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Saturday, May 21, 2011

Sradha Vidhi (Rules of Sradha)

Sradha Vidhi
(Rules governing annual death ceremony)

Compiled by
P.R.Ramachander




Sradha (that which is done with attention and sincerity) is the term used by Brahmins for the annual death ceremony. I am summarizing here the rules regarding Sradha as given by Anna in a book called Pithru Pooja and another book called Pithru yagnam which is compiled by Sri.V.Srinivasan. Both books are in Tamil. Reading through it , you would soon come to the conclusion that Sradha according to rules is extremely difficult to perform, due to our pre occupation with modern life.
Sradha comes from the word Sradha(Trust/loyalty) and indicates the annual ritual performed to offer food to three generations of our ancestors. It is believed that when our manes reach the land of the manes(Pithru Loka) , our one year is one day for them. We are only attempting to offer food and water to them every day. Normally every one performs Sradha only to his parents but it should be offered by us to all those to whom we have performed death ceremony, Real parents in case we are adopted, Grandparents , if they die after the death of all their sons and brother of father if he does not have a son , brother if he does not have a son .

1.Some definitions

Kartha- The one who does Sradha
Boktha-He who participates in Sradha representing the manes(Pithrus.)

1.Time for doing Sradha

1.1. Sradha should be performed in the souramana month* , on the phase of the moon and on the thidhi when the person dies , annually. The thidhi is that which occurs in the Kudaba kala in Aparahna i.e after 18 Nazhigai(approximately 8 hours after sun rise) . Sradha is to be performed in the Kudaba Kala of Aparahna only. During the Paksha of Sradha at least for three one days one should follow all rituals and observe all rules.
1.2. If the thidhi is spread over two days, Sradha should be performed on that day when Thidhi is there in the afternoon. If both days it is spread on the afternoon , then it should be performed on the day when it is spread more in the afternoon. If it is spread equally then it should be done on the first day.
1.3. If during a month two thithis come , then Sradha should be performed on the second Thidhi. If one of them happens to be the day when month starts(Sankramana) , it should be done on the other day.. If both are having Sankramana , it should be done on the first day.
1.4. If there is no thidhi in a particular month, it should be done on the thidhi of the previous chandramana month without Sankramana. If it is not there in the Chandramana month , it should be done in the next souramana month.
(*There are two system of month in India. Souramana month is the period when Sun stays in the rasi of the month . Chandramana is always from Prathama for thirty days. Chandramana year will have 360 days. After every five years, there would be an Athi masa(Extra month))

2.Tripurusha Udesa and yeka purusha Udesa

2.1 When we do Sradha to father, mother , grandfather , grandmother , great grandfather , great grandmother , maternal grandfather, maternal grandmother, wife, brother of father, brother, biological father , biological mother, we should do Sradha aimed at three generations(Tri Purusha udhesa) . For all others only his generation would be addressed(Yeka Purusha udesa). The Sradha where three generations are addressed is called Parvana Vidhana and where only one generation is addressed it is called Yekodhishta.

2.2. In Sradha being done by ladies in case of Father in law, mother in law, father, mother, husband, Grandfather , and grandmother, three generations are addressed. All other cases only one generation are addressed.

2.3. If Sradha is performed by someone representing a lady or child by taking authorization in the form of Durba grass,, he does not have Apavasya.(Sacred thread need not be worn on the right shoulder).

3.Homa for whom and when

3.1 When Sradha is performed for father, mother , grandfather , grandmother , great grandfather , great grandmother , maternal grandfather, maternal grandmother, wife, brother of father, brother, biological father , biological mother, then only Homa is performed . For others Homa is not there.

3.2 For all sradhas performed by women there is no Homa.

3.3. Homa cannot be performed without the presence of the wife. That is an unmarried person/widower or one whose wife is absent due to some reason is not authorized to perform Homa.

4. Procedure when more than one Sradha has to be performed on the same day.

4.1.If the Sradha of father and mother come on the same day or comes on a day when the family taint goes away, then the Sradha of father has to be done first and later Sradha to the mother has to be done.

4.2. If Sradha of father and step mother comes on the same day , after performing father’s Sradha, cooking has to be done gain , and the Sradha of step mother has to be performed.

4.3 If the annual Sradha(Apthikam) and Masika(Monthly sradham performed for one year after death) comes together , then the Aapthika should be done first and then the Masika.

4.4. If Sradha addressed to three generations(Parvana) and Ekodhishta(One addressed to one generation) comes on the same day , first Parvana has to be performed and then Ehkodhista with new cooking.

4.5. The Sradha of father or mother which was not performed due to it occurring in the middle of after death ceremonies of father or mother should be performed after Sapindikarana day. But if the Sradha is of anybody else except the parents then it should be done only after the first death anniversary Sradha.

4.6.Before the Sapindikarana of mother or father , we should not perform the Sradha of anybody else. But the Sradha of mother or father should be done before the sapindikarana of others. If for some reason the sapindikarana of mother or father is delayed, the Sradha of any of the others can be performed after 12th day.

4.7. On the same day two sradhas should not be performed addressing the same manes That is Sradha or mane worship coming on fixed days and Sradha on special occasions come (like that during eclipse) then performing that of the special occasions would give the effect of the one which comes on fixed days.

4.8 In case of Sradha being performed by ladies is stopped by their getting periods , they should do it after the time when they take purificatory bath.

4.9 If Sradha is stopped due to birth or death taint, then it should be performed after the taint goes away. If Sradha is not performed due to forgetfulness or due to some other reason(Being in a foreign country/priest not available etc) , then it should be done on the Ekadasi of Krishna Paksha or Amavasya day.

4.10. If we happen to perform death ceremonies to mother or father in law during the first year of death of our parents, then their Sapindikaranam should be performed after the annual ceremony of the parents only.

5.Materials for Sradha(Sradha dravya)

5.1.If for some reason it is not possible to present Vasthram ( Cloth) to the Brahmins during Sradha , at least , they should be given a sacred thread(Yagnopavita).

5.2. The food for Sradha should be cooked in ghee. Some people believe that , since Gingelly is used during the Sradha , Gingelly oil could also be used.

5.3.Millets , cowpea seeds , horse gram , Drum stick, Ash gourd, Bottle gourd , , asafetida and all western vegetables should not be used for Sradha. ( In some families in Kerala, Snake gourd is specially used.)

5.3.1 Black gram, black Gingelly , wheat, cowpea, bitter gourd, jack fruit , mango , Pomegranate, Curry leaf, lemon, Banana fruit, Ilanthai fruit, gooseberry , grapes, pepper, snake gourd, Kandan Kathiru, honey , ghee, Kandasari sugar, Jaggery , sea salt, Cow milk, Yam , colacasia, Jeera , Cardamom, Lablab beans Thoothuvalai, Pirandai, Curd prepared out of cow’s milk and Banana pseudo stem can be used for cooking in Sradham.

5.3.2. Some people use Coconut , mustard , Bengal gram , ash gourd, wood apple and Chillies. Follow the customs of your house.
5.4. Fruits, sweet preparations , milk, curd and Ghee there is no taint due to sesha. That is even if they are offered to the manes, the remaining material can be used by all others.

6,Sradha devatha(Gods of Sradha)

6.1 Viswe devas
The Viswe devas are addresses as Puroorava-ardhrava during the Sradha of householders and as Sadhu-Guru in case of Sanyasins.

6.2 Pithru devas
Father is addressed as Vasu , Grandfather as Rudra and great grandfather as Adithya. In case of Sradha of father’s brothers and elder brother, they and their two previous generations should be addressed as Vasu-Rudra-Adithya.

3.Maha Vishnu
Instead of calling a Brahmin and making him Maha Vishnu , in many case Maha Vishnu is simply assumed to be present and no one represents him.

