The Rules of Good Behaviour for Tamil Smartha Brahmins

The rules of good behaviour for Tamil Smartha BrahminsThe rules of good behaviour for Tamil Smartha Brahmins Collected , retold and partly classified By P.R.Ramachander (These have been taken from a series of articles on Sadacharam by Sri K. ShankaraSastrigal published as articles in the journal Vaidheeka Dharma Vardhini. He himself collected them and published as a book called Sadacharam , in Tamil. This book was published by Giri Traders. ) Some dos and don‟ts Sun should not be seen at the time of sun rise, sun set, and noon and during eclipse Fire should not be put out by blowing air by the mouth. Fire should not be crossed by the leg. Fire should not be kept on earth. Fire should not be put out by dousing it with water. Feet should not be dried by showing it in the fire. Dirty things should not be put in fire. Two fires should not be merged. When you go near sacred rivers, first you should sprinkle its water on your head and then only keep your feet on it. You should not spit in the river. You should not put a stone in a pond. You should not ease yourself in river or pond. Cooking for our eating only , is a sin. It should be given to a guest first. You have to wash your feet before going to bed. You should not sleep with your head facing north. You should not sleep in a broken cot. You should not sleep in a dilapidated house. You should not wake up some one who is sleeping. All gods live inside a cow. Serving and feeding a cow is a great deed. Kicking or beating it is a great sin We should not use the cloth, slippers, garland, water pot, seat and bed which were used by others. You should not see whether water is hot by introducing your fingers in to the water. Instead water should be poured in to our hand and tested. The Banana meant for offering to God should not be clipped by nail. The sandal paste meant for worshipping God should not be taken by nails. Without any reason we should not powder mud. The smoke from the corpse, early sun light, shadow of a lamp and the shadow of a debased man should not fall on us. This will reduce our wealth, health and longevity. We should never travel in a cart drawn by a single bullock but we can travel in a cart drawn by a single horse. We should always enter our village or our home through the front entrance and never by the back entrance. At night we should never sleep below a tree. We should never gamble Crossing a river by swimming with hands and legs is a sin. A river should be crossed only by a boat. If it is shallow, we can cross it by walking. Once we cross we have to do Aachamana Without a proper request we should not tell about Dharma (duties) or Vrutha (penance) to others. Especially it should not be done to those who are lower to us in birth. You should not tread on the shadow of idols of God, teacher, father, mother, elders and cow. We should also not tread on the shadow of base people. We should always tell the truth. If that truth would cause hurt to others, it should not be told but we should not tell a lie. We should never call any body as a sinner. If he had not committed any sin, we would be sinning but if he had committed any sin, half his sin would be transferred to us. We should never question God, result of fate, other world, next birth, heaven and hell. We should not close our front door in the morning or evening thinking that a beggar May come and trouble us. We should not find fault with Gods, Vedas and elders We should not put out a lamp by blowing with our mouth. A male should never put out a lamp. We should not see our shadow in water or oil. We should gnash our teeth producing sound. When we yawn, we have to cover our mouth by our hand. The shade of a lamp, shadow of a man, water from wet cloth, Water from hair, dust raised by walking of ladies. Dust raised by sheep or donkey, the air raised by a winnow, the dust raised while sweeping should not fall on us. You should not sleep during day time. Love making should also be not done during day time. Going round the Aswatha (Banyan) tree should not be done in the after noon. People who have either their father or elder brother alive should not wear a silver ring called Tharjanee (worn on the pointing finger). The eldest son can wear it but it should be removed while doing rituals. This ring is normally worn to take away the sin of the pointing finger joining with other fingers. People, who go to the rest room at night, should wash their hands and legs. It is not necessary for them to do Aachamana. You should not take bath after bidding farewell to your friends or relatives. You should not take bath after a Puja, or after marriage ceremony or after Sacred thread ceremony. When new water comes in the river, we should not take bath in it for ten days. In the month of Adi, in the new tide we should not take bath in river for the first three days. It is considered as days of periods period of the river. During eclipse and Upakarma in spite of the above rule, we can take bath in river. The moon should not be seen on Chathurthi days. You should not sweep at night and throw the dirt outside. You should not cut the earth during night time. You should not take anything that is considered as secret during night time Milk, sandal paste and flowers should not be kept in copper vessel. In Sandhya Vandhana after water offering (Arghya) we do Pradakshina of ourselves. Near a banyan tree or near a river, this should not be done. Keeping flowers tucked in ears and applying sandal paste only on chest and keeping the Thulasi leaf in the hear are sins. Men should wear flower in the hair, Thulai in ears and apply sandal paste in the chest and hands.,. Women can apply sandal paste on their neck and two hands. We have to keep as secret our age, our wealth, quarrels in the home, The mantra which helps us, our live life, the charity that we give, the presents that we got, the insults heaped on us and the loan we have taken But these can be told to teacher and very close friend. No body should be troubled. Specially Brahmins in whose body all the devas live should never be troubled. Wearing white silk Dhoti or giving it as Dhana to the Brahmin is a blessed deed.5 feet of the place where a cart comes. for elders we have to take some thing useful to their house for the temple you have to take fruits and flowers and to the teacher we have to take some eatable and to the king a suitable offering. with our hair untied or with a shirt. we would go to hell. Pundra (mark in the forehead) . We should not eat food with one cloth. wet cloths. For washing teeth or toungue you should use the centre finger and not the pointer finger. If the householder does not wear any cloth or does no wear Pancha Kacham or wears only loin cloth. with silk cloth. We should not go bare handed to any of them. Giving charity to very poor man. We have to keep tuft. we should not eat in her house. Till our daughter gets a son. When we go to our field you have to take cow dung. without meditating and without Caste mark in the forehead . arranging for worship in a temple which cannot afford it and cremating an orphans body is like performing Aswamedha Sacrifice. At dusk or after eating food at the Sradham. At Dawn.You should not stand in the junction of two roads at midnight. Increasing our life span . If the dust raised by sheep‟s hooves or those raised by hooves of a donkey or the dust when the floor is being swept by a broom or the dust from a woman‟s feet falls on us then our wealth will be destroyed.) and never face north. his house would be occupied by Jyeshta Devi. 15 feet where a horse comes and1500 feet of the place where an elephant comes. If we change it according to our wish . If done you would go to hell. You should not stand within 7. When you take meals you should sit on a peetam (a raised wooden seat preferably without nails. A father who dies with loans outstanding to be paid by his son is his enemy. At noon. Actions that increases our wealth You should not keep sandal paste on the stone or on wood. This would remove our wealth. Suthra and Achara vary according to our family traditions and we should not change it. For a fire sacrifice we have to go with samith. Also helping a sick person. Twigs . giving grass to the cow . You can worship the back part of a cow and put Thilaka there . It seems Moodhevi (Jyeshta) lives on their back side. They should not be cut on Prathama. drinking turbid water without filtering it. Then only it will become clean. Navami. Nails should not be clipped by ourselves. For three days we should not go near her 2. the smoke from corpse touching us. Dwadasi. Drinking pure water and eating rice mixed with milk at night. Women in periods When a woman is in her periods 1. The clipped nail should be thrown outside our house. 4. He should not cut them himself. Durba grass and flowers should not be clipped by nails. These have to be cut by the householder every month. The smoke from Homa touching our body. performing of Oupasana and doing Namaskarams to elders increases our life span. Goddess Lakshmi lives there . 3. If we clip it. So they should not be made to sit on the floor but only on a mat or a piece of wood without nails. the entire water has to be removed. love making with woman younger to us. serving the cow . love making with older woman. we have to immediately take a bath. it is all right . The feet of a Brahmin is very holy. Nails should not be bitten. The following things increase our life span viz Evening sun light falling on our body. The behind of a cow is holy and its front part is not. Later we have to put Pancha Gavya and Punyaham (sanctified holy water) in to the well. We should not hear her voice while we are taking food.30 Am on the fifth day after purificatory bath. . caressing the cow . Worship to cow. Chaturdasi . Ashtami. and drinking curd at night. if we remove 10 pots of water from the well and then use the water but if a man dies. regularity in taking food. The house where his feet touches is a pure house. giving grazing land to the cow are great holy acts. 3. Ekadasi. She is supposed to cook only after 8.The following five things reduce the span of our life viz morning sun light falling on our body. Chathurthi. We should not take food or even drink water which is left over after she eats or drinks them. Fridays and Saturdays among days. We should not talk with her. Amavasya and Pournami among thithis and on Tuesdays . Sashti. If an animal falls in a well and dies. Cutting of nail and hairs Nails and hairs can be considered as things without life. Prokshanam. it should be chanted 28 times . barber.Hair. Aachamana. It should be worn in such a way that the end of the cloth should not be visible. Rules for walking You should not go in between two cows or between two Brahmins or between fire and a Brahmin or between two brothers or between two sisters or between mother and child. Agnischa Aadhithyadhi Tharpana should be done facing north. temple. If we knock our feet against some thing while walking out side. On Thryodasi and Vishu. Sick or weak . to do most of the rituals without Pancha Kacham. it should be chanted 10 times. The sacred thread (Yagnopavitha) should be changed every four months. or after the period of the taint or if we happen to touch a sinner. Sumangalis(Married woman with husband alive) . the benefit of all the good deeds done till that time would go away. The dhoti should not be washed at night. or between cow and its calf or between Shiva and Nandi or between Shiva and Parvathi. But