SHRADH-THE BASIS OF CONTENT
LIFE AND FOREFATHER'S SALVATION
Offerings, donation to Brahmins and sacrifices, when done with respect, are known as Shradh (post-funeral rites in English but not the same). This is also known as pitriyagna. Hindu religious scriptures give a detailed description of Shradh. This was meant to facilitate the release of the spirit of the dead person from the body and for this offerings were made. This historical tradition is not only related to the attainment of moksha (eternal bliss, salvation) of our ancestors but also our own welfare. According to our religious literature, a person has to pay three debts- dev-rin (debt of God), rishi-rin (debt of saints) and pitri-rin (debt of father). The debt of father can be paid by Shradh.
There are several types of Shradh described in Puranas, e.g., Nitya Shradh, Nemittik Shradh, Ekodisht Shradh, Kamya Shradh, Bridhi or Nandi Shradh, pavarn Shradh, Sapindan Shradh, Goshti Shradh, Sudhyardah Shradh, Karmang Shradh, Daivik Shradh, Yatrarth Shradh, Punyartha Shradh, Shrotsmati Shradh and so on. However, there are two primary types of Shradh- Ekodisht and Pavarn. Later four more Shradhs, viz., pavarn, ekodisht, bridhi and sapindikaran were given importance.
According to dharmasindhu, there are 96 occasions for Shradh. These are 12 amavasya (new moon days), 4 punadi dates, 14 manvadi dates, 12 sankrantiyans, 12 vaidhriti yogas, 12 vayatitat yogas, 15 pitripakshas, 5 ashtaka Shradh, 5 anvashtakas and 5 purvedhu which amount to total 96 Shradh occasions.
There are two ways of performing Shradhs. First is done by pinddan (rituals for the peace or moksha or salvation of forefathers) and offering feast to Brahmins. There is a special importance of pinddan in Gaya. Here, any time, day or night, pinddan can be performed.
According to Vishnu Purana or Garun Puran, people who perform pinddan at Gaya, their ancestors achieve the moksha (salvation) and goes to heaven. Before we know about the pinddan at Gaya, it is imperative to know the word ‘pitar’. The soul of a dead person remains in limbo till the rite of sapindan is performed. There are two types of ‘pitar’: 1. Divya Pitar, 2. Martya Pitar. The first is considered to be pleasant one while the later is considered to be poignant one. Pitars aspire for a son because only a son can improve the welfare of ancestors on earth as well as in the other world. A son will perform these rites in Gaya.
For Shradh, Gaya is considered to be the best place in the Hindu shastras. It is believed that God Vishnu lives here as the pitridevta (God of ancestors). A pilgrimage of Gaya is also known as Pitri Teertha. This is also said that the God Brahma lives here. That is why it is also called ‘purva vedi of Brahma’. According to Vishnu Dhramsutra, among the 55 important places named for Shradh, Gaya holds the most important place.
It is believed that by Pinddan at Gaya, all the sins of persons are destroyed. A pinddan at Gaya by a son or any other person of the same gotra (lineage), the spirit achieves the eternal brahma. If we talk of pinddan or Shradh, then it is related to achieving moksha (salvation).
It is said in the smritis that when a pinddan is performed in someone’s name, the spirit of that person goes to heaven if he is in the hell and if he is in the heaven then he achieves moksha (salvation).
RULES OF PINDDAN
There are some important points of pinddan; the spirit of ancestors are not invoked and the sight of an unholy person or animal does not result in sacrilege. In the Shradh at Gaya, the important rites are; making pinddan, offering pinddan, sprinkling water, offerings to Brahmins and organizing a feast for them and so on. Here payas (rice cooked with milk), flour of barley, fruits, roots, sweets, curd, honey etc are offered.
To attain the maximum benefits out of pinddan at Gaya it is important to strictly follow certain rules. For example, the person has to follow strict celibacy and sacrifice anger and greed during that time. He should take food only once a day and be truthful. He should be ready for the welfare of all living beings.
The region of Gaya has an area of approximately 12.5 kilometers. The head of Gaya is in one side and all three teerthas (pilgrimage) are located here. The famous vaitarni river descends at Gaya. The person who takes bath here and donates a cow, he protects 21 generations of his forefathers. Therefore, Shradh is a pious medium of setting the spirit of our ancestor free from obligations. This not only results in our ancestors achieving mokshas but our life is also endowed with prosperity, peace and happiness.
BENIFITS OF SHRADH
In Karma Purana, the benefits of Shradh have been discussed. The person who performs Shradh with full concentration, he becomes free from all sins and he does not come in the worldly cycle again.
According to Garur Puran, by worshipping the ancestors, the person pleases the ancestors who bless their descendents with age, son, recognition, heaven, animal, happiness, wealth etc.
According to Vishnu Puran, the rites of Shradh not only pleases the ancestors but also satisfies Gods such as Brahma, Indra, Rudra, Aswin Kumars, Sun, Agni, Ashtavasu, Air, Viswadev, saints etc. This also results in fulfillment of all living beings.
According to Yagnavalkya Smriti, the person who performs Shradh gets long life, obedient son, wealth, knowledge, all worldly happiness and heaven and moksha.
 Madhvakant Mishra
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