7.The effect /results of Sradha

The performance of Sradha makes devas happy by the Homa, the people in heaven by food offering to Brahmins , The people in Yama’s world by Pinda dhana(offering of rice balls), The human beings by good food , the devils and ghosts by what is left over , the people in hell by the cooked rice which is sprinkled (Vikira annam) and the people unknown by the food offered to the crows.

8.The type of Sradhas

8.1 Anna Sradha which is done using cooked rice
8.2 Aama Sradha which is done using uncooked food
8.3 Hiranya Sradha which is done using money only
8.4. He who has a living father does not have the right to do rituals of Pithrus. But he should do Brahma Yagna (without the Pithru part), Nandi sradham and Theertha sradham. For him the gods addressed are same as that done by his father. He cannot do Gaya Sradha.


8.Some rules of Sradha

8.1 Both Kartha and Boktha should not eat anything after eating the ritual Bhojanam after the Sradha.
8.2.We can do Koosmanda Homam for removing our sins before Sradha.
8.3. We should start doing Oupasana at least four days before Sradha. The fire of Sradha is lit from the Oupasa agni.
8.4.For performing Sradha Kudhabha time , Douhithra (daughter’s son) and black Gingelly are very important.
8.5 . It is believed that black Gingelly was got after Varaha Avathara and prevents evil spirits from entering our house.
8.6.We should not ask our Brother to participate in the Sradha as a Boktha(representative of our manes
8.7. Sick person or one who do not know Vedas cannot be a Boktha.
8.8.He who has married a girl who is not A kanya cannot be a Boktha.
8.9. During the monthly periods of a lady, her husband cannot be a Boktha
8.10. People who do not have a wife and a son cannot be a Boktha.
8.11He who has participated in a Sradha as Boktha cannot be a Boktha for another three days.
8,12. The one wants and requests to be made as a Boktha is ineligible.
8.13.Yogi, Jnani , Sama Vedi and Douhithran (daughter’s son) are preferred to be Bhokthas.
8.14 . He whose wife is more than 3 months pregnant cannot be a Boktha.
8.15He who has shaved in that Morning cannot be a Boktha
8.!6 He who is suffering from leprosy , infected nail or teeth cannot be a Boktha
8.17 . He who has to perform first death ceremony of his father cannot be a Boktha
8.18.When two Brahmins come , the younger one should represent the Pithrus and the elder one the Viswedevas.
8.19. People who can afford should give silk Dhoti(5 years) and Uthareeyam (3 yards) to the Bokthas
8.20 At least we should present the same quality of Dhoti which we normally wear.
8.21. People who cannot afford should at least give a Sacred thread(Yagnopavitha)
8.22. The Kartha should start the Sradha only after wearing a new Yagnopavitha.
8.23. The Kartha should never get angry on the Sradha day.
8.24 He should not take food in somebody else’s house at least for a month before the Sradha. This could be at least 3 days when it is not possible to do otherwise.(Food from teacher, sister, uncle and father in law can be taken)

8.25 Oil bath should not be taken within the seven day period preceding the Sradha

8.26.He should not lie on a cotton bed or make love in those seven days
8.27 We should not wash the feet of the Brahmin with Pavithram. It should be removed and tucked in the ear.
8.28 For Viswedevas it is Chathurasram and for Pithrus it is circle below the Plate on which feet are washed.
8.30. The water used for washing the feet of Viswedevas is holy and should not mix with water used to wash the feet of Pithrus.
8.40 The remaining ghee which is used for Homa should not be consumed
8.41 Cooking should be done in Ghee. It could be done in coconut oil or Gingelly oil as per the custom of our forefathers
8.42.Seasoning with mustard is not done by some and some others do it. This is determined by the practice of our forefathers.
8.43 . The Kartha and his wife should wear cloths washed and dried on the same day.
8.44.All food articles should be washed before cooking.
8.45 Relation or servant should not be employed for cooking
8.46 A lady who is nearing time for periods or one who has just taken the purificatory bath cannot cook.
8.$7 Cooking should not be done with wert cloth
8.58 You can shake the wet cloth seven times and then wear it and cook
8.59 If we happen to go to toilet during the time of cooking, we should take bath and restart the cooking
8.60 A pregnant lady or a sick lady should not cook
8.61.A widow who has not shaved her head should not cook
8.62. While cooking, we should not keep on talking
8.63 People who have drunk coffee should not cook
8.64 The Sradha should be performed in our own house. If not possible , we can give rent and then perform it.
8.65 Food for Sradha should not be cooked in steel vessels
8.66 Thilaka and sound of bell should not be there during Sradha time
8.67 The hair should be tied
8.68 The rice should be prepared last
8.69 when we serve rice on the leaf steam should come out of it.

8.70 The leaf used for taking food of the Brahmins should be buried in the soil. Some people put it in an unused well, In towns some people give it to the cows. This is not correct. But if there is no other go do it.

8.71.,Theleaves should be removed before the final blessings.

8.72 The Kartha should not clean his teeth with brush or stick on the day of Sradha and on the day before

8.73 The Bokthas should not touch each other They should not talk during meals but show their requirements by pointing them out with their fingers
8.74 They should not keep Payasam and ghee remaining on the leaf after they eat. They should keep a small quantity of every other thing
8.75 They should eat slowly and take sufficient food so that they do not feel hungry at night.
8.76 Vasu, Rudra and Adithya are Sradha devathas
8.77Byjoing these devas along with them , our pithrus would only be happy.
8.78 All rituals addressed to devas should be done with Yagnopavita on the left shoulder. The water offering(Tharpana) should be offered to them straight. They should be worshipped by rice
8.79 All rituals addressed to the Pithrus should be done with Yagnopavita on the right shoulder. Water offering should be through the space between thumb and the next finger to the sides. They should be worshipped by Gingelly.
8.80 When the Brahmins are taking food Abisravana mantras should be chanted so that Rakshasa are kept away. If we do not know these mantras , Brahmins who know them should be employed to chant them. They should be given fees for doing so.
8.81 In case of Yekodishtam, Sapindikaranam , Masikam , Anumasikam, Nandi Sradham Abisravana Mantras should not be chanted.
8.82 . If some eaten food from one Brahmin falls on another Brahmins leaf. The leaves should be removed and they should be again served food in the new leaf. They should not get up.
8.83 Till the Brahmins finish their food , the fire of Homa should be maintained. If it goes out, the Sradha has to be redone.
8.84 The pinda meant for crow(Vayasa Pinda) should be protected till it is eaten by a crow.
8.85 Though all serving and other rituals are done first to the Brahmin representing the devas. Getting up after finishing the food should be done first by Brahmin representing the Pithrus.
8.86 After Pindas are offered put little of the rice in the mouth. In some families they only smell it.
8.87 Pindas can be put in water or fire. If the Sradha is performed in sacred waters , it should be put in the river
8.88 Till the Sradha is over , Pundra and Rudraksha should not be worn.
8.89 The Kartha and Boktha should not drink anything except water. Boktha can put Thamboola.
He should not do any other ritual that day. He can do Sandhya Vandana only after Chanting Gayathri ten times. If he is ding Oupasana ,m it should be got done by somebody else. He should not accept any Dhana(charity) that day.
8.90 If crow takes Pinda from east , you will get wealth. If it takes from south, you will get disease, If it takes from west, you would go on a tour. If it takes from north, your longevity would get reduced.
8.91. If it is Ekadasi , the Kartha can and should take the food offered to the manes.
8.92 Since the dead people become devas, Sradha Pithru sesham of people younger to you and of your wife can be taken.
8.93 Even if they are married ladies can eat Pithru sesham of mother, father and brother
8.94But if they become widow they are not supposed to eat it.
8,95 There is no pithrusesham in case of father in law and uncle.
8.96The para heni Tharpanam should be performed next day to sradham. It should be done next day early morning at 4 AM. After doing it a bath has to be taken, If father is alive there is no Paraheni Tharpana in the Sradha of mother. There is no Paraheni Tharpana in case of Sapindikaranam, Anumasikam , Nandi and Apthikam.

