Shraddha Rituals: How To Perform Shraddha Rites?

Shraddha is a Hindu ritual that refers to remembering and honoring one's ancestors. It is believed that the act of charity, feeding the hungry, and performing the shradh rites help in the liberation of the soul from the cycle of birth and death. The shraddhas are believed to be highly significant during the first year of death because they provide the spirit with force, allowing it to rise to a higher dimension.

Shraddha meaning: What is Shraddha (Shradh)? and why is Shraddha done?

The Sanskrit root word "Shradh," which means faith or trust, gives the term "Shraddha" its meaning. It is a religious act performed with all sincerity and faith to satiate one's ancestors.

What is Dagbatti?

The Hindu ritual after death is called Dagbatti (Daagbatti). This ritual is performed to help the soul of the deceased person transition to the next life. The ritual includes prayers, offerings to the gods, and a feast for the mourners.

Daagbatti Rituals: How is Daagbatti Perfomed?

• After the death of a Hindu, the body is usually cremated within 24 hours, known as daagbatti.
• The daagbatti ritual is performed by the family of the deceased person. A priest is not required to perform this ritual.
• The deceased person's body is washed and clothed in plain white sheets. The body is then placed on a bier and taken to the cremation ground.
• The body is placed on a pyre and set on fire at the cremation ground. The family then performs a series of rituals, which includes offering prayers and condolences for the mourners.
• After the cremation, the family collects the deceased person's ashes and scatters them in a river or ocean.
• The daagbatti ritual is performed to help the soul of the deceased person transition to the next life. The ritual includes prayers, offerings to the gods, and a feast for the mourners.
• The family then performs a series of rituals over 13 days, known as the Kriya ritual (Kriya karma), which the family's son usually does.

Kriya Karma

• On the first day, the family members shave their heads (particularly boys) and wear white clothes.
• The person who performs Kriya for 13 days (Kriya Putri) stays separate from the regular household, stays clean, and holds rituals for the deceased person.
• During the period, close friends and relatives visit the deceased's family and convey condolences.
• They often bring fruits during their visit.
• On the thirteen (last) day, the family members hold a puja for the deceased, and the family members and the Kriya Putri take a holy dip in the river and perform rituals. They offer prayers to the gods and goddesses for the peace of the soul of the deceased person. A feast follows this in honor of the deceased.
• After the Kriya period is over, the family members start their regular life, but they perform Shraddha (Shradh) every month for one year to pray for the soul of their deceased relative.
• This is followed by performing the Shradh ritual once every year on the person's death anniversary (Tithi).

The importance of Shraddha in Hindu culture

According to Hindu beliefs, Shraddha Ceremony is a crucial ritual and is usually a day of memory. Rituals and ceremonies are performed to honor one's ancestors, particularly the departed parents. The purpose of the Shraddha ceremonies is to make the passage for our parents to heaven, after their death, as comfortable and stress-free as possible. It is believed that the ancestors' souls are freed from their earthly bonds, and they attain moksha. It is a way of expressing thanks for who they are and asking for the lost parent's peace.

Shraddha Rituals: How to perform Shraddha rites? What are the rituals of the Hindu Shraddha ceremony?

Shraddha rites are performed by the first-born son of the family (Karta). It is considered a duty of the son to perform this ritual to ensure that his ancestors' souls rest in peace.

The Shraddha rites are performed to appease the ancestors and ensure their souls rest in peace. It is believed that the ancestors visited their descendants during this period, and it is important to offer them food and water so that they are satiated and do not trouble the living.

The ritual involves performing a series of prayers, offerings to the gods and goddesses, and feasting and remembering the deceased.

There are various steps or ways that are included in the Shraddha ritual. These include the following steps as mentioned below.

Pind Daan

It is a very important rite as it is believed to satiate the deceased. Rice balls are made by taking a handful of cooked rice and shaping it into a ball. A small quantity of water is added to the rice to bind together. Once the rice ball is ready, it is placed in front of the ancestors' shrine or photo along with some flowers and a light (diyo). The rice ball is then offered to the ancestors, and their souls are believed to be satisfied.

Tarpana

Another rite is the use of Tarpana. Tarpana is a process whereby water is offered to the ancestors with the help of a copper vessel and some flowers. The tarpana rite is believed to purify the soul of the ancestors and help them attain moksha.

The Shraddha rite is believed to liberate the soul of the ancestors from their earthly bonds. The whole process is performed in front of a fire.

Hawan

Karta performs the fire ritual Hawan (Home) to appease Agni, which will carry the offerings to the departed loved ones.

The Karta also gives Dakshana (donations) to the Brahmanas to promote hospitality and obtain blessings.

How can we do Shradh at home?

There are various ways in which Shraddha can be performed at home. The most important way is to keep the ancestors' shrines clean and tidy. Offerings of food and water should be made in front of the shrine. It is also important to light a diyo (lamp) and pray to the ancestors.

Remember the ancestors and say their names aloud. This is believed to bring peace to their souls.

Shraddha can also be performed by feeding the needy and poor in their name