
Sraaddha
is the name of the ceremonies performed by relatives to help the Jiva who has
cast off his physical body in death. A Jiva who has cast off his physical
sheath is called a Preta. The part of the Sraaddha performed to help him at
this stage is called the Preta Kriya.
Gifts
to deserving Brahmanas for the benefit of the Pitris, in the proper time and
place and with faith, are known as Sraaddha. Sraaddha gives satisfaction to the
Pitris. By the offering of the sixteen Sraaddhas, the son helps his father to
dwell in joy with the Pitris. The son should perform the Sapindi karana rites for
his father. Performance of Sraaddha and Tarpan are lieves the hunger and thirst
of the departed soul during its journey to the Pitri Loka.
Those
who go to hell are extremely oppressed by hunger and thirst. Performance of
Sraaddha and offerings of rice and oblations to them, relieve their sufferings.
Hence, performance of Sraaddha is indispensable. Those who dwell in heaven also
get satisfaction, strength and nourishment.
No comments:
Post a Comment