8.97 Brothers who have divided their property should do Sradha separately.
8.98 If they live in separate houses, they should do it separately. Joining only on Sradha day and the eldest one only doing is not correct. If mother is alive all brothers should do it together.
8.99 Gingelly should not be taken by thumb and the next finger.
8.1000Sradha should be performed during Mahalaya P, Bharani Ashtami and Vyadheepada are special

8.101 Nandi Sradha is an auspicious function.
Sradha should be done first according to rules Some people use grass instead of Dharbha and Barley instead of Gingelly. The Pariseshachanam round is not done in anti clock wise directions. Swadha(food of Manes) is not offered. It should be done during Garbha danam , Pumsavanam, Seemantham, Jathakarmam, Nama Karnam, Annaprasanam, Choulam , Upanayanam, Graha pravesam etc.People who cannot afford can perform Nandi as Aama Sradha or Hiranya Sradha.
In Nandi Two Brahmins representing Viswa deva, two Brahmins for grandfather and two for father should be represented

260 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. i WILL BE IN US DURING WHICH TIME,I HAVE TO DO THE CEREMONIES OF MY FATHER AND MOTHER.I HAVE DONE MY FATHERS CEREMONY SINCE 1962 AND MY MOTHERS SINCE 2010.SINCE I MAY NOT HAVE PROPER BRAHMIN HELP IN US,PL. SUGGEST ME ALTERNATIVES.WE HAVE COMPLETED GAYA SHRADDA OF BOTH FATHER AND MOTHER IN 2011.

      Delete
    2. Namaskar. I am also interested in knowing the answer for the above question. G.Ramachandran : grcuma@gmail.com

      Delete

    3. My name is Cindy Evans from USA My boyfriend and I were happy as far as I could tell and I never thought that we would break up. When his cousin died in a tragic car accident he went back to UK for a week to be with his family. I could not go because I was in the middle of entertaining out of town clients for work. He did not seem to be upset that I could not go so I let him be. The next thing that I know, he reconnected with an old friend from high school that he had a crush on years ago and they started to have an affair! I had no clue what was going on until a month after he came back from UK.He proceeded to see both her and I until I caught him texting her one night. I confronted him and he told me the truth about what happened. We broke up and went our separate ways. Neither of us fought for our relationship. I was angry and decided not to be upset about it and just keep it moving. Then after about a month of not speaking to him I became sad. I wanted him to tell me that he wanted to be with me and not her. I contacted Dr. Ocusodo for a love spell and he totally helped me! he was able to get him to miss me to where he wanted to get back together again. He had a lot of regrets and felt bad for not fighting to keep me and for cheating in general. He values our relationship so much more now and we are together now! You can also get your lover back with the help of Dr. Ocusodo contact him through his email: drocusodospellcaster@gmail.com or drocusodospellcaster@yahoo.com or WhatsApp or call him now: +2349067457724.

      Delete
  2. Dr Ramachander,I keep reading all your good work.May God bless you.I run a brahmin web forum,if you have time to spare,i invite you to the forum to guide others.If you can't because of time constraints,no worries

    my email id drpraveenks@gmail.com

    Dr praveen

    ReplyDelete
  3. Congratulations to Sri.Ramachander. Great collection of information. It is a good guide. It helps us to do as correctly as possible. At least we know that some things are done wrongly but will try to correct when opportunity comes.
    Getting Bokthas of the required specification is extremely difficult. But at least we can try.
    V.Muralidharan.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is because we happen to treat them as a class beneath us.Till such a time each brahmin follow his ordained rituals daily at least on a minimum scale and take it upon ourselves any religious role , as brahminical resposibility,with due regard and mutual respect ,we are doomed to face such problem. Mr. Muralidharan's comment pointers to the rot that has crept in the minds of so called brahmins who wants these things go as a one traffic: ie. we want bhuktas, vadyars ,etc.but we are not ready to adorn the role if required.LET US CONSIDER EACH RELIGIOUS ROLE HAS ITS DIGNITY AND RESPECT AND LET US GET ENLIGHTENED ABOUT THIS AND REACH SELF UNFOLDMENT . That alone is the solution to this problem.

      SUBRAHMANIYAN V K AYYAR
      vksubrahmaniyan@gmail.com

      Delete
  4. Replies
    1. வணக்கம் ! தங்களின் ஜாதக ரீதியா  இருக்கும் , பிதுர் தோஷம் ( ராமேஸ்வரம் ,சேதுக்கரை - திருப்புல்லாணி ,தனுஷ் கோடி _ இரு கடல் சங்கமம் ,கொடுமுடி ) ஆகிய இடங்களிலும் முன்னோர்களுக்கு தெவசம்   , தில ஹோமம், சாந்தி ஹோமம்  ,அணைத்து பரிஹார பூஜை செய்து தருகின்றோம் மற்றும் வர இயலாதவர்க்கு தங்கள்

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  5. can you also provide some details like the things that are needed after the death of a person in the house... Starting from the ritual of buring to the sajeevan and the 9th day to the 13th day... Also the rites that need to be done after the 13th day to the varsha shraddam...
    I have seen that there is always a compromise on the days for the rites...mostly to suit the needs of the vadhyar.... Please explain.....
    Thanking you in advance....

    ReplyDelete
  6. It is really very informative,now everywhere,all rituals are simply become imitations,nobody know what they are doing or why there are doing,great people like you are our cosolation,thank you somuch for sharing your knowledge,expect such things in future also.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Highly informative. In fact many pieces of information were quite new to me. I now understand how ignorant I was, before reading this piece. I do not know how to express my gratitude. I eagerly wait for many such informative articles from you. May Lord Vaikathappan bless you.
    Dr. Subramony

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks for an informative article. In item 8.19, the words after Dhoti should read as "9 yards". In item 8.59, the word 'restart cooking' may mean starting cooking all over again. The word 'resume' would be appropriate. Please correct if you agree.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Dear sir,

    Kudos to you for the wonderful work you are doing. This is the time well spent.
    congratulation for running such an informative blog and best wishes for your future posts.

    Kanchi

    ReplyDelete
  10. Dear Sir,

    Iam very happy to see such a informative informations.Very very thanks.
    I have married and god blessed me with 2 kids(son & daughter).Iam living with my father and mother. My doubt is can I do Boktha(By sitting in Vishnu/Pithru Sthanam)for others sardha.
    Note : Iam working in private company But having basic knowledge of vedam.
    My Mail ID is ksomuindian@gmail.com
    Pls clarify my doubt.
    Thanks in advance

    Regards
    K.Somu

    ReplyDelete
  11. Dear Sir,

    Thank you for the detailed account. Very helpful. Inspired by the service you are rendering through this initiative

    I have a query, I understand during first 12 months it isn't masikam thats to be performed (Anna shraardha) but Udakumbha Shraardha is supposed to be done. I heard so, but do not have much details. Would you be able to share some thoughts on this

    Thanks
    Krishna

    ReplyDelete
  12. Sir,

    Kindly give the mantras for rig vedha for annual sradham and teertha sradham. i live in madhya pradesh here the north indian pundits r not chanting the mantras in the way as we get in south so i request your good self to kindly give me mantras for annual sradham. my email id is anjan24766@gmail.com

    regards
    v.anjaneyulu

    ReplyDelete
  13. Can you please post a write up on Masikam and Shodha Kumbam also on the same lines.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Very good informative, Will you please share the complete details and procedure of maskika sradha's , and please let us know about the Abdhika, Unabhikha, Abdhikaunabhika, Adhika vimochaka in detalis


    Regards,
    Raghavendra k

    ReplyDelete
  15. My father in law expired before 14 years. His sradha was not performed till this year. My husband is his second son. Now he wants to start performing yearly sradha for his father. Kindly explain whether my husband can do it or is there any rule that only first son can start performing sradha for the first time.

