Shraaddha
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Shraaddha is a Sanskrit word which literally means anything or any act that is performed with all sincerity and faith(shraddha). In the Hindu religion, it is the ritual that one performs towards paying homage to one’s dead ancestors (pitR^i), especially to one’s dead parents. Conceptually, it is a way of expressing our heartfelt gratitude and thanks to our parents and ancestors, for having helped us to be what we are. Also can be thought of as a “day of remembrance”. It is performed for both the father and mother separately, on the days they became deceased.
In practice, the karta (person who performs shraaddha) invites Brahmanaas (individuals who are considered to be very noble, worthy, knowledgeable etc) that day, imagines they are his/her parent, performs a homa, serves them with sumptuous food,and treats them with all hospitality and finally serves “pinda pradaana”. (pinda--balls made of rice, given as offerings to the pitR^i). The Karta then gives "dakshina"(fees) to the brahmanaas. (There are various other actions done,to show respect to the Brahmanaas,like washing their feet,etc, during the course of shraaddha).
Since this is one of the most important and noble “Samskaraas” (rituals meant to cleanse the mind and soul) that the hindu sages have envisaged, it is imperative that the performer of the ritual understands what he or she is doing. Only then, will the true intent of the ritual be fulfilled and the performer of the ritual feel completely gratified. Else, the ritual becomes just a mechanical exercise for one’s part.
[edit] References
For complete and comprehensive explanation of why and how its is done, please refer to the book titled “shraaddha”, in kannada language, by Prof(Rtd).R.K.SrikantaKumaraswamy,IIT,Chennai. For more details about the book, please contact chetuh@yahoo.com