if wife becomes pregnant or if the father or mother die. It has become a practice in South India . All people above the age of 8 and below 80 should not take meals on Ekadasi days. Pournami and Prathama you have to chant Gayathri mantra 36 times. It should be changed. If we do it. if one thread breaks. corpse or women in her periods. It should always be chanted standing and with keeping the closed hand straight. bad man. God. or between Lakshmi and Vishnu. then they should not be cut for one year. Wearing cloth Moodevi (Jyeshta.On all days it should be chanted 108 times in the morning. Some people do evening Sandhya Vandhana facing the west. the harbinger of bad luck) comes and attacks those who do not wear cloths or one who does not wear Pancha Kacha (Dhoti which is tucked in 5 places) or one who wears only a loin cloth. When you are under taint. we should take small soil from there and put a mark in our forehead with it. When you meet Brahmins. Only the Japa and Arghya pradana has to be done facing the west. Banyan tree and cow you have to go round them only clock wise (Pradakshina) Day to day rituals and rules. On Amavasya. beard and nails should not be grown by a house holder for more than a month. If we suffer too much . ghee. He should never take food along with his wife. boiled rice. then by consuming water. Tender coconut water should not be taken in a bell metal vessel(It is equivalent to alcohol. If they are not able to manage with that . tender coconut water kept in brass vessel and hot water or milk kept in copper vessel are equal to alcohol and should not be drunk. If you make a guest wait out side and take meals in side. Water in which nail has been dipped . Normally cooked or prepared food should not be purchased and eaten. curd and fried flour. this need not be followed. Salt . our progeny and wealth would be destroyed. That is these things even when prepared can be bought. You should not take Nellikkai (Goose berry) on Sundays and Sapthami days. the one who eats along with you should all be clean.)but you should use silver vessel. Only by taking clean food.people can take fruits and milk once. Nellikkai can be taken on that day. Ghee. Tender coconut water should not be taken in a bell metal vessel(It is equivalent to alcohol. water drunk while you are standing. medicines. water drunk with left hand when you are not taking food. it is equivalent to eating beef. water which is left over by somebody. If we do not give food to our guests. roots. If there is an urgent need then a lamp has to be lighted and you can take bath in front of the lamp.) You should use silver vessel. Upavasa means complete fasting. Upavasa is not affected. But for Turmeric. Rules for taking food. milk . The food. Men should not take food along with ladies or children. those who make it. our mind would be clean. Brahmins should do Parishechana (pouring little water round the meals plate or leaf three times . Except on eclipse days. Parboiled rice. It should not be taken at night. Ellurundai (Jaggery –sesame balls) and sesame rice should be only prepared for offering to manes and devas. they can simply boil rice as Havis and take it once . At night we should not take nellikkai (goose berry) . medicine and fruits. the one who eats it. ginger. areca nut even when prepared by others can be consumed.Even when you are in the tainted period Ekadasi should be observed. But during feast after Vedic functions. you should not take bath at midnight. But if Dwadasi falls on a Sunday. ibiblio. As soon as the rice is served. Artheenaam Udhakam datham Akshayyam upathishtathu. The Aabhochana (The drinking of a drop of water with mantra “Amruthopastharanamsi”) should be done with water served by others. and parishEcahnams . touch the heart with the finger wash with water poured on the left side of the leaf. There are specific anna vibhAga (division) kramams and directions to invoke vaisva DevA: ( Sarva DevA: . we have take water afresh. * VaiswadEvasthu karthavya: panchasoonApanutthayE " There are 5 ways of placing the Bali . There are manthrams for receiving the annam for VaisvadEvam from the hands of Pathni(wife). The sound of our swallowing the water should not be heard by anybody. If we have water we should not do like this. pour it three times round the leaf. Vaayasa Bali and SvAna Bali are the last of the Balis . That rice which is not offered to Gods or that where Vaiswa deva* is not performed should not be eaten . Pancha Yajjnam follows.BhOjanam after athithi sathkAram follows . whose antharyAmi is the Lord ). Many people take some quantity of water in hand. taking small quantities of rice seven times with mantra.” If we do not get pure water do Aachamana .ChakrakAram is considered the best way . till Pranagni hothram is done. Till Pranagni hothram is done we should not eat any thing. When you are eating in a group. we should not speak with . For each of the actions .html Before eating food . it is important that we take the Abochana water together. take meals and then take quantity of water with mantra. This is extremely wrong. taking Abochana (drinking very little quantity of water with Mantra) . recite Pranava (Om) touch the right ear by hands three times. When little of this water on the meals in day time it is considered as equivalent to honey drops and when done at night it is equivalent o drinking alcohol. all people should do it together. This is called Srothra Aachamana.org/sripedia/oppiliappan/archives/jun04/msg00142. Pathni has to remove Pithru Bali and Rudra Bhali. When we are taking meals with others .There are 22 Balis to be invoked. we have to hold the leaf. even if it is our own teachers house. pour little drop on the left side and take the remaining water as Abochana. Half the Abochana water should be taken in and the other half poured on left side of the leaf with the mantra “Rourave apunya nilaye padmarpuda nivasinam. From the time rice is placed on the leaf. You have to keep some cooked rice separately for Vaisva deva and offering it to God and then Pranagni hothram* to the remaining rice. http://www.with Mantras). *The initial rituals before starting eating of food. Except fried items and fruit . In this case we are separating our selves from the group. aswinou Bhuktha mathre smareth yasthu Chakshu thasya na heeyathe and rub both our eyes with water. When Rice is being brought we have to say “Asmakam nithyam asthu yethath (Let this be available to me daily)” and when we get up . both of us have to take bath. we have to say “Anna Datha Sukhee Bhava”(let the giver of food get all pleasures. one part of water and one part air. we have to either chant the Trisuparna mantras or the names of God. We should always keep the water pot to our right. every time we should take rice which can be held comfortably by mouth using the five fingers. If we are compelled to sit in a group. water remaining in the glass after some body else or our self have drunk it are equivalent to Alcohol. We should not take water from a pot while the right hand is not washed. our eye sight will never suffer. When eating .water drunk while standing. we have to draw a line with water on both sides and then get up. We should not eat in front of others also. Then we have to gargle and spit 16 times. chyvanam . Before eating every hand full of food. sukanyamcha . if we touch somebody else . we have to say . The water kept on the left. if one man gets up . if others are served by hand or if served by an iron ladle or served by left hand is equivalent to beef. Govinda” After we take food our stomach should contain 2 parts of food. Trying to swallow more and taking it back and keeping it on the leaf is a sin. We have to wash our hand do Aachamana and then only give water for others to wash their hand. This would quench the thirst of people who are thirsty in hell. “Govinda. chakram.) Till we wash our hand and do Aachamana. When we are taking food in a group.any body. then the food in all the leaves get tainted( taint of spit) If there is urgent need to get up. The Uthara Abochanam (The water we take at end of eating with mantra “Amruthabhi danamasi”) should also be served by others. The six times we take rice with mantra should be swallowed and not eaten. We should not take food with a group of people . the water taken by the left hand . Then we have to chant . After doing Aachamanam if we recite Charyathi. Half of this water has to be taken and the other half left below the right side of the leaf through the place between thumb and pointer finger. Bathing in the sea is permitted only on amavasya and Pournavasya except in Rameshwaram. Other wise there will be no effect of Annadhana. we can take bath in the sea but the purification bath after eclipse should not be taken in sea. After the guest takes food. In case of Moon eclipse . and then rub our stomach with water . 8 times after going to stools and 16 times after washing our teeth Eclipse We have to take food before 4 Yamas before the solar eclipse. Let me be healthy and without disease. Just before Uthara Abochanam (taking water with “Amruthabhi dana masi”). there will be indigestion. we should not take any food during night and take food only in the next morning. we have to walk at least one hundred steps. It is told that after meals. Rules for Gargling After meals we have to gargle and spit 12 times. If we do not do it. we have to give him some monetary gift (Dakshina) along with Thamboola. In case of Solar eclipse. food should be taken before 3 Yamas. A women in periods should take the eclipse bath from water which is poured on her by others. we have to bring rice and ask whether they need some more rice. Agasthya . If you sit or lie down immediately after taking food . When the eclipse commences . If we walk or run fast .“ Aagasthi Agni badapanalascha buktham maya annam jayanthu asesham . if the moon sets before the end of eclipse. In case of lunar eclipse . . Sukam chame thath parinamam sambhavam yachanthu arogam mama cha asthu dehe” (let Agni . We have to wash our hand and legs and then do Aachamana.) And then rub the stomach with water. Badavagni help me to digest all the food that I have eaten. (Grahana asthamana) we should not take food during day time and take food only after seeing the moon. life span will reduce and fear of death will be there within us. the good effect of serving food will be lost and we will also accrue sin. During eclipse all waters are equivalent to Ganges water and all Brahmins are equivalent to Vasishta. We have to gargle 4 times after urinating. The charity given and meditation done. After the eclipse this palm leaf should be removed. For Lunar eclipse:Indro analo Yamo . Kubhera. eeso knandu Arka uparaga udhavyathaam mama (let Indra. Vayu. In case of curd or pickles . Those in whose Nakshatra or Anu Janma Nakshatra . This is not applicable to Sradha. varuno vayurevacham. Tharpana should be done once the eclipse starts in Solar eclipse and when it is leaving in case of lunar eclipse. it should not be eaten. Food should be freshly prepared after eclipse is over.After the purificatory bath. Yama. Tharpana can be done in sea water but Aachamana should not be done . Water taken from home after bath should be used for Aachamana. riksho. Then they should give in charity one Ash gourd. the eclipse occurs. Niryathi . If any left over food is there prepared before eclipse. Eesana remove the ill effects of lunar (solar) eclipse. during the eclipse would give us huge benefits. Khbhera . . this Durbha should be removed. varuno vayurevacham. eeso knandu Indu uparaga udhavyathaam mama For Solar eclipse:Indro analo Yamo . Ekadasi and Dwadasi Dwadasi which occurs on Thiruonam day (Sravana) is doubly holy. should write the following sloka in a palm leaf and tie it to their forehead. Milk. Madyahneekam can be performed before non on Dwadasi days as Paranai has to be done. Observing fast on Sravana Dwadasi day is more effective than fast on Ekadasi. Agni.Till the end of eclipse we should not sleep but keep on chanting mantras. Both Tharpanas should be done only in Krishna Paksha. riksho. coconut and coin to a Brahmin. sandal paste and flowers should not be kept in copper vessel. Pregnant women should not come out during eclipse. Kubhera. we have to put cut Durbha grass in them . If we have to touch the feet of the elders after telling Abhivadaye. first Namaskarams is done and then Abhivadaye is chanted. In some other families . In our house we have to observe all Aacharas. You should not walk . it is enough if we observe half the aacharas. You should not sleep during day time. And while traveling. You should only wash your mouth and not brush your teeth vigorously. do not eat dinner and avoid love making. 