    ReplyDelete
  16. He can and should do it .Please ask the priest about Prayaschitha rituals for not doing it till now . You can go to Gaya and carry out this prayaschitha , Ramachander

    ReplyDelete
  17. sir
    i am extremely grateful for this article. sir i heard that swampakam can be undertaken if shadha is not performed.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I am a Brahmin Iyer. I recently lost two very close family members. I left India many years ago, and was unable to attend the funeral of any of my family members. I would like to understand, and to be able to explain the funeral rites to my son. Would it be possible for you to explain in simplistic language as to what should be done immediately after death leading to the 13th day ceremony, along with the meaning. Also, for those living outside of India, what would be an appropriate way to conduct funerals/ceremonies, etc. in keeping with the Brahmin tradition. I would greatly appreciate your help.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Dear Sir,
    Thanks for the highly informative write up.Very very useful to us.
    Dr lakshmi R

    ReplyDelete
  20. NIce information provided.Also pl. clarify.
    It is mentioned in "3.3. Homa cannot be performed without the presence of the wife. That is an unmarried person/widower or one whose wife is absent due to some reason is not authorized to perform Homa."My wife expired last year.Am I not to do homam for my parents for shraddam?Secondly,I am told that I have to offer tharpanam for my
    wife also on Amavasya Tharpanam along with other fore fathers since my son is not having authority do tharpanam for Amavasya till the father is alive.If it is so what isthe mantra for that.Thirdly If we are not getting Bananaleaves to feed brahmins,what is the alternative.Lastly if there is problem to get two brahmins to feed ,how to perform shradda.K.V.Ram 3/4/14

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sir, did you get your question answered? I am interested to know the answer too.

      Delete
  21. Sir, request your clarification - younger brother in a family dies and he doesnot have any children. Father is sick, hence can the elder brother perform yearly thithi for his younger brother ?

    ReplyDelete
  22. sir,request your guidance.Yoyr item 3.3 states- Homa cannot be performed without the presence of the wife. That is an unmarried person/widower or one whose wife is absent due to some reason is not authorized to perform Homa.Sir can a WIDOWER perform SHARDAM without USE of AGNI during homam.That is homa without AGNI.-BHARATH

    ReplyDelete
  23. Sir last year i have asked you for the mantras 9th may 2012 bt may be u must be busy kindly provide sir as i am not getting pundit for performing my father annual sradhha i will be very grateful if u can provide the sradha mantras with procedure as u hv explained in ammavasya tarpanam i am rig vedhi.

    regards

    ReplyDelete
  24. how many brahmins for sodakumbam and masikm , i have to do for my mother who expired on 11.05.2014

    ReplyDelete
  25. Can two brothers at different places in the same city perform sradhha for their father and mother separately at different places.

    Muralidharan

    ReplyDelete
  26. Is there any system by which yearly Shraddha is performed to a divorced daughter?

    Sundar

    ReplyDelete
  27. Thank you, Sir for such a detailed compilation of information connected to Shraddha. It explains very clearly on what day ( based on the pitru's thithi of passing ) the Shraddha should be performed. I have a question about Amavasyai Tharpanam. In a case where Amavasyai is spread over two days, which of the two is the appropriate day for performing Amavasyai Tharpanam? Could you enlighten me please? Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  28. excellent info...... pls advice me...is pregnant woman allowed to have shradh food

    ReplyDelete
  29. sir
    if for some reason of other the elder son,does not perform the first aniversary of father,what is the solution

    ReplyDelete
  30. Can a person who lost his mother can do pithru pooja at Rameshwaram? whether he can adhikara from his father to do this

    ReplyDelete
  31. No.You cannot get the adhikara from your father .

    ReplyDelete
  32. I would like to know one thing. My elder brother passed away last year and his Abdhigam falls on 1st Feb., 2015. Suddenly, his only son fallen sick and he could not perform his father's Abdhikam. Doctor's advised not to expose himself to smoke. What would be the next alternate?

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hello Good Hearts,

    I am Priya Rajesh and I have a request to all good people who are interested to keep our traditions alive! The given below is a request from a person who comes to our house for our Paatti and Thatha's sraadham. He is in a pathetic situation and is not computer savvy. So I am adding this request from him: Please help him out!

    OM HARI OM
    For your kind information: A request from K. Krishnamani (age 67)
    I have been leading my life in Adambakkam, Chennai, with a little amount of money obtained from attending 13-day rituals and predecessors’ anniversary day (Sraadh) function of Brahmin community for the last 24 years (1990–2015 Feb 26). Suddenly, I had a mild attack, and doctors have advised me to take complete rest. Since I don’t have any other source of income (only my wife and myself, no issues), I request every kind heart to extend your help. Whatever little money you can contribute will be a big help for me.
    I request all of you to please help me to come out of this situation.
    K. KRISHNAMANI
    17/7, SURENDAR NAGAR, 4TH STREET,
    ADAMBAKKAM, CHENNAI 600088
    PH: 93810 52054

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Please provide an email address, his full name, bank name, account information, if he has a bank account. If not, proper procedures on how to remit money.

      Delete
    2. Please provide an email address, his full name, bank name, account information, if he has a bank account. If not, proper procedures on how to remit money.

      Delete
  34. Is there an email address/bank account to help this person?

    ReplyDelete
  35. Very interesting to know the significance of these writes

    ReplyDelete
  36. Very informative article. However, must you restrict this to ONLY Smartha Brahmins? Why not Vaishnava Brahmins? Everything you have said equally applies to ALL Brahmins. Am I right?

    ReplyDelete
  37. Valuable info indeed. Thanks a lot !!! Here's a small contribution from my end ..... by way of slokas for recitation when Brahmins are partaking food offered at the rites .... said to result in Pithru Shaanti. ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnfFk3zbiSY

    ReplyDelete
  38. Namaskaram

    I am a woman. I have neither husband nor children. I have my cousins and I am not sure if they would be prepared to do all the karmas when I die. Is there anything that I can do myself prior to my death to compensate for these important karmas that would be missed to be performed for me later.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Sir ,

    Thank you for the informative article.

    I would like you to help me with my query.

    My mother was a divorcee since i was 6 yrs old & has expired

    I am 45 yrs old & have not been in touch with my father since my childhood

    It was her death wish that she be united with her parents.

    As per the norm informed to me, i am performing the shradh uniting her with the
    forefathers of my fathers family.

    Is there any ritual / procedure to modify the shradh to reunite
    her with her parents. ?

    Kindly advice..

    ReplyDelete
  40. Divorce is not recognized by Brahmins. You have to do Sradha to you mother mentioning the gothra of your father , and in Pithrus father, grand father and great grand father's name as well as mother , her parents and her grand parents name ,I am sure you would be already doing this.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There is no way of uniting a lady after her death with her own parental gotram once she is married..and divirce will not change the situation.
      Maybe if she is deserted is childless and is re adopted to her clan as a punarbhoo thhen she may be tagged to her fathers side as a stand alone ekidistha pitru.

      Delete
  41. Yes sir, I am already doing the shradh

    Thank you so much for the clarification. !!!

    Rgds

    ReplyDelete
  42. Respected
    Sir, my parents are not doing any shradha since my father is onky son to my grandparents, my grandfather married another lady and she got 3 children's., after my grandmother death while my father was in aged 10years. My grand father also died at 2003,
    My parents very lazy about this, if advised so many times since I am very much interested and believed person in our culture.

