithruPaksha. One can also sponsor for Pravachana (talk) of Garuda Puranain any temple or mutt during Pithru Paksha.

One can donate Black Sesame seeds (Thila); Rice; or any othermaterial/s like Ghee, Honey, Thulasi, used for performing Pithruceremonies to any temple or mutt organizing or conducting theseceremonies. Performing Anna Dana during Pithru Paksha is highly sacred and meritorious.

Sri Krishnaarpanamasthu

bhargavasarma

For related posts please click on the links given below...

PITHRU YAGNA

SRADDHAAYA CHARITAM SRAADDHA

AMAAVAASYA - The Pithru Thithi

Mahaalaya Amaavaasya - Tharpana Vidhi

Garuda Purana - Glory & Significance

AnnexureSarva Pithru list & how to address them during Thila Tharpanaand or Pinda Pradhaana
http://bhargavasarma.blogspot.in/search/label/PITHRU%20YAGNAhttp://bhargavasarma.blogspot.in/search/label/SRADDHAAYA%20CHARITAM%20SRAADDHAhttp://bhargavasarma.blogspot.com/2009/09/amavasya-pithru-thithi.htmlhttp://bhargavasarma.blogspot.com/2009/09/om-gam-ganapathaye-namaha-om-sri.htmlhttp://bhargavasarma.blogspot.com/2011/09/garuda-purana-glory-significance.htmlhttp://bhargavasarma.blogspot.com/2011/09/garuda-purana-glory-significance.htmlhttp://bhargavasarma.blogspot.com/2009/09/om-gam-ganapathaye-namaha-om-sri.htmlhttp://bhargavasarma.blogspot.com/2009/09/amavasya-pithru-thithi.htmlhttp://bhargavasarma.blogspot.in/search/label/SRADDHAAYA%20CHARITAM%20SRAADDHAhttp://bhargavasarma.blogspot.in/search/label/PITHRU%20YAGNA


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Relationship How to address aPithru? ( Asmath )

Relationship How to address aPithru? ( Asmath)

1 Father Pitharam(Vasu Roopa)

17 Brother/s Bhraatharam TatthPathneem Tatthputhram(Vasu Roopa)

2 GrandFather(Paternal)

Pithamaham(Rudra Roopa)

18PaternalUncles (FathersBrothers)

PithravyamTatthPathneem Tatthputhram(Vasu Roopa)

3 Great GrandFather(Paternal)

Prapithaamaham(Aaditya Roopa)

19 MaternalUncles (MothersBrothers)

Mathulam TattpatneemTatthPuthram(Vasu Roopa)

4 MotherMaatharam(Vasu Roopa) 20

Daughter(self)

Duhitharam(Vasu Roopa)

5PaternalGrandMother

Pithaamahim(Rudra Roopa)

21 Son-in-law Jaamaatharam(Vasu Roopa)

6 PaternalGreat GrandMother

Prapithamahim(Aaditya Roopa)

22 Grand son(Daughtersson)

Dauhithram(Vasu Roopa)

7 Step MotherSaapatniMaatharam(Vasu Roopa)

23 Sister/s(self)

Bhagineem(Vasu Roopa)

8MaternalGrandFather(Mothersfather)

Maathamaham(Vasu Roopa)

24 Brother in-law (Sistershusband)

Bhaavukam(Vasu Roopa)

9 MaternalGreat GrandFather(MotherspaternalGrandfather)

MaathuPithamaham(Rudra Roopa)

25 Sister schildren

Bhaagineyakam(Vasu Roopa)

10 MaternalGreat GreatGrandFather(MothersGreat GrandFather)

Maathu-Prapithaamaham(Aaditya Roopa)

26 Paternal Aunts (Fatherssister/s)

Pithruswasa(Pithru Bhagineem) TattBhartharamTattPuthram(Vasu Roopa)


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Relationship How to address aPithru? ( Asmath )

Relationship How to address aPithru? ( Asmath)

11 MaternalGrandMother(MothersMother)

Maathaamahim(Vasu Roopa)

27 Maternal Aunt/s (Motherssister/s)

Maathruswasa(Mathru Bhagineem) TattBhartharamTattPuthram(Vasu Roopa)

12 MaternalGreat GrandMother(MotherspaternalGrandMother)

MaathuPithamahim(Rudra Roopa)

28 Father-in-law Swasuram(Vasu Roopa)

13 MaternalGreat GreatGrandMother(MotherspaternalGreat GrandMother)

Maathu-Prapithaamahim(Aaditya Roopa)

29 Mother-in-law Swasruh(Vasu Roopa)

14 Wife Pathneem(Vasu Roopa)

30 Brother-in-law (Wifes

brother/s)

Syaalakam(Vasu Roopa)

15 Son/s (self) Sutham(Vasu Roopa)

31 Gaayathriupadesa Guru (One who hasperformedGaayathriUpadesa)

Gurum(it could be Fatheror any other

Aachaarya) (Vasu Roopa)

16 Daughter in-law

Snushaam(Vasu Roopa)

32 Vidya Guru;teacher;purohit; priest

Aachaaryam(Vasu Roopa)

33 Disciple Sishya (Vasu Roopa)

34 Friend Sakhaayam(Vasu Roopa)

Above list is also useful while performing Kshethra (theertha)Sraaddha, while giving Tharpana during Parva Kaala (Eclipse;Uttaraayana; Dakshinaayana) and during regular AmaavaasyaTharpana.

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sraddhaaya charitam sraaddha - all about mahaalaya pithru paksham

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