6. onion. 2. After taking food on Dwadasi day. We have to follow our family traditions. then Paranai can be done by taking a Thulasi leaf in water. Chundaikai and Agathi keerai. If we go outside our village. On fast days.) In some families Abhivadaye is told and Namaskarams is done later. it would be all right if we observe aacharas as much as it is possible. at least one should be taken.If Dwadasi is only for a very less time in the morning. If it is extremely less. 4. if we can do it daily. fight or shout. Ekadasi fast has to be observed. Whatever taint falls on us. If we go to a town. brinjal . honey and food supplied by others. It would be great . 5. If the elder is a male. 1. run. 3. Do not drink water frequently. Similarly you should not eat for more than necessary and often. If people are not able to observe fast. If not all the three. On Dwadasi days you should not eat snake gourd. If people are not able to observe fast on all Ekadasi days. it would be great if we take one Thulasi leaf in little water. at least on Bheema Ekadasi you should observe complete fast. we have to keep our hands as a cross and touch their right feet with our right hand and their left feet with left hand. Fast should not be observed often whenever we want. On Dwadasi day we should break fast by eating Nellikkai . Introducing ourselves(Abhivadaye) If we see any elders we have to salute them. You should not sleep during day time. we have to do all day rituals in the early morning and do Paranai. we have to chant “Abhivadaye…” before doing saluting by falling on the ground and then they say “Chatu sagara paryantham Gobrahmanebhya shubham bhavathu „ ( Till the four oceans let good come to cow and Brahmins. You should not make love. You should not eat betel leaf. If we are . they can take milk and fruits (This is called Palahara). it is enough if we observe quarter of the aacharas. Others should add the name given to them on Nama Karana day(day of naming ceremony) and Sharma. Bodhayana for Krishna Yajur veda . Out Suthra. Bharadwaja . it is not proper to get it done in another Suthra. And also sprinkle the sanctified Punyaham. Apasthambha. our Gothra . even if touched by a Panchaman. it could be one or two. sathyashada . Ponds where cows take their bath are pure. Aswalayana. Unless your name itself is only Sharma you should not say only “Sharmanam aham”. we have to touch the ground before them. our Veda and then tell our name with a suffix of Sharma and then say Asmi bho. These sages have written in detail how the Karmas from birth to death should be conducted. Later we have to bring a cow to this room. People of our Gothra are called Sagothrar and people belonging to our pravara are called Sapravarar. (Asmi means ”I” and Bho is a form of address of the elders. they should tie a new Mangalyam and eat Pancha Gavya before entering the house. later we have to do the same function in our own Suthra. When we tell Abhivadaye we mention our pravara rishis.(Great Rishis of our clan ) Depend on the Gothra . Agnivysya are Sutras for Shukla Yajur Veda. In Abhivadaye mantra we tell Our Pravara. Aswalayana is for Rig veda. Kousheedhaka. Bodhayana. Later we have to tell our Veda . . Apasthambha . Kathyaana . Bharadwaja . Cleaning the place of Delivery The room where the delivery has taken place should be cleaned as follows. others washed using cow dung water and cleaned with Punyaham. If we do not get priests who know our Suthra . Over time there are nearly hundred gothras. Poorva prayoga are the rituals up to death and Apara Prayoga is rituals after death. we have to take bath along with the dress that we are wearing. If we are forced to do it. or three or five or even seven pravara rishis. On the day when Woman after delivery are allowed to touch the vessels . Vaikanasa . Initially all gothras started with nine rishis. Vaikanasa . We have to bring some straw and burn it and put it in the room. all pots made of mud should be thrown away. Taint due to different causes If an untouchable man (Panchaman-fifth caste) enters our house. These pravara rishis are great sages belonging to our Gothra. Dragyayana and Jaimineeya are some of them. Marriages should not take place within the same Gothra and within same pravara. Cooked food should be thrown out. A cow should be brought in and then only house will become pure.Yajur/Rik /Sama Shaka Adhyayi . If a woman in periods or a Chandala comes near us. There are several Sutras.not able to touch.) . We have to do our rituals according to our Suthra that our forefathers have adopted. Sathyashada . one part Ghee. the religious act( ritual) will not have any effect. dehe thishtathi mamage. half thumb size of cow dung . If our stool . If it is washed or given to the washer man. 3 parts curd . The taint due to delivery of a woman goes only if they take Pancha Gavya after the prescribed period of taint. It then will have regular taint. Even though it is tainted by the saliva of the bee. Unless the men wear a new sacred thread they are not fit to do any rituals.30 AM Then the old sacred thread should be changed and a new one worn. If he does any of this. Similar is the case for honey. we have to take bath in the river along with cloths that we are wearing. He should not take bath in the sea. we should take bath. early morning the men should take their bath and do Sandhya Vandana. Prasanam Pancha gavyasya dahathu agneeriva indhanam. Similarly the milk we get is taken after the calf drinks milk from the cow‟s udder. . seven parts milk . he would go to hell and the health of the baby would get affected. This is made as a mixture of five products of a cow. urine or those of others fall upon us . Dog or crow touches us.) On the day when birth or death taint leaves . Brahmin who has cropped his head. learned people say that it does not have taint. then this property is not there for silk. He should not go to cremation ground. The ritualistic cleaning bath should again be taken after 8. He should not carry a corpse. But if is washed with the watery gruel of green gram on Amavasya or Dwadasi . it is considered as pure enough to be used for anointing the God. The touching of the saliva on its udder does not make the milk unclean. then its purity is maintained. If we do not do it. one part Durbha grass and water should be mixed to prepare Pancha Gavya.” (Meaning: the sin that is accumulated in my skin and bones. (Cow‟s urine one part. is burned by Pancha Gavya like a fire burning dry wood. If woman in periods or Chandalas touch us or if we happen to touch a corpse . He should not shave or cut his hair till the birth of the child. he has to observe some disciplines. Similarly the banyan tree comes out of the crow after it has eaten its seed. He should not eat as a Brahmin in Sradha. Brahmin with taint. It does not make it tainted.If a Shudra . we have to immediately take bath with the cloths that we are wearing. Though silk is made by a killing an insect. The following manthra has to be chanted while taking Pancha Gavyam:“ Yath thwack asthigatham papam . Rules to be observed when wife is in a family way Once a Brahmin knows that his wife is in the family way. He should not travel. After a person dies. If the Graha Kundam is kept in some other house. it leads to Payushitha Dosham (becoming old) If a person dies in day time . But Grahana snana Tharpana . he can be cremated within 9 nazhigai. Since this is difficult we arrange a pyre. After death rituals When a person dies two stones are kept . three Kruchram should be given . the body should not be cremated but kept till day break. If this is not possible they have to do Thila Homam 1000 times If even this is not possible they have to read Vedas 30 times. the body should be taken only after one yamam. in the Krishna Paksha(waning moon) . (this is for giving a chance to God of death to return a wrong soul .50 to seven persons or six persons or three persons. The pretha (the spirit that left the body) of the dead men are made to enter these stones. one can chant Gayathri 10000 times. People living for rent in that house can do their ritualistic worship. If even that is not possible should feed 60 or 24 or 12 Brahmins. keep the body on it and light the pyre. one in the river bank (thadaga kundam) and one inside our house(Graha Kundam) . nothing should be done when we are having taint. This consists of torturing one self by fasting and expressing remorse. If this also is not possible. Sravana Dwadasi and Shiva Rathri can be observed. . Agnihothra can be done even when we are under taint after taking bath. If each of this happens for each we have to give three Kruchrams and then only cremate the dead body. that house would become clean.Redemptive acts for sins/mistakes committed Kruchram is a compensation one does . Ekadasi . But if the person dies at night. It should not be kept for more than 3 yamams. If even this is not possible they should do Godhana. at night and on a cot. the entire house is tainted. if we sprinkle cow dung water and later do Punyaha vachanam. They should give the price of a cow to a Brahmin. if he has taken it). If it I kept for more than 3 yamams.for not performing any ritual or unknowingly doing a sin. If we have to get entitlement to do a ritual we have to give rupees 12. After 9 Nazhigai of night. It is bad to die in Dakshinayana. But Oupasana and Worship should be got done by others. If one is not able to do a Kruchram the following is prescribed. the body Should be first washed with Pancha Gavya and later with water and then only cremated. Except Sandhya Vandana. Instead of a Prajapathya Kruchram. the body should be cremated within three yamas. So till the Sapindeekaranam (Ceremony in which the Pretha is made into Pithru ) is over. If this is not possible they can do pranayama 200 times. The concept of cremation is that we are doing Homam with the dead body. If Pryushitha dosham (getting old) happens to the body. If this falls on a Friday. It is believed the Kinkaras of Yama take the soul to Yama. (The sins equal to Meru and Mandhara mountains get attached to our hair and so I am cutting them off. We can sprinkle Ganges water on his body and give it to him to drink.It is also not proper to cremate the body immediately on death. he would be further committing sins during this time. Vaikasi (Vrushabha –May-june). When we know that some person is going to die.