    Please help me complete this karma, without my parents help.

    ReplyDelete
  43. my chitty expired on 12-8-15 morning (my father younger brother wife)
    can i have to do ammavasai tharpanam on 14-8-15 or skip do next ammavasai
    can i get advice

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You cannot do it this time.Sorry for late reply.

      Delete
  44. My wife passed away recently. I did all the rituals upto 45th day for her. I have two daughters, one married and another yet to. Can I do the annuall cermony for her every year?. Vadhayar say no. Can I do tharpanam for her every amavasya and other specified days

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I will reply to you in a day or two.

      Delete
    2. My search with all books I have did not lead to any conclusions.You cannot do tharpanam to her.You can request any male member without father in your paternal family to do SRadham for her.

      Delete
    3. Tarpanam for a person below in heirarchy can happen only for the kuzhi tarpanam. No other tarpanam.
      But is there any prohibition for hysband doing sraddham for his deceased wife. No specific prohibition.
      But if a younger person like daughters son etc could do the sraddham it is better.
      The technical hitch is that when performing homam the aahuti for the deceased wife is given in the name of her husband. That can lead to the difficult situation where the husband will have to offer homam for himself. That is not possible. That part or homam will not be pissible

      Delete
  45. Dear Sir,
    My parents have passed away more than 8 years ago. Till last year, I was performing Shrardham for them. I have recently moved to Qatar and am finding it difficult to find people to conduct Shrardham. I carry out Amavasai Tharpanam myself with the help of book. Is it possible that I can perform Shrardham with Koorcham. Kindly advise. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PLease feed two Brahmins on that day.If it is not possible to do in Quatar , request some people do it on your behalf and do THarpanam. Whenever you come to India you can always do Sradham to your parents m, by approaching any priest.

      Delete
    2. As per my info shraddham can be performed in 3 ways PaaraNam (with homam), hiraNyam and tarpaNam in that order. If the first two are not possible, tarpaNam should be performed on the tithi. TarpaNam is a short form of shraddham.

      Delete
    3. Thank you so much for the guidance.

      Delete
  46. hi Sir
    Very informative

    My hubby and his brother are twin, my mother in law is no more (died after her delivery) So my father in law is telling that his brother is elder one (because BIL came out after my hubby) His brother is doing sraddham. but my FIL also telling that to do namaskaram to BIL and his wife (13 years younger than me), we are doing namaskarams?? we have doubt please clarify.

    My another doubt.. if my bil's wife is pregnant, can we do the the sraadham? my fil is not allowing to sraadham. my Fil is tell that my Bil can do shraadham without his wife. please clarify

    my mail id is subakrishnan2009@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  47. Hi sir,

    What is the status of an unmarried son in doing sradha? How and who should eprfom sradha when the departed person has daughter who is married and son who is unmarried? Is it better to perfom ANNUAL sradha at home or at places like Rameswaram /Kasi Gaya etc?

    ReplyDelete
  48. Dear Sir,

    I am the youngest son in the family and I live in USA with my wife. We are not able to give birth to a child for past 5 year since our marriage. My yelder brother who is married with a boy child in doing annual Shraddam for my mother every year with Homan. Our father is still with us. Please tell me if I have the right to perform Shraddam for my mother ?

    ReplyDelete
  49. Can I continue to do tharpanam before our daughter's marraige which is fixed in November this year ? My Vadhyar says - yes - but instead of tharpai and ellu use arugampill and atchathai. My Chitthi says it is family sampradhayam. Can you find us the correct solution sir ?
    ( By the way your Avani Avittam memoirs in Facebook made an interesting and nostalgic reading ! )

    Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  50. Dear Sir PR,
    Namskara, I am asking the question on behalf of my father. My Father is the middle son among three sons my grandfather had. The youngest son also has passed away. In regard to the shradda rites for his parents. We have been doing it together despite having bifurcted the property. And indeed now, we have moved out to live in a different part of the same city. As per the blog above... It was mentioned that they should rather be performing the rites separately.... Am I reading it right? And any details on what krama to be followed.... ? If shared will be very helpful. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Dear Sir PR,
    Namskara, I am asking the question on behalf of my father. My Father is the middle son among three sons my grandfather had. The youngest son also has passed away. In regard to the shradda rites for his parents. We have been doing it together despite having bifurcted the property. And indeed now, we have moved out to live in a different part of the same city. As per the blog above... It was mentioned that they should rather be performing the rites separately.... Am I reading it right? And any details on what krama to be followed.... ? If shared will be very helpful. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Please let me know if Nandi and Udaka shanti can be performed during afternoon around 3.30 PM ..

    ReplyDelete
  53. RamachanderJi,

    I have some doubts, reference 4.5,4.6 and 4.1 of this blog. My father passed away on 17th September, Suklapaksha chathurthi, His tenth day is on 26th Saturday, my mother's 2nd apthikam/ Annual ceremony is falling on that day.

    I cannot perform on saturday because of the taint. As per 4.5 I can perform it after Sapindikarana of my father, ie 12th day.
    1) Can it be done on 12th day itself, can I perform my father's first and then my mother's as per 4.1. ?
    2) If yes, how sankalpam has to be modified?
    3) enve matha pralopa charathi, can it be used or mentioned while performing?
    4) in 4.6 you are mentioning two shrads cannot be performed to the same manes on the same day, this is confusing me.
    Kindly request you to clarify.

    RAMAKRISHNAN
    rrknan@gmail.com
    9967587417
    AIROLI, NAVIMUMBAI

    ReplyDelete
  54. Dear Sir,

    I reside in Nanganallur, Chennai. I am planning to conduct my son's upanayanam in Jan end 2016. I would like to know if there is any stipulated time frame for purchasing of dhoties for Brahmins for Nandhi Shradha. Can they be purchased well in advance ? Kindly advise. P. Krishnan

    ReplyDelete
  55. To my best of knowledge there is no time frame .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sir, I have asked clarify some doubts, two days back, will be obliged if you can give your views.

      Delete
  56. Very informative and descriptive. Though it may not be possible to follow all the rules governing the sradha vidhi, as for as possible conduct it according to his conciousness. The word " sradha" implies complete commitment. Your answers to the queries are apt and precise. It is heartening to see that many are interested in doing the karma despite the advantages taken by the priests who helps in performing the karma.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Very informative and descriptive. Though it may not be possible to follow all the rules governing the sradha vidhi, as for as possible conduct it according to his conciousness. The word " sradha" implies complete commitment. Your answers to the queries are apt and precise. It is heartening to see that many are interested in doing the karma despite the advantages taken by the priests who helps in performing the karma.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Dear Sir

    Thanks for all usefull information. Sir i want to know that when we can start my Mother - In - Laws Shradh as she passed away on dated 18th Oct 2013.. i am confused because some are saying Shradh should start from 2015 and some saying from 2016 ...

    ReplyDelete
  59. Respect ed sir,
    I am a widower. My son converted as a Christian and he is not interested to give tharpanam to his mother. Can I do the shradh to my wife

    ReplyDelete
  60. To the best of my knowledge I do not think that you are elegible to do Sradha to your wife .Feed a poor Brahmin remembering her.If possible go to Gaya and do Sradham there.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Can I wash my hair by shampoo in pitrupaksha???

    ReplyDelete
  62. can we per form Mahala Amavasya after finishing 13 the rituals of Father or Mother

    ReplyDelete
  63. can we per form Mahala Amavasya after finishing 13 the rituals of Father or Mother

    ReplyDelete
  64. NO tharpanam should be performed for one year from the death of parents..Some are of the opinion when the solstice changes after the death (Dakshinayana, Uttarayana) , we have to perform Tharpanam.

    ReplyDelete
  65. sir can we Perform kanya dhan to a widow.

