Srardham (or Shraddha) is a significant Hindu ritual to honor deceased ancestors (Pitrus) by offering prayers, food, and performing specific rites on their death anniversary (Tithi) or during Pitru Paksha, aiming to bring peace to their souls, help them attain liberation (Moksha), and receive their blessings for family well-being. It involves specific Vedic procedures, often done with pandits, focusing on spiritual offerings and remembrance, distinct from regular worship.
Key Aspects of Srardham:
- Purpose: To honor ancestors, help their souls find peace in the afterlife, and gain their blessings.
- Timing: Performed annually on the specific lunar date (Tithi) of the person's passing, or collectively during the 15-day Pitru Paksha period in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada.
- Rituals: Involve specific prayers, offerings (like rice balls, ghee), sacred items (Dharba grass, sandalwood), and often a sacred fire (Homa).
- Spiritual Belief: It's believed these rituals influence the non-discerning mind of the departed, helping them progress spiritually, say some traditions.
- Variations: Includes different forms like Hiranya Srardham, performed with specific arrangements and procedures, sometimes requiring Pandits or specialized services.
How it's Done:
- Date Selection: Determine the exact lunar date (Tithi) of death, often using online calculators.
- Preparation: Gather specific items like raw rice, ghee, betel leaves, camphor, and cow dung cakes.
- Ritual Performance: Conduct the ceremony at home or a designated place, involving mantras, Homa (fire ritual), and feeding Brahmins or offering food to the departed (Pind Daan).
- Offerings: Food prepared for Srardham (Samayal) often includes specific traditional dishes.