(That is after 19 Nazhigai(Nazhigai is 24 minutes) after sun rise . This dosha occurs when the month starts in the Madhyahneeka period (13 to 18 Nazhigai from Sun rise) in the months of Chithirai (Mesha-April-May) . But if the later day occurs on the day with Sankramana dosha . that day in which the thithi is there for more time should be chosen. This is an important ritual. we can show Thulasi and great Brahmins to the dying person. If he cannot . OctoberNovember) . After the 10 day taint and before Sradha hair and nail cutting should be done.e approximately seven hours after sun rise). If the thithi comes twice in a month. If after doing this the person does not die for three full days. Rama”. Kesaan asrithya thishtanthi . The mantra for this is Meru Manthara thulyani paapani . Yama asks them to take back the soul and put it back in the body. phase of moon and the thithi in which the person expired. He should be removed from the cot and made to lie down on Durba in the passage room to the house(Nezhi). thsmad Kesaan vapaamyaham. his son or the one who is going to the after death rites should do it. vividhaani cha. This also is called Thithi(phase of moon) or Thevasam(day).i. If both days of thithi have connection with this dosha only later day should be chosen. For example . On the tenth day of death of Dhayadhis (Paternal clan members) cutting of hair should be done for all married men who does not have father alive. Sradha is called like that because it has to be done with faith and devotion. we should do some ritual prayachitham so that sins committed by him are removed. Iyppasi(Thula. he should take bath and give Dhana to the Brahmins himself. Aavani(Simha-August-september) . If the person who is going do die can do it.) Rules regarding Sradha(annual death ceremonies) Sradha is firm faith plus total discipline. We can say in his ears “Rama. The thithi should be in the Aparahna on the day of the sradham. Suppose they had done a mistake . If we cannot afford to give this Dhana. sins by not doing rituals like Sandhya Vandhana. it should be done on the first Thithi. If we realize that the person is going to die soon. If a person recovers after doing Prayaschitha it does not matter. This has to be done every year in the month. Karthigai(Vruschigam-November-December) and Masi (Kumbha-February-march) . If the thithi occurs in Aparahna of two days. Aadi (Karkidaga-July-August) . generally sradham should be generally performed on the later day. cutting can be done on Thursday itself. then these rites should be repeated. This is because . you can represent there and take food. this dosha need not be considered.months In other months this dosha is not there. we have to observe fast on that day and Sradha should be performed next day only. Cooking can be same for both Sradhams. In any case it should not be done the day previous to the Sradham. if wife is in the same house. if some one has to stop Sradha due to non availability of Brahmins. and engage in make love from 15 days prior to Sradham till the next day of Sradham. then this dosha is not there. Some rules to be observed to perform Sradha. You can get Oupasana Agni . Some people believe that it should be done only on Ashtami or Ekadasi of the next Krishna Paksha. The people who do Sradha should not take food outside their homes (Parannam) . The householder (Grahastha) has to do Sradham in the Oupasana Agni maintained by him. get haircutting or shaving done . During Upavasa. One week before Sradha we have to get shaved. If the thithi is not sufficiently there on both the days . In exceptional cases where this cannot be observed it should be observed from three days prior to the Sradham. The Sradha should be done only after the taint period is completed. Even this does not affect Upavasa. Friend . give Kruchrams and perform Sradha on the next day. Father in law and sister is not considered as taking food outside our home. we are not able to perform Sradha on the appointed day. If done. So Sradham should be done only in a place where one‟s wife is there. the Sradha could be done in the previous Chandramana month(The month system which is of 30 days from Prathama to Prathama) If thidi is not there in Chadramana month also . If the Sradha of mother and father comes on the same day or if due to the stoppage of one of the Sradhas we are forced to perform it together. Taking food in the house of Guru... But if the thithi occurs only once in a month. . A Vidhoo Oupasanam is prescribed. If the eclipse falls on the Sradha day . as far as possible we should observe fast for one day. In case if one is a widower. then the Sradha should be done in the Kudhabha kala next day. it should be done in the next month. take oil bath . If due to circumstances beyond our control . If Sankramana occurs after 15 Nazhigai at night. then first Sradha of father should be done and later Sradha of mother. The pithrus(manes) will curse us. Kudhabha kala is the middle one third period (six Nazhigais) of Aparahna. If death taint of birth taint comes on the Sradha Day of mother or father . If a month does not have the thithi at all. worship of guests (adhithi Puja) . People who are not doing Sradha for their parents. handicapped people . eunuchs. If these are not available Sama Vedi. If this is not possible. Some rishis say that daughter‟s son is the best suited among them. People who have gone abroad. Before Sradha on that day morning bath. The Oupasana Agni . if it is not maintained in the house should be lit in the beginning of the moon phase when the Sradham occurs. People who have represented in another Sradham in the previous . People who work for the lower castes. we should not clean our teeth with a stick or brush and should not rub the teeth in such a way that the water from the gums comes out. It seems he had to suffer a long time in hell because of this. The shastras says that the man who does the Sradha should himself personally invite the Brahmins (for representing Pithrus and Devas) after they take their dinner at night . This would remove all our sins. If it is not possible to Koosmanda Homam. One to represent the Pithrus and one to represent Vishnu. People who do not know Veda . The day before Sradha. However Teeth can be gently massaged and the mouth washed by gargling. People who are thieves. Doing it at the time of Sradha is Adharma(Not Dharma) It is desirable to do Koosmanda Homam before the Sradha ceremony. special baths and special Dhanam(charity) should not be done. people who are peaceful. people who have tooth problems . Drunkards . people who go as priests in the house of Shudras. uncle. People who hate Devas and Vedas. people who have music as the profession .Agnipurana talks about a sage who did Sradham without his wife because she had gone to her house for delivery. Daughter‟s son and the priest can be invited to this role. people who have dilapidated nails . people affected by leprosy or leuco derma. On the day of Sradha and the next day . people who are experts in Dharma Sasthras. like Broona hathya(killing of a foetus). people who have more limbs than normal. Shukla Yajur Vedi . Maternal grand father . People who have treacherously behaved with their Gurus. people who have neglected their parents . These should be done in the early morning. taking meals in improper places and so on. Teacher . People who work for the government . (Swami ilai) Those who have read Veda or Philosopher or Yogi or People who have done fire sacrifice are the best qualified for such an invitation. it should be done early in the morning on the Sradha day. If such people are not available father-in-law . People who do not follow rituals . Before Sradha worship of Gods(deva Puja) . People who request to invite them.Normally one Brahmin is invited to represent the Viswe devas. Sandhya Vandana and Oupasana only should be performed. If this is done the manes(Pithru) will bless us. people who follow rituals . at least we should take Pancha Gavya along with bathing in the sea or sacred river. In some families they do not invite any one to represent Vishnu but simply put an extra leaf. People who know Veda even though they have not learnt Veda are the people qualified for being invited. People who do not have wife or son. Son in law . People who do not believe in God. that Brahmin.In the case of Pithrus we should sprinkle Yellu(Gingelly) starting from the left side. People who can afford should give the Brahmins every year Dhoti of white silk. For Pithrus it should be a 12 inch circle in the southern side. If we are not able to get the cloth. Some people give Gingelly sweet (Yellu urundai) and betel leaf immediately after that. the tip of the Dharbha should face east and in Pithru Kunda it should face south. we should sprinkle Akshathai on the feet starting from the right side. When we address the Viswe deva our Sacred thread should be worn in the normal way. The feet should be washed only up to the ankle. there should be at least six inches difference to avoid the washed water of one person touching the other Brahmin. The Brahmins should sit facing east. Since it is given representing cloth. For washing the leg of Viswe devas . When we address the Pithrus it should be worn on the opposite shoulder . First all upacharas should be done to Viswe devas and then to Pithrus. should remove that sacred thread in the next day morning. If we invite such people.day and people who take sinful charities should not be invited for the Sradha as Brahmins. Some saints are of the opinion that Gingelly oil or coconut oil should not be used. we can give its cost. First saying “Shukramasi” we should apply ghee thumb and tough the feet of the Brahmins. But when we are washing the feet of the Brahmins. But after the sradha when we bid fare well. we have to first send Pithrus and then the Viswe Devas. Between the two of them. we should at least give Dhoti with Jari border. wealth and fame. If we cannot afford it. . All cooking for Sradha should be done only in ghee. The one who does Sradha (Kartha) should face west. I know that as soon a Brahmin is seen by us sins will fly away. You should sprinkle Gingelly(Yellu) on both Deva as well Pithru Kundas wearing the pavithra. (the three slokas in essence mean-“Let the dust of the feet of Brahmin which is capable of giving me salvation purify me. our Sradha would not reach the Pithrus. By the time Sradha starts we have to give oil for bathing to the Brahmins Only after they take bath and wear untainted (Madi) cloth should the Sradha begin. starting from the southern direction we should wash the feet with chanting of mantras. Then we should wash our hands and apply cow dung on their feet accompanied with the mantra starting with “Gandhadwaaram”. Aachamana or washing of the feet should not be done wearing the Pavithra. It is better to follow the custom followed by our elders. Giving Dhoti without border is not considered good. with both hands . In the deva kunda. People who cannot afford should give one new sacred thread..”) After washing the feet of Viswe devas. the Pavithra should be removed and kept on our ears. But since pure cow‟s ghee is difficult to get most of the people use pure Gingelly oil. I salute the lotus like feet of the Brahmins so that my diseases of the body and mind or cured and I would get health. With the wife pouring water . in the north side a 12 inches square(kunda) should be drawn by using cow dung. Some people put a wet cloth or paddy husk in between the two Kundas. Ash gourd . Some people use coconut . We have to follow what our elders did. we should wear cloths washed and left for drying by us. mango . plantain . In the Mahalaya Sradha they should be worshipped as Duru ruchi. Others should not eat it. In the Parvana Sradha(Annual Sradha) Viswe devas should be worshipped as Pururuva Ardhrava. we should not say no to him and call another Brahmin. horse gram . they should not touch . we should not take any food or drink including Coffee till the Sradham is over. lab-lab beans(Avarai kai) and jack fruit are the best for use in Sradham. If the eaten portion of one Brahmin falls on the leaf of the other Brahmin. snake gourd. Mustard . lime . Dhal. Anu Masika . bitter gourd. Pomegranate are the banned for being used in Sradha. We should not keep Sandal wood paste in a mud plate or vessel. uncle. Sweet potato . wood apple and cucumber for cooking. chillies and asafetida should never be used. thur dhal . green gram dhal . Khandasari sugar . pepper . we should not wash our teeth with stick or brush. Dhal and ghee should be served in a separate leaf made cup(Dhonnai) All preparations with salt should be served only on the second leaf and not on the central leaf. Maternal grand father . Jeera. This should be done as per our normal custom. none except our own caste people should be given food in our house. On the day before the Sradha and on the day of Sradha. ash gourd. Black gram. Once a Brahmin is called . in Nandi as Sathyavasu and in Sapindeekarana as Kala Kam. disciple . curry leaf . Perandai. In the Yekodishta. Son of our daughter. we should use only vessels cleaned by us. yams . Jaggery . Payasam and Ghee should be served on the right side of the leaf. Jack fruit and honey are liked by the Pithrus. Lemon . and paddy can be used for cooking in the Sradha. cluster beans . On the day of Sradham. Buffalo milk . Bengal gram . wheat .In some families they use coconut and coconut oil. But they should not take the remaining food after it is offered to the Pithrus in Yekodishta. Unless these are done the Sradha is not properly done. curd. the house should also be only cleaned by us . Cowpea . The rice and other preparations after it is offered to Pithrus can be taken by the clan people having taint for ten full days. Jamun fruit . Sapindeekarana . drum stick. Black Gingelly . asafetida. Nandhee Apthika and Gaya Sradha we should not chant Abisravana Mantras. bottle gourd. nephew and son in law should not sit as Brahmins in the Sradha. On the day of Sradha. Black gram. We should not carry any burden. Masika . If these leafs are touched by Shudras or is touched by dog . If they do this the Pithrus will not eat that food and would go back. Since the Manthra says nothing about crow but says that we are keeping it on earth. we would get wealth. In front of the leaf of the Brahmin who acted as Viswe Deva . praying to all your ancestors who are cremated and buried(children below a particular age are buried) to get satisfied with the Pindam that you are keeping on earth. we have to the Sradha again. This has to be kept in a place where a dog does not come and where people of lower castes do not see. After the Pindas are offered the remaining rice can be eaten( before other aspects of Sradha or done )or smelled according to family custom. Then she would be blessed with a child. There should not be any discrimination in serving food between the Brahmins. keeping the pavithra in the ears. the home fire is extinguished. This is offered to the Devas who do not have share in the Yaga. The leaf which is used by the Brahmins for eating should be removed before they start blessing us. The Brahmins till the end of Sradha should not touch each other. some people believe that crow need not eat it. two Aachamana should be done.the leaf. But the cash Dakshina can differ depending on their ability. If the crow takes the rice from east. The leaf etc used to eat food etc should be buried in a deep pit. After Pinda pradana the place should be cleaned. a line of water should be poured and cooked rice kept on this line(vikrannam). On that we have to keep Vayasa Pindam (Rice ball to the crow) . Both leaves should be removed and new leaf should be put and the food served again. if it takes it from south. If the pinda(rice ball) offered to the crow is either seen by Shudras or is eaten by other animals before the crow touches them. People who do not have children can make their wife eat the central Pinda. Then we have to wear the sacred thread properly and call the crow. After keeping Vikrannam as above. If by the time we offer food and send away the Brahmins. we would get sick. then we should observe fast on that day and the Sradha should be done again next day. if it takes from west. The vessels used for cooking on Sradha day should not be cleaned by servants belonging to other castes. Similar thing should be done in front of the leaf of the Brahmin who represents the Pithrus. you have to keep Dharbha with its tip pointing to the south. we would have a long life. we would go to a new place and if it takes from North. we should observe fast on that day and The Sradha should be done again next day. They should not appreciate the cooking. . This is the offering to those Pithrus who did not have any death rites. Then after putting the Sacred thread on the right shoulder. After giving Dakshina. we pray to the Pithrus. curd . ghee . She should not partake if it is the Sradha of some one else.” Some people interpret this as “The food can be eaten along with any of our friends. the Vedas and my progeny become better. These are 1. 2. Most of the people do it after Sradha ceremonies . “ You are fit to be treated extremely well but I have troubled you by giving leafy vegetables. So it should be done only in the next day. Sapindeekarana Sradham 3. Anu Masika Sradham 4. Let me get lot of food that can be eaten.” After means while they are going away we have to tell them some hospitable comments in our mother toungue and then say the sloka meaning . If the Sradha falls on an Ekadasi . in the same day. For fruit. This called Paraheni Tharpana. “what should we do with remaining portion of food that has been offered to you?” and they would reply “eat it with those who are dear to you. when they get thirsty after a little while after a heavy meals.” To this prayer the Brahmins say “So be it.e they cannot have fault due to being left over after eating by Pithrus. The Son in law/nephew can eat the Sradha food of their in laws/uncle and aunt. Actually this is like offering water for drinking . Let me get sufficient money to give Dhana.Later we would ask the Pithrus. Let beggars come to me. He also is not eligible to visit a temple that day.” Paraheni Tharpana This is a Tharpana which should be performed the day after Sradha in the early morning. Otherwise he does not have right to do that evenings Sandhyavandanam . Let my house be visited by lot of guests. his wife and children . Nandi Sradham .Even if he does that he cannot perform Oupasana He has to get it through his wife or disciple. The Brahmin who officiates as Pithru or Viswedevas in a Sradha should do Aachamana and chant Gayathri ten times as soon as he eats the food. uncooked vegetables do not have Pithru Sesha. But they should not eat if it is Ekadasi or the Pithru Paksha (lunar fortnight in which Sradha falls) in their house. butter milk . Even the widows who observe Ekadasi should take food if her husband‟s Sradha falls on Ekadasi. Let me not be put in a position to beg from some body. should eat the food remaining after offering it to the Pithrus. Let me be attentive in what I am doing. Please pardon me for that. When the son performs Sradha to mother when his father is alive. In case of Some Sradhas Paraheni Tharpana is not necessary. This is not at all correct. honey . milk. i. the man who does Sradha m.” Let the people who give me wealth.” This is wrong. Only our clan members who have ten day taint can eat it. a lady should not be there even for minute. Since we are not supposed to do two Tharpanas on the same day.In all sradhas except the Sradha performed to ones parents and Mahalaya Sradham . She should not scratch her head with two hands. Tharpana is done to three previous generations of mother also. she would become very poor. This should be done immediately as soon as we get up in the morning after bath. If they happen to be in the same house on the Sradha day. In case of Tharpana done during Amavasya. Naandhee sradham should be done when we are performing Samskara Special aacharas for ladies Without Thilaka . if the sons live in separate houses. But this is not done for Paraheni Tharpana.. After this again should take bath. The courtyard should be cleaned with cow Dung and Kolam should be put there early in the morning. This includes the 12 Amavasyas. No vegetable or rice should be served with bare hand . Tharpana also has to be done by all the brothers separately. Similarly she should not undertake fasting without his permission. Even if the property is not divided. Pregnanyt women should not break a coconut or ash gourd. If father is no more and mother lives separately from the sons. Sradhas When the brothers have divided the parental property. Tharpana Sasthras prescribe that we have to do Tharpana during 96 occasions. the dirt collected should not be put outside the house. Paraheni Tharpana should be done immediately. In the day time the dirt collected should be collected in the house and kept.If done it is equivalent to beef. 12 month beginnings. If she does this the life span of the husband would be reduced by . Even if done. then she should feed two Brahmins on that day. They also should not be there in the same room . where they are broken. The practice of all of them joining in the eldest son‟s house is not correct. the other Tharpana should be done. they have to do the Sradha to their parents separately. If this is not done by her . if one of them is Amavasya. To separate husband and wife is a great sin . The house should not be swept by broom at night. she would be a widow for 21 generations. She should not do charity without permission of her husband. If a lady does like that she will not be able to participate in functions of her house.If a lady does that . then they should keep separate Brahmins but can manage with same cooked food. then they should do Sradha separately. the sixteen Mahalaya Paksha days and solar/lunar eclipse and so on. After people eat rice and butter milk . 