    ReplyDelete
  66. I am sam vedic brahmin and planning to conduct my son's upananam in may 2016 . His date of birth 23 11 2004

    ReplyDelete
  67. Any Dhanams to be given on mother's first Annual Sraddha day other than the ones to be provided to Viswedavar and pithru brahmins? I have done all the dhanams on Sapindikaranam day. Can anybody enter during sraddha ritual for obtaining Dhanams on that day?

    ReplyDelete
  68. If shrardham thithi is missed, can it be performed on the next thithi (in my case thithi is after pournami of the month).
    Request your valued reply by return mail nchandras@gmail.com

    Chandrasekar

    ReplyDelete
  69. This message is from Chandrasekar. Sir can you please clarify regarding shrardham if thithi is missed this month. I am awaiting your email to perform missed shrardham

    Pleas respond at the earliest
    Mail nchandras@gmail

    ReplyDelete
  70. My mother expired 15 days back. whether my father can perform paarayanam and nithya pooja at my home ? Kindly clarify.

    ReplyDelete
  71. within one year of kanyadanam or performing daughters marriage can a person do abdikam yearly cemony

    ReplyDelete
  72. Can a Son in law attend and eat pithrusesham on the eve his mother in law's Sratham?

    ReplyDelete
  73. Sir, I live in Melbourne and will be performing Oona Maasyam for father in a weeks time. Would you be able to share the details of the homam/s that are required to be performed for this ritual. Thanks in advance!

    Mahesh

    ReplyDelete
  74. Pranams Ramachander-ji As per the advice of Sankaracharya, Madhya Kailash, Chennai Observe rituals on thithis on behalf of the persons who are not in a position to do. Unfortunately, the Shradha done by them is not as per our our Sastras (in my opinion). They offer only pindas to pithrus....I am quite perplexed about it. What is your view?

    ReplyDelete
  75. Swami, My father attained acharya thiruvadi on 18.12.2014 (Margazhi, Krishna Paksha, Ekadasi). Due to athimasikam coming in between, we did 12th month masiyam on 6.12.2015. What should be the date for Oona apthikam (since 355th day limit for Oona apthikam ends on 8.12.2015 which is a tuesday and not preferred)

    ReplyDelete
  76. Pranams Guru ji
    My tenent expired on 9th Oct 2015 in my house, pandits said us 1. Close the house for 3 months & to perform UDAKA SHANTI POOJA. Now another pandit is informing us to do before the 3rd month ends ie before 9th JAN 2016 .... Kindly guide me ... Pranams

    ReplyDelete
  77. I'm a Telugu brahmin and about to perform my late father's annual ceremony from 25th Dec to 27th - please help how to inform by way of the message to all known acqitances -Thanks in advance

    ReplyDelete
  78. I'm a Telugu brahmin and about to perform my late father's annual ceremony from 25th Dec to 27th - please help how to inform by way of the message to all known acqitances -Thanks in advance

    ReplyDelete
  79. A widower without issues or brother -how and who performs his 1st anniversary

    ReplyDelete
  80. My father passed away on 14 DEC 2015, I have got two elder brother's and don't have got any younger brother. I want to perform shraddha of my father seperately for ever from 2nd death anniversary I.e., DEC 2017 onwards, as there are always many difference's between me and my brother's and their wives. Kindly advise me what to do?

    ReplyDelete
  81. Dear Sir,
    Thank you for our wonderful information. Please clarify the following.
    1. My eldest brother is about 75 years and he wanted me to take him to GAYA to do Pitru Sradha. I am willing to do so. However, I would like to know whether we both have to do separately or if my brother does this, I will also get the full benefit of satisfying my Pitrus.
    2. Normally we all brothers do this Sradha karma collectively every year. If my eldest brother & me do this in GAYA, can the remaining brothers perform this in our place in Hyderabad on the same day?
    3. Can we then join the rest of our brothers to this kriya next year?
    4. Do you have any contact in GAYA of a TELUGU brahmin to help us in doing this.
    Regards
    Gundugola Prasad, Hyderabad

    ReplyDelete
  82. Dear sir,
    Can I perform thithi for my sister's mother in law's dad..

    ReplyDelete
  83. Dear sir,

    Is I have any role in my wife's grandfather (father's father) shratha.

    ReplyDelete
  84. Is this ritual a part of the karma kandam of the vedas??
    Ramesh

    ReplyDelete
  85. Sir,
    For Srivatsa Gothram people say 3 brahmins required. If so,the 3rd person will represent whom as 1 will represent Visve Deva the 2nd Pitru/the departed soul. What abt. the 3rd.

    ReplyDelete
  86. After ten years of marriage, my husband left me with our two kids. I felt like my life was over, and it was falling apart. Beyond my control I contacted DR BLESSING the said best spell caster on earth.with ancient powers and after I explained to her what my problems were, she suggested a marriage spell. In just few days, my husband came back to us. We solved our issues, and we are even happier than we were before. Thank you Dr blessing you can contact her with relationship problems at !! drblessingherbalhealinghome@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  87. Both my parents are no more. My brother is a bachelor and we stay seperately. I am married. So, should be do sradha seperately, Since I live in chennai and he in bangalore. Also should bachelor do sradha ?

    ReplyDelete
  88. The information provided is very useful. I have one doubt. I got married to second son in our family and his elder brother is unmarried. Kindly let me know whether annam ( rice ) can be served by me when the srartham is being performed by his unmarried elder brother. Please reply.

    ReplyDelete
  89. The information provided is very useful. I have one doubt. I got married to second son in our family and his elder brother is unmarried. Kindly let me know whether annam ( rice ) can be served by me when the srartham is being performed by his unmarried elder brother. Please reply.

    ReplyDelete
  90. Dear Sir,
    My wife if the only daughter of her parents. Both of them have passed away. She is doing their annual sradha. No one else is there to perform it. We heard from some people that ladies should not perform sradha. Could you please enlighten us on this point. If she can perform sradha or not, and what are the options.

    ReplyDelete
  91. i bough a new house in aug 2015 and my father taddinam is in apr 27 2016. can we do taddinam this year as i bought new house last year?

    ReplyDelete
  92. Namaskaram. My father in law reached MahPeriyavaa's abode on 24th Jan 2016. My husband and me are doing maasikam. May month maasikam comes on 21st and 22nd May 2016. We both have to travel and be present in another important function. Please let us know whether we can do shodhakumbham on 20th May and conduct the maasikam of May along with that of June? I will be thankful for a reply.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think Masikam and Sothakumbham need not be done only on the specific days.I understand normally an interval is given.
      Ask your priest

      Delete
  93. Sir, my son is 10 years old. Can he perform rituals for his father

    ReplyDelete
  94. Sir, my son is 10 years old. Can he perform rituals for his father

    ReplyDelete
  95. Me and my younger brother's son Upanayanam had been fixed brothers on April and my son's on May, so can we perform Naandhi for both the Poonal karmas, please guide - Suresh 9790975931 - mail -: suresh@eport.in

    ReplyDelete
  96. Me and my younger brother's son Upanayanam had been fixed brothers on April and my son's on May, so can we perform Naandhi for both the Poonal karmas, please guide - Suresh 9790975931 - mail -: suresh@eport.in

    ReplyDelete
  97. My mother passed away in 2007 and my father performed last rites and shraad till 2015. 2015 my father passed away and his brothers son performed the last rites . I am an only child and daughter to my parents ad am married. Do I have to perform shraadh for my mother this year and can I also do shraad for my father since my cousin will not do it. As he is angry with us.
    Please reply.
    Thank you.
    Sucharitha

    ReplyDelete
  98. Dear Indianwoman, You are not authorised to do SRadham for your parents .But do call some Brahmins on the Sradham day and feed them. I understand that there are organisations who feed Brahmins for us ion that day .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pardon me. In point 2.2 you mentioned of Shraddha being done by ladies .... but here she can not .?
      Shiva Poolla

      Delete
  99. We have fixed our son's upanayanam on 29th April 2016. Unfortunately my mother passed away on April 19th, 2016. So we have cancelled our son's upanayanam. My question is when we can perform our son's upanayanam again? or is it necessary to wait for one year? please advise.
    Regards
    Tirumalainarasimhan
    Chennai

    ReplyDelete
  100. Dear Sir,
    I am a widow with a son of 13 years old. We are planning to perform upanayanam to my son within 15 days. My maternal uncle is the kartha for it. Now my question is, can my uncle to naandhi srardham to my husband's family pithrukals?? Neither my FIL nor BIL is here to perform it. Otherwise, can I myself do it using raw banana and rice? Please reply. Thank you.
    My email id is radhikaviswanath@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  101. I wanted to know, is it like a father looses his right to do homa ( or sradha) if his son marries a non-brahmin?

    ReplyDelete
  102. Hi,

    Iam widow with 5 years old daughter.Actually my husband passed away in an accident last year on 28th July 2015. V did his last 13days rituals in Gokarna , Karnataka and my husband sister husband sat for all pooja and kriya. My husband has one sister and v have no one in our family to do his yearly shardha pooja. His yearly death ceremony is on 16th July 2016 and for that v all aregoing to Gokarna.V are 3 in my family left .Myself my daughter she is 5 years and my mother in law she is around 76 years . How will our ancestors get moksha as v have no son in family ahead to complete their annual thithi sharadha. Can v three go to bodh gaya and perform pooja so that our ancestors get peace and to satisfy them. If v can do something about this please let me the solution.

    Please reply
    My Email id is tripti.s.agarwal@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  103. Can anyone please provide the details of telugu brahmins in bangalor e who can do maasikam in yedurveda system. Please let me know

    ReplyDelete
  104. Dear Shri Ramachander, I have been asked a question today and it is that whether a widow who has remarried can perform the shraaddham for her deceased husband? Whether women in general and a widow in particular can perform sharaaddham for her husband? Can you please cite "PRAMAANAM" for the same. S.Venkataraman.

    ReplyDelete
  105. Namaskaram. After marriage, how daughter (living in overseas) will contribute in father's sharadham, while her brother performing father's sharadham in india.

    ReplyDelete
  106. sir,
    my mother passed away on 4.5.16 11.30pm.
    i am told i have to do a few rituals becaused she passed away in revathi nakshatra, thryodasi thithi. please enlighten on the rituals to be done . thank you. son--raja

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  107. Hi Sir . I have doubt , my wife is no more and i have a daughter

    and my Mother and father, can i perform shardh karya yearly of my wife, is it any problem, pls suggest me - regards pradeep kumar

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  108. Sir, pls help me. My father was dead before 18 years, My mother in law was dead before 5 years but the shardh karya was not performed by us properly. Last month my son was dead during my delivery. I am very much depressed. I think since I did not perform my duties to my parents I lost my son. Whether I can continue to do shardh karya for my father and mother in law now and how should I do shardh karya for my son who s born dead. Please help me sir.

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  109. I am interested in Pitru Yagnam booklet. Where can I get pl.

    Balasubramanian NR

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  110. Is there any booklet on Masikam Mantras. If so, where it is available.

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  111. I searched in Giri Trading today, I could not get it. I was told that India Heritage bookshop at Mylapore, I couldn't locate the shop. I spent nearly two hours going around Mylapore to see the shop on the North Mada Street. Is there any telephone number available pl.

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  112. I am interested in Pitru Yagnam booklet. Where can I get pl.

    Balasubramanian NR

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  113. Can a person who perform karma go to maternal uncles house when another daughter is pregnant

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  114. Can a person who perform karma go to maternal uncles house when another daughter is pregnant

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  115. Hello Sir,
    My father passed away couple of months ago. and we are only 2 daughters to him.Can we ask the temple priest to do the sraddham every year? We have also given narayana bali after the 13 days. SO is it necessary to do sradhdam still?

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  116. Hello sir,

    My periyamma (my mother's elder sister) passed away today(13-Jun-2016 - 1.30 PM IST). She have no children.
    Her husband is alive but almost freezed due to long term sickness. He did not realizing his wife's death too.

    Her elder brother and other karthas (periyappa side) refused to do the last rituals.

    So my father, as advised by sashtri he done the cremation activities today by getting "pul (dharbai) " from deceased's husband (my periyappa).
    My father will be doing second day activity also.

    My worry is now, there is no one to do her 10-13 days (nithya vidhi) activities..
    My father says, if he do these 10-13 days activities then he should be doing monthly and yearly Sradham... is it so?

    So can be advise me is there any way to do this 10-13 days nithya vidhi or compensate this...

    Note: I am in london now, i also a kartha, but since i have parents alive sashtri told not preferred.

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  117. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  118. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  119. It would be so much better if the do's and don't have their reasons........ i know what i am demanding is soooo BIG

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  120. Lakshmi Narayanan

    Kindly explain me , whether the boktha's can eat at night? If so, what they can take?

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  121. Lakshmi Narayanan

    Kindly explain me , whether the boktha's can eat at night? If so, what they can take?

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  122. Sir'my mothers srartham on Ekadasithithi can I eat

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  123. அய்யா எனது தாயாரின் சிரார்த்தம் ஏகாதசி திதி நான் அன்றையதினம் சாப்பிடலாமா
    பாஸ்கர் வண்டலூர்

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  124. Namaste! Can somebody help me in my situation my question is recently my grandmother died she has only 2 daughters out of one is dead(elder), what should I do as a only young daughter can somebody who is not my relative can perform monthly rituals?, If so please help me out

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  125. Respected sir, my humble pranams, would appreciate your advise on the below situation pls.
    me and my elder brother have lost our father 13 years ago and both of us doing regular tarpanam, apart from that my brother does shradam in chennai and i do hiranya shraddam in singapore.
    we have malaya paksham coming up on chaturdasi for my father and also mahalaya amavasya tharpanam next week on 29th and 30th sep . during this time yday one of father's periyappa son (his cousin) passwed away and now within the 13 days theetu we are advised that we cannot perform the malaya paksham and the tarpanam, which are supposed to bless us and eliminate us from pitru doshas..
    is this advise correct OR do we continue to perform the malaya paksham and tarpanam..
    i have been seeing to my brother who is in chennai that he can go and perform these with the kuzhi tarpanam alongwith the other things done as part of 13 day teethu
    pls advise sir.. for me the younger one

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  126. Pranam!Can a pregnant woman attend death anniversary of her father in law?

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  127. Pranam!Can a pregnant woman attend death anniversary of her father in law?

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  128. Pranam!Can a pregnant woman attend death anniversary of her father in law?

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  129. Shri Ramachander:
    My Periamma passed away (i.e my father's side) and am supposed to do tharpanam on the tenth day for her. Since I am not physically there I am told that I can skip Kuzhi tharpanam and then proceed to do only tharpanam. My question to you is during sankalpa I do tharpanam only for in her name or for Gothra that includes my forefathers? I am confused and please advice. I also know that as such there is no tharpanam for ladies only! Thanks

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  130. What Rituals I have to carry out for my widow mother at the beginning of 91st birthday

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  131. my mother in law passed away this august and my brother in law did the cremation in usa he has the asthi and wants to immerse it in Ganga when he come to india in march 2017, can he also do the prayag-kasi-gaya shraddham at the same time?

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  132. Can a Son in law attend and eat the food prepared for mother in law's Sratham?

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  133. Thanks for the information... I really love your blog posts... specially those on Homam services Chennai


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  134. Can 5 years old boy do last right for his maternal grandfather? Please let me know ..

    I am the only daughter of my father. No sons.