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. Even old flowers should not be trodden by the feet. She should not decorate her hair with the flower that has not been offered to God. the sin goes to him and not to us.Ramachander (I have summarized the rules for performance of Sradha in the section Sradha Vidhi. Srinivasan‟s Pithru Yagnam And Yajurvediya Apasthambha Apara Prayogam by Anna. Real parents in case we are adopted. She should not cry for anything. Posted by P.R. If he does it wrongly. It is believed that when our manes reach the land of the manes(Pithru Loka) . Sradha comes from the word Sradha(Trust/loyalty) and indicates the annual ritual performed to offer food to three generations of our ancestors. it should not be visible out side the hair. We are only attempting to offer food and water to them every day. She should never use bad words or words with bad omens. These rituals to be performed on the Sradha day are not given to help you find fault with the priest adopted by us but to make you knowledgeable. Grandparents . Ramachander at 3:24 AM 1 comment: Sradha Rituals Rituals on the Sradha day (The rituals to be performed on day of annual death ceremony. If children and adults eat together. The home will loose all its wealth if she does that. When flower in worn in the hair. She should never say to the husband that a particular thing is not there in the house but tell him that he should purchase a particular item. Once we adopt the priest . he is our Guru(Teacher) and we have to follow his orders. This compilation gives the rituals that have to be performed on the Sradha day. She should sleep after the husband at night and get up before him in the morning. This write up is a summary of gleaned knowledge from Anna‟s Sradha Vidhi.) Compiled by P. When performs a ritual he has to perform it as done by his paternal ancestors. first food should be served to all children.R. She should not sit or walk without tying her hair. she should ask once more every body whether they want some more rice. if they die after the death of all their sons and brother of . These rituals change from family to family. Bougainville should not be worn on the hair by married ladies. Flowers without scent like Kanakambara. our one year is one day for them.one day. The Durbha placed in the east and west should have tip towards east and those kept on the south and north should have tip towards north. The rules of Sradha say that it should be performed in The Kudhabha kala in the Aparahna which is approximately 8 hours after Sun rise. by bringing an ember from there. brother if he does not have a son . dip the tip of the Durbha in the ghee . and after dipping the Durbha in water add them to the fire. add the fire to the Homa kunda. 1. which is followed by Oupasana. Melt some ghee in some other fire pour it in the cup meant for ghee. transfer the big spoon to right hand and do Homa. put some Akshathai (dried raw rice) . light it in fire and after circling the fire throw it on the northern side. k. b. i. keep the ghee near it. We have to first put Durbha to denote our seat and then add Durbha along with pavithra and do Sankalpa along with wife to do the Oupasana. ) On the day of Sradha after doing Madhyahnika. change the sacred thread. put fire on the north side. d. Add akshatha on all the eight sides of the fire. At the end keep the cup of ghee on the north and do Pranayama. g. f. Sprinkle water first on the left side. again clean the ghee thrice with Durbha having its tip towards north. the right side and once all round the fire. keep the pavithra in it. The following are the common rituals . Touch the vessels for Homa(fire sacrifice) by the pavithra and turn the cup for storing water. take bath again.) h. keep the pavithra. . In that place start a fire by bringing a fire(either by camphor ) or if there is a stove with fire wood . clean it thrice with the pavithra and keep that vessel on the right side. put Durbha on the chosen place and again touch water. Start the Homa(adding of ghee with spoon to the fire) chanting mantras . keep the small spoon down.father if he does not have a son . Add more dry sticks and put Durbha grass all round on the four sides. Athithenu manya swaha etc n. touch water. Since most of us do not maintain the Oupasana fire . m. Repeat this with differing mantras till this preliminary Homa is over. now a days normally a Sradha starts with a ritual asking pardon for not doing it . o. Spread Durbha grass to the west of the fire and place the ghee cup on it. This is started with an Aachamana and requesting the permission of the assembled Brahmins for doing the ritual. j. touch water with it and put it in the fire with tip pointing towards the east. Move the ghee cup towards north . e. Then make a Pavithram made of two Durbha grass(Note for Sradha or Pithru rituals . c. p. Poorvangam (preliminary rituals) a. l. fill it up with water. Spread Durbha grass towards the north of the fire and keep upside down in pairs two cups for ghee. un tie the pavithra. Select a square spot with mud/sand and draw three lines in both directions. the opposite side. take ghee four times with the small spoon and pour it in the big spoon in the left hand. two sacrificial spoons (either made of palasa leaf or wood) and two cups to store water. Show the spoons for doing Homa in fire. we have to wear a Pavithra made of three Durbha grass. This consists of pouring ghee as well as keeping Samith on the fire by the chant of several mantras. 5. s.). Then we have to offer salutation to the devathas and pithrus( and Maha Vishnu. The wife should be touching us on our shoulder by the Durbha. Then we have to give asana to the Bhokthas(Brahmins) representing the Viswedevas and Pithrus. This is done by first putting a drop of water on their hand and then holding Durba in both our hands and holding the right hand by our right hand and his arm joint by the other hand and tell the mantra starting with “Prapnothu bhavan…”They would then accept the asana. and request him to take his Asana (seat) by giving him a Dharbha( The elder priest should be made to represent the Viswe deva. This sprinkling is done in the opposite way. 7. wear the pavithra made with three Durba . In most of the families there would not be any Brahmin representing the Vishnu But while serving food a leaf is put for Vishnu and food is served on it. 3. Pour a drop of water in the hands of the Brahmin who has been chosen to represent the Viswe devas. son in law or any Brahmachari can eat food from this leaf. Give Dakshina to the Brahmins. 14. He is offered seat with sacred thread hanging on the left shoulder. r. Do Oupasana Homa.) 8. Then with Upaveethi(sacred thread on left shoulder) sprinkle rice on the Brahmin chosen to represent the Viswe devas. They will say “permitted. Daughter. 6. if there is one. 2. The food in this leaf should not be eaten by our family people. meditate on God Vishnu and think the place as Gaya and then with Pracheenavithi . 10. After Sankalpa we should receive the Durbha from her and put it on the Northern direction. This ritual is done with sacred thread on the left shoulder 4. 11. Then with Pracheenavithi(Sacred thread on right shoulder) sprinkle Gingelly on the Brahmin chosen to represent the Pithrus. Also the Pavithra should be made of two Durbha) t. After Oupasana . Then put rice with Upaveethi on the Brahmin representing Vishnu. face south meditate on our ancestors and request the permission of Brahmins to start the Sradha. 9.. He represents the Vishnu who is requested to protect the Sradha.Please remember that for Viswe . do Pranayama (Om Bhoo)and chant the Sankalpa mantra of the Sradha. Then with Upaveethi . This has to be done again for the Boktha representing the Pithrus . In some families they call three Brahmins and the third Brahmin represents Vishnu. The Sradha ritual starts after this. Then pour a drop of water and request another priest to represent the pithrus and give him seat by offering him a Durbha. Then with Pracheenavithi introduce ourselves by saying Abhivadaye and pray the blessings of the Brahmins to be able to complete the Sradha properly. Request the Brahmins who have been invited for the Sradha to take oil bath and take them near the Homa Kunda and chant the Sankalpa Mantras(with Yagnopavitha on the right side shoulder-Pracheena vidhi) . This is done with sacred thread on right shoulder. Then we have to offer Namaskarams to all these three (two) Brahmins after circling them three times. do Abhivadaye. which would tell that we are performing the Sradha of a particular ancestor who was born in a particular Gothra and then clean the hand by touching water.q. Then with Upaveethi face north . 12.” 13. remove the pavithra (Note: Till this point you were not doing Sradha but do amend for Oupasana that you ought to have done and then do Oupasana and these do not require the two Brahmins representing the Pithrus and Viswedevas. Some people chant mantras and offer only Akshatha. do Aachamana with the new water and enter the place where further Sradha is being done. Before water is poured we have to apply sandal paste/cow ghee to the feet. Then one should spread Durba grass to the south of the Homa fire and keep two small brass. the feet of Viswedevas has to be washed . this fire is Oupasanagni . Care should be taken that at no point of time the water used for washing the feet of Viswedevas and pithrus should mix. Then the feet of the Pithru should be washed and the water thrown out. We should then offer Asana to the Maha Vishnu. We have to sprinkle the water on ourselves and then on our wife and other family members assembled there. For married man. 17. put little Yavam(grains like wheat. 16. then chant the mantra called Sannodevi. keep the pavithra (made of two Durbha grass) on the top of the vessel. Similarly Water should be filled up in the other vessel with a different Manthra. 21. First the place where their feet are to be washed has to be worshipped. Then we have to give one cloth to tie. The elders of the family should tell their young ones as to what is the family custom. Then the feet of Maha Vishnu should be washed. The Kartha(performer of Sradha) has to empty the water in his Pancha pathra . After this Homa is done. For preventing asuras and inviting devas. 19. one cloth to cover the upper part . The honoring of Viswedevas as above should be done with Upaveethi and to Pithrus with Pracheenavithi. 23. Some people do it chanting mantras. Some people show camphor and Sambrani to the Brahmins. fill it up with sandal water. 18. Camphor is lit to make the agni. sacred thread. 24. You have to spread Durbha in the north of the fire and over them upturn all Homa vessels . For this a square using cow dung is drawn for washing the feet of Viswedevas and a circle for the Pithrus. After this we have to wash the feet of the Brahmins representing Viswedevas and Pithrus. For Mahavishnu it is done with Upaveethi.themselves. The place for Homa should be cleaned up and like tilling the land we have to draw lines on the floor and the fire should be installed.devas and Vishnu we should wear our sacred thread Upaveethi and for Pithrus Pracheenavithi 15. with wife pouring water. Then he should put Akshathai and do Avahana of Viswedevas . There are various ways of doing this depending on family custom. Copper vessels. 22. barley rice etc) . we should keep a small cup of Arghya with rice in the east of the fire. little sandal paste to decorate themselves to the Brahmins and then again sandal paste for worship and flower(Thulasi) to decorate . if a Brahmin represents him. Only family custom should be followed. Then keeping the pavithra in the ear . Then we should give Arghya to Vishnu with pure water . Pithrus and Maha Vishnu on the Brahmins 20. This was replaced by fire from the Kitchen stow and nowadays . touch . 25.. thanme retha pitha vrungthaa abhuranyopa padhythaam --. 32. 36. 26. This Homa is followed by Homa of ghee only . ghee poured three times . Then we should pour little water in a line and spread in a line starting from south to North the remaining rice after making Pinda. and evil spirits should go away from there. In some houses people give Bhojana Dakshina at this time.. Then pray to the father. The order is Vishnu. 29. With the last mantra. 28. Cleaning the place by Durbha. The major spoon transferred to right hand. 37. then let this rice go to my real father. etc ending it with offering to agni with seven toungues. the number of times ghee has to be poured depends on the rules of the Gothra. fold our left leg and do the necessary rituals inviting him to eat the food like abhihara. 