    . Can my 5 years old son do the last rights? Please confirm the actual rule.

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  135. I forgot my mothers shraddam which was due on krishnapaksha trayodeshi of Dhanu . Now how can I perform Sraddha. Next Krishna pakeha trayodeshi of is 24 th Jan ary 2017I

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  136. Sir kindly answer my question as well as god be your phone number

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  137. Thank you for sharing your website with us ! We'd be happy to take a look.
    Sradha puja

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  138. Can you please prescribe procedure/rituals to be performed by a widow at Kashi for her late husband when she does not have a son? Can you kindly reply urgently please as my widowed sister is planning a kasi yatra and wants clarification.

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  139. bcoz of our family problems am (daughter) not in a position to go and attend my mother's annual ritual to be held in chennai.

    Rqst to pls let me know if any pariharam to be done at our house (in hyderabad)

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  140. when offering water by daughter during my father's thevasam done by my brother does the daughter have to wear madhisar

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  141. I am not an expert, but to the best of my knowledge, you should not do gruha pravesham before 1 year ceremony.

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  142. Sir, I would like to know what apakva (uncooked grains and vegetables) items are generally given in aama shradham.

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  143. My uncle died last week 17 Jun 2017 and he was bachelor.I have to perform ritual days please advise if any Shanthi needs to be done in addition to the regular ritual.

    Thanks in advance

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  144. My uncle died last week 17 Jun 2017 and he was bachelor.I have to perform ritual days please advise if any Shanthi needs to be done in addition to the regular ritual.

    Thanks in advance

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  145. Guruji,,

    I have done the KARMA ( Last rites for my Ftaher. As a KARTHA I was advised by my Vadhyaar that I have the right to do the AATTASHRARDHAM and also only I have to give the Right for my younger Brother to perform the Yearly Shrardhams for my Parents.. Is it Permiited to Perform the First AATTASHRARDHAM separately.. Myself and my Brother are in India only.... ..... Both my Parents I have only done the Karma on the funeral day... Please advise me to my mail. adore.neelu@gmail.com...

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  146. GURUJI.. MY CHITHAPPA ( FATHER'S YOUNGER BROTHER) alos expired alst year - My Brother has done the 10 11, 12 1nd 13the day ceremonies. But he has done the Karma. My Relative only did the Karma. Is my brother permitted to d the AATTASHRARDHAM for my father ..

    And is it neccessary that we both have to do the AATTASHRARDHAM together at the same place for him to follow the future Sharardhams ...

    Please advise me as we have only a week leaft to decide.

    adore.neelu@gmail.com

    +91-96002 82080

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  147. Namakaran, after performing daughter's wedding can I do monthly pitru tarpanam and sodakumbam and anumasikam of my mother as she died two months before my daughter's wedding.

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  149. my father is missing since october 1986 , at that time he was very sick, till date we do not have any information about him , presently his age should be around 74-75 .
    some people told us that we are suffering from pitru dosh
    should we make shraddha for my father , how? please suggest

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  151. I am from kavaipatti a small village and now in Bangalore 9686178002. After my retirement I purchased books in this subject from Naninilam Ganapadigal from Chennai. And started reading to atleast now this subject. Not to impliment it is very useful let us do the things with knoweldge.Any one can do this.

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  152. Respected Sir,
    My husband died in India 20 years ago when my son was 14 years old and my daughter was 11 years old. The final rites as well as monthly observances were done as we were in India at the time, however, due to moving abroad, we did not get adequate guidance about how to perform annual Shraddham.
    Please guide me about how to perform the annual Shraddham at home if a priest is not available.
    Thank you. My email: kaydora@hotmail.com

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  153. I conducted my son's marriage on 28th January 2018. My elder brother who died as Brahmachari I perform yearly srartham without Homam. On 5th March 2018 my elder brother's srartham falls. Can you please help me whether I can perform it on the day of his Thithi. Because some say since I conducted my son's marriage recently the srartham need not be performed. I seek your valuable reply. Namaskaram.
    T S VENKATASUBRAMANIAN

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  155. sir
    I had plam to go to singapore as tourist and will return after 5 days, somebody told that while crossing sea tharpanam to be performed before or after tourist

    kindly clarify

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  156. Sir, I would like to know about homam for shraddham for parents. You have mentioned that if wife is not available due to some reason, shraddham with homam should not be performed. But many shastrigals say it can be. It happened in the case of my daughter whose FIL's shraddham time she was having her periods but the shastrigal said homam can be done. I spoke to Shri Sharma Shastrigal but he was rude and cut the phone telling it can be done. I was telling that I had read it cannot be performed. I then tried to contact you but could not. I sent mail but perhaps you did not receive. I would be grateful if you can kindly reply. Also I want to know the rites for unmarried women. Anant Padmanabhan

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  158. I am observing 10 days pangali theettu which gets over on 21 st may.my father's thevasam could not be performed due to this kindly guide me as to When can i perform the same.

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  159. Every year we are performing sankalpa Shraddha ( using tila and dharbha) instead of pind Pradhan due to difficult in getting aachar on Vijaya dashami day as suggested by family purohits. Is it correct?

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  160. Namaskarams,

    My MIL says the head bath has to be taken day before Shraddham and Day after shraddham. Can you please tell me whats the significance?

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  161. I missed performing the annual sradham for my father as i became sick on that day. What is the remedy ? Can i do the sradha in another month in the same thithi ? Pl advice

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  162. Well written and an informative post! I have a keen interest in this topic and have written several blogs on Amavasya Dates and Mangal Dosha, as well. You can check them at mPhanchang.

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  163. Can we perform srartham if there was a marriage ceremony two months earlier to the srartham ,done to son/daughter?

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  164. Namaskaram, I would like to know the prayachithartham if some one takes the position of Pretha on Sapandi karana Sradham.

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  165. Sir,
    I have a long time doubt, please clarify me. Can a woman be made to sit in mahavishnu ilai on thavasam? And also she has married a non-brahmin. My aunt says mahavishnu (swami ilai) ilai only men should consume as only ladies can consume in sumangali prarthanai.. Please clarify me

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  167. My father expired 2 years back. Last year and this year my mother performed devasam. We are 2 sisters. Last year Vishnu Elai was out but this year vadiyar said that since my father doesn't have any son no Vishnu Elai should be put. Is it correct?

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  168. My father-in-law expired 15 days ago and the vaadhyaar asked to perform amavasya tharpanam immediately every month. Even though my husband and his elder brother performed all the rituals. My father says that amavasya has to be performed only after a year since all masikam and oonam will be performed at the said time. But our vaadyar asked to do now itself. Is it correct? And another question. Those who has only one daughter and if her parents dies who will perform the last rites and also if she is married and her husband has parents so what will be procedure.

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  170. Hi I have done sanskar of my chacha died on amavasay so can I do sharadh of him as my father of their my chacha wad not having child my suggest

    Also my dad died as murdered by some one generally my father do sharadh of her on pitru amavasya every year is it correct as date and time is not confirmed she died in Canada pls guide us.

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    Replies
    1. Small correction as some typo errors my father is live.and he dose sharadh of my dadi and dada ji on pitru amavasya

      Delete
  171. son-in-law can perform tharpanam on mahalaya patcham

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  172. Sir
    Namaste. Kindly clarify on the following :
    01) Those parents who do not have male child and only female child, Upon the death of the person who is eligible to do karma?
    Is son in law who do not have parent/ parents can do karma ?
    Is persons wife brother { i.e brother in law of that person can do karma ?
    Kindly enlighten me with your valuable advise please
    with kind regards
    rao
    2601rao@gmail.com

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  173. Sir, where can I find the complete srardha mantras for saivites in google search. Under which heading I should search.no one in the IT sector is able to help me.we get Tharpana mantras but not srardha mantras

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