30. Then we have to sit before the leaf of the Brahmin . rice should be kept three times. cleaned with Durbha. Keep the spoons on the north and do pranayama and then do pariseshechanam in anti clock wise direction. Then two such Samith should be kept on the fire. all items should be served. meaning if my mother has not observed chastity. Even if Vishnu is not represented by a Brahmin. You have to hold the g spoon in left hand. Put Asana(seat ) for the three people to take their food. Act as if you are digging the place using Durbha. Then the sticks (Samith to be kept as border) should be kept on West. Till the Bhokthas complete their food.) The number of times the rice has to be kept. 27. Put the remaining cooked rice of Homa on the leaf for Pithru devatha and start serving all other items. Viswe deva and Pithru..sarmane swaha . Then the major and minor spoons(made of wood or leaves of Pales tree) should be shown to the fire. by chanting bhoo swaha. And sprinkle the water on self and then on the wife. shown again in fire. 38. make The Boktha touch all the food items and our wife should give him Arghya. grandfather and great grandfather . 33.Each of these vessels including spoons of Palasa leaf should be cleaned by the pavithra made of two Durbha grasses. Clean below the leaves with Durbha . the pot of ghee and the rice offered to the fire. south and north. Then the cooked rice should be offered to the fire several times along with mantra. Pour little water . 35. we should think about our ancestors and Chant . put Akshatha.(There is a very peculiar mantra used here viz e matha pralulobha charthyanuvratha. Again water has to be sprinkled on the rice This should be first done before the leaf of Viswedevas and then the pithrus (The line is from east to west and we have to sprinkle water mixed withy Gingelly) and later Maha Vishnu. Pray that the asuras . 34. Then water should be sprinkled(pariseshechanam) in the anti clock wise direction around the fire. 31. In some houses Dakshina is given after they finish the food. sprinkled with water and kept near the ghee vessel. telling them that the food which is tasty and pure has been prepared for them. Then we have to invite the Brahmins by using Mantras. the entire ghee in the pot of ghee should be emptied. bhuva swaha. In the preceding Homa only cow‟s ghee should be used. We then pray to our ancestors in the Pithru loka and request them to bless us my giving us the result of doing the Sradha in Gaya. Pindas are offered to the three generation of Pithrus and not only to the Pithru to whom Sradha is done. We should pray to Pithrus that they should get satisfaction by the Pinda offered by us. 43. next day early morning. Then we have to do Aachamana twice after keeping the Pavithra in the ears and after putting the Pavithra again and putting the Sacred thread on right shoulder keep the Durbha from north to south in between the leaves of the Viswedevas and Pithrus . The Paraheni Tharpana(addressed to our paternal ancestors is done. Posted by P. We should then ask the pardon of the Bhokthas for troubling them by giving unsuitable food and then put our upper cloth before them on the floor. Then the Bhokthas will say “ We are satisfied. we should first ask their pardon for any shortcomings in the meals and then we should request them to bless us so that we get the effect of doing Sradha at Gaya. make us do the Paraheni Tharpana immediately after the Sradha. 46. We should put the dust of their feet caught in the upper cloth on our head.” 42.) People who want a son born to them can give the Pithamaha Pinda to their wife and ask her to eat it. Pinda means rice balls. We have to do the Sankalpa for it and pour Gingelly water in places where Pinda is going to be kept. Then the Brahmins who are Bhokthas as well as the priest bless us and our family by throwing Akshathai at us. Then they would walk over it. Then the Kartha should do Aachamana 41. Ramachander at 2:37 AM 1 comment: Sradha Vidhi (Rules of Sradha) . He should then put little akshatha on his head. Next ceremony is Pinda Dhana. He should put it in a cup place before God and salute the God.R. Then all the clan(family) members present there do three pradakshinams to the Brahmins and do Namaskarams to them. 45. After the Bhokthas finish their meals . Then the other two. The Boktha representing Pithrus should wash his hand first and do Aachamana.keep the pinda on it and sprinkle Gingelly mixed with water on the Pinda. The Kartha should put the Uthariya(upper cloth) over his shoulders so that the akshatha falls in them. Nowadays the priests because they will not be able to come the next day . 39. 40. We should then request our ancestors who have been cremated by fire or buried to accept the Pinda and be happy. When we mention the time like Thithi day season etc we should wear the sacred thread normally and the later part with Pracheenavithi. Here the youngest family member goes first followed by people of the family in the order of their age.. 47. This is liked by the Pithrus. We should eat the rice of the Pinda(Some families it is only smelled. He should request the blessings of elder ones and ask them to bless him by putting the akshatha and bless the younger family members assembled who do Namaskarams .Gayathri. After the Sradha to the parents . 44. e after 18 Nazhigai(approximately 8 hours after sun rise) . If the thidhi is spread over two days. 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.Time for doing Sradha 1. due to our pre occupation with modern life. It is believed that when our manes reach the land of the manes(Pithru Loka) .The one who does Sradha Boktha-He who participates in Sradha representing the manes(Pithrus.Sradha Vidhi (Rules governing annual death ceremony) Compiled by P.1. brother if he does not have a son . there would be an Athi masa(Extra month)) 2.Tripurusha Udesa and yeka purusha Udesa . After every five years. it should be done on the first day. If both are having Sankramana . Sradha should be performed on that day when Thidhi is there in the afternoon.. 1.R. (*There are two system of month in India. on the phase of the moon and on the thidhi when the person dies . 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. Sradha comes from the word Sradha(Trust/loyalty) and indicates the annual ritual performed to offer food to three generations of our ancestors. If both days it is spread on the afternoon .3. If one of them happens to be the day when month starts(Sankramana) . Real parents in case we are adopted. our one year is one day for them. Souramana month is the period when Sun stays in the rasi of the month .Srinivasan. During the Paksha of Sradha at least for three one days one should follow all rituals and observe all rules. it should be done on the thidhi of the previous chandramana month without Sankramana. annually. Both books are in Tamil.Ramachander Sradha (that which is done with attention and sincerity) is the term used by Brahmins for the annual death ceremony. If during a month two thithis come . Chandramana year will have 360 days. then it should be performed on the day when it is spread more in the afternoon. 1. you would soon come to the conclusion that Sradha according to rules is extremely difficult to perform. if they die after the death of all their sons and brother of father if he does not have a son . it should be done on the other day. Sradha should be performed in the souramana month* . Reading through it . If it is not there in the Chandramana month . it should be done in the next souramana month. 1.4. Grandparents . The thidhi is that which occurs in the Kudaba kala in Aparahna i. 1.2. Sradha is to be performed in the Kudaba Kala of Aparahna only.V. We are only attempting to offer food and water to them every day.Some definitions Kartha.) 1. Chandramana is always from Prathama for thirty days. If it is spread equally then it should be done on the first day. If there is no thidhi in a particular month. then Sradha should be performed on the second Thidhi. then the Sradha of father has to be done first and later Sradha to the mother has to be done.Homa for whom and when 3. and grandmother. 4. 4. mother in law.3..3 If the annual Sradha(Apthikam) and Masika(Monthly sradham performed for one year after death) comes together . mother . 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. 4. first Parvana has to be performed and then Ehkodhista with new cooking. All other cases only one generation are addressed. biological father . biological father . Procedure when more than one Sradha has to be performed on the same day. brother of father. If Sradha of father and step mother comes on the same day . 3. three generations are addressed. and the Sradha of step mother has to be performed.1 When Sradha is performed for father. Grandfather . then only Homa is performed . The Sradha where three generations are addressed is called Parvana Vidhana and where only one generation is addressed it is called Yekodhishta.2. grandmother . wife.4. For others Homa is not there. grandfather . 4.5. then the Aapthika should be done first and then the Masika. 4. 2. brother.(Sacred thread need not be worn on the right shoulder). brother of father. 2. great grandfather . he does not have Apavasya. If Sradha is performed by someone representing a lady or child by taking authorization in the form of Durba grass. great grandmother . grandfather . great grandfather . 3. maternal grandmother. But if . brother. mother . If Sradha addressed to three generations(Parvana) and Ekodhishta(One addressed to one generation) comes on the same day .2. maternal grandfather. great grandmother . mother. wife. maternal grandmother. father.2 For all sradhas performed by women there is no Homa. For all others only his generation would be addressed(Yeka Purusha udesa).3. maternal grandfather. 4.1 When we do Sradha to father. grandmother . 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. biological mother. husband. biological mother. cooking has to be done gain . 3.If the Sradha of father and mother come on the same day or comes on a day when the family taint goes away. In Sradha being done by ladies in case of Father in law.1. we should do Sradha aimed at three generations(Tri Purusha udhesa) .2. after performing father‟s Sradha. Cow milk. gooseberry . 5. Curry leaf. 5. the Sradha of any of the others can be performed after 12th day. But the Sradha of mother or father should be done before the sapindikarana of others.Before the Sapindikarana of mother or father . That is even if . at least . snake gourd. cowpea seeds . mango . black Gingelly . they should do it after the time when they take purificatory bath. Pomegranate. pepper. . Bengal gram . 5. asafetida and all western vegetables should not be used for Sradha. honey . Bottle gourd .6.If for some reason it is not possible to present Vasthram ( Cloth) to the Brahmins during Sradha . horse gram . 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. bitter gourd. curd and Ghee there is no taint due to sesha. Drum stick. Ilanthai fruit. Gingelly oil could also be used. ghee. then it should be done on the Ekadasi of Krishna Paksha or Amavasya day. Snake gourd is specially used. Jeera . mustard . ash gourd.7. Some people use Coconut . 4. Some people believe that . milk. sweet preparations . since Gingelly is used during the Sradha . wheat. lemon.) 5. then it should be performed after the taint goes away. If for some reason the sapindikarana of mother or father is delayed. Fruits. Kandasari sugar. If Sradha is not performed due to forgetfulness or due to some other reason(Being in a foreign country/priest not available etc) .3.2. Kandan Kathiru. grapes. 4.3. 5. Banana fruit. 4.1 Black gram. jack fruit . colacasia. wood apple and Chillies.2. ( In some families in Kerala. The food for Sradha should be cooked in ghee. 5.4. Curd prepared out of cow‟s milk and Banana pseudo stem can be used for cooking in Sradham. 4. Jaggery . sea salt. Follow the customs of your house. Pirandai.Millets . Ash gourd. If we happen to perform death ceremonies to mother or father in law during the first year of death of our parents.9 If Sradha is stopped due to birth or death taint. 4. then their Sapindikaranam should be performed after the annual ceremony of the parents only. Cardamom.10. they should be given a sacred thread(Yagnopavita). cowpea. we should not perform the Sradha of anybody else.8 In case of Sradha being performed by ladies is stopped by their getting periods .Materials for Sradha(Sradha dravya) 5. Yam .1. Lablab beans Thoothuvalai.the Sradha is of anybody else except the parents then it should be done only after the first death anniversary Sradha.3. Nandi sradham and Theertha sradham. 6. Grandfather as Rudra and great grandfather as Adithya.2. 8. The people in Yama‟s world by Pinda dhana(offering of rice balls). It is believed that black Gingelly was got after Varaha Avathara and prevents evil spirits from entering our house. the people in hell by the cooked rice which is sprinkled (Vikira annam) and the people unknown by the food offered to the crows. 7. We should start doing Oupasana at least four days before Sradha.they are offered to the manes.For performing Sradha Kudhabha time .4. the people in heaven by food offering to Brahmins . 8.Some rules of Sradha 8. .1 Both Kartha and Boktha should not eat anything after eating the ritual Bhojanam after the Sradha. the devils and ghosts by what is left over . The human beings by good food .4. In case of Sradha of father‟s brothers and elder brother. For him the gods addressed are same as that done by his father. Douhithra (daughter‟s son) and black Gingelly are very important.5 .Sradha devatha(Gods of Sradha) 6. the remaining material can be used by all others.2 Aama Sradha which is done using uncooked food 8.The effect /results of Sradha The performance of Sradha makes devas happy by the Homa. in many case Maha Vishnu is simply assumed to be present and no one represents him.1 Anna Sradha which is done using cooked rice 8. 8.2 Pithru devas Father is addressed as Vasu .3 Hiranya Sradha which is done using money only 8.The type of Sradhas 8. they and their two previous generations should be addressed as Vasu-Rudra-Adithya. 8.3. He cannot do Gaya Sradha. But he should do Brahma Yagna (without the Pithru part). 8.We can do Koosmanda Homam for removing our sins before Sradha. 6. 3.Maha Vishnu Instead of calling a Brahmin and making him Maha Vishnu . The fire of Sradha is lit from the Oupasa agni.1 Viswe devas The Viswe devas are addresses as Puroorava-ardhrava during the Sradha of householders and as Sadhu-Guru in case of Sanyasins. 8. He who has a living father does not have the right to do rituals of Pithrus. 8.25 Oil bath should not be taken within the seven day period preceding the Sradha 8.7.43 .58 You can shake the wet cloth seven times and then wear it and cook .(Food from teacher. This is determined by the practice of our forefathers.8. 8. 8.We should not ask our Brother to participate in the Sradha as a Boktha(representative of our manes 8. Sama Vedi and Douhithran (daughter‟s son) are preferred to be Bhokthas. 8.13.19. He who has to perform first death ceremony of his father cannot be a Boktha 8.14 .30.8.21.6.11He who has participated in a Sradha as Boktha cannot be a Boktha for another three days. 8.27 We should not wash the feet of the Brahmin with Pavithram. Jnani .9. 8.All food articles should be washed before cooking. It should be removed and tucked in the ear. He whose wife is more than 3 months pregnant cannot be a Boktha. 8.12.41 Cooking should be done in Ghee. This could be at least 3 days when it is not possible to do otherwise.42. 8. The one wants and requests to be made as a Boktha is ineligible. sister. People who do not have a wife and a son cannot be a Boktha.45 Relation or servant should not be employed for cooking 8. The Kartha should never get angry on the Sradha day. 8.23.Yogi.20 At least we should present the same quality of Dhoti which we normally wear. It could be done in coconut oil or Gingelly oil as per the custom of our forefathers 8. 8. 8.15He who has shaved in that Morning cannot be a Boktha 8. Sick person or one who do not know Vedas cannot be a Boktha.18.46 A lady who is nearing time for periods or one who has just taken the purificatory bath cannot cook.When two Brahmins come . 8.22. During the monthly periods of a lady.40 The remaining ghee which is used for Homa should not be consumed 8. The water used for washing the feet of Viswedevas is holy and should not mix with water used to wash the feet of Pithrus. The Kartha and his wife should wear cloths washed and dried on the same day. 8. her husband cannot be a Boktha 8. 8.He should not lie on a cotton bed or make love in those seven days 8. 8. the younger one should represent the Pithrus and the elder one the Viswedevas. 8.24 He should not take food in somebody else‟s house at least for a month before the Sradha. 8.$7 Cooking should not be done with wert cloth 8. People who cannot afford should at least give a Sacred thread(Yagnopavitha) 8. uncle and father in law can be taken) 8.17 .10.44.28 For Viswedevas it is Chathurasram and for Pithrus it is circle below the Plate on which feet are washed. 8. infected nail or teeth cannot be a Boktha 8.Seasoning with mustard is not done by some and some others do it. People who can afford should give silk Dhoti(5 years) and Uthareeyam (3 yards) to the Bokthas 8.26. The Kartha should start the Sradha only after wearing a new Yagnopavitha.He who has married a girl who is not A kanya cannot be a Boktha.!6 He who is suffering from leprosy . our pithrus would only be happy.65 Food for Sradha should not be cooked in steel vessels 8.70 The leaf used for taking food of the Brahmins should be buried in the soil. 8. They should be given fees for doing so. we should take bath and restart the cooking 8.78 All rituals addressed to devas should be done with Yagnopavita on the left shoulder. 8.80 When the Brahmins are taking food Abisravana mantras should be chanted so that Rakshasa are kept away. 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 8.82 . 8.61.81 In case of Yekodishtam. . If we do not know these mantras .66 Thilaka and sound of bell should not be there during Sradha time 8. Brahmins who know them should be employed to chant them.60 A pregnant lady or a sick lady should not cook 8. the fire of Homa should be maintained.71.76 Vasu. Nandi Sradham Abisravana Mantras should not be chanted.8. If it goes out. 8. we should not keep on talking 8. They should be worshipped by Gingelly. Masikam .84 The pinda meant for crow(Vayasa Pinda) should be protected till it is eaten by a crow.72 The Kartha should not clean his teeth with brush or stick on the day of Sradha and on the day before 8. The water offering(Tharpana) should be offered to them straight. This is not correct.59 If we happen to go to toilet during the time of cooking. we can give rent and then perform it. Some people put it in an unused well.A widow who has not shaved her head should not cook 8. Rudra and Adithya are Sradha devathas 8.62. 8.74 They should not keep Payasam and ghee remaining on the leaf after they eat. If some eaten food from one Brahmin falls on another Brahmins leaf. They should not get up. They should keep a small quantity of every other thing 8. But if there is no other go do it.85 Though all serving and other rituals are done first to the Brahmin representing the devas. Water offering should be through the space between thumb and the next finger to the sides. 8. the Sradha has to be redone. Sapindikaranam . 8.67 The hair should be tied 8.83 Till the Brahmins finish their food . In towns some people give it to the cows.77Byjoing these devas along with them .79 All rituals addressed to the Pithrus should be done with Yagnopavita on the right shoulder. 8.68 The rice should be prepared last 8. 8. 8.64 The Sradha should be performed in our own house. If not possible .Theleaves should be removed before the final blessings.69 when we serve rice on the leaf steam should come out of it.63 People who have drunk coffee should not cook 8. 8. The leaves should be removed and they should be again served food in the new leaf. They should be worshipped by rice 8. While cooking. Anumasikam.75 They should eat slowly and take sufficient food so that they do not feel hungry at night. 8. Sradha should be done first according to rules Some people use grass instead of Dharbha and Barley instead of Gingelly.101 Nandi Sradha is an auspicious function. Bharani Ashtami and Vyadheepada are special 8. Swadha(food of Manes) is not offered. 8.95 There is no pithrusesham in case of father in law and uncle. 8.97 Brothers who have divided their property should do Sradha separately. 8.87 Pindas can be put in water or fire. Pundra and Rudraksha should not be worn.88 Till the Sradha is over . father and brother 8. two Brahmins for grandfather and two for father should be represented . There is no Paraheni Tharpana in case of Sapindikaranam. 8.99 Gingelly should not be taken by thumb and the next finger. Nama Karnam. you will get wealth. If mother is alive all brothers should do it together. 8.93 Even if they are married ladies can eat Pithru sesham of mother. Graha pravesam etc. Nandi and Apthikam.People who cannot afford can perform Nandi as Aama Sradha or Hiranya Sradha.94But if they become widow they are not supposed to eat it. He can do Sandhya Vandana only after Chanting Gayathri ten times. they should do it separately. Joining only on Sradha day and the eldest one only doing is not correct. The Pariseshachanam round is not done in anti clock wise directions. If he is ding Oupasana . you would go on a tour. 8. Annaprasanam.89 The Kartha and Boktha should not drink anything except water.90 If crow takes Pinda from east . 8.91.1000Sradha should be performed during Mahalaya P. 8. If it takes from south. In some families they only smell it. Upanayanam. Jathakarmam. it should be put in the river 8. He should not do any other ritual that day. Choulam . If father is alive there is no Paraheni Tharpana in the Sradha of mother. 8. It should be done during Garbha danam . Pumsavanam. If it takes from north. you will get disease. After doing it a bath has to be taken.96The para heni Tharpanam should be performed next day to sradham.86 After Pindas are offered put little of the rice in the mouth.98 If they live in separate houses. It should be done next day early morning at 4 AM.92 Since the dead people become devas. Sradha Pithru sesham of people younger to you and of your wife can be taken. If it takes from west. If the Sradha is performed in sacred waters . your longevity would get reduced. 8. In Nandi Two Brahmins representing Viswa deva.Getting up after finishing the food should be done first by Brahmin representing the Pithrus. 8.m it should be got done by somebody else. Seemantham. He should not accept any Dhana(charity) that day. If it is Ekadasi . 8. Boktha can put Thamboola. Anumasikam . the Kartha can and should take the food offered to the manes.