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Barsi Mahalaya Shraadh
Barsi Mahalaya Shraadh
- 3-3.5 Hours
✦ Pitru Loka and Ancestors’ Visit: According to Hindu beliefs, the souls of three generations of ancestors reside in Pitru Loka, a realm between Swarga (heaven) and Bhumi (earth). During Mahalaya Paksha, these souls descend to their descendants’ homes to accept offerings of food and water, which help them on their spiritual journey and grant Moksha (liberation) to both ancestors and the living.
✦ Significance of Shraadh Rituals: The ritual of Pinda Pradaana and Tila Tarpanam during this fortnight sustains the souls for a year, ensuring their peace and progress toward higher realms. Lord Yama has ordained that offerings made during this time reach the ancestors directly, with deities Vasu, Rudra, and Aditya representing desire, dissolution, and action, respectively, guiding their liberation.
✦ Varshika Shraadh and Sacred Sites: The Varshika Shraadh (Barsi) ceremony, held annually on the lunar date of a parent’s passing, is a way to fulfil the ancestral debt (Pitruruna). Performing this ceremony in sacred places like Prayagraj, Gaya, or Kashi is considered especially meritorious, further aiding in the ancestors’ spiritual advancement.
Shraadh Vidhi Key Steps in the Ritual
✦ Invocation of Deities (Vishwadeva Sthapana): The Shraddh ritual begins by invoking the Devatas—Vasu, Rudra, Aditya, and the ancestors (Pitrus) through sacred mantras. Under the guidance of a professional priest, the prescribed materials and procedures are used to complete this process.
✦ Brahmin Bhoj (Feeding the Priests): As an act of gratitude, food is prepared and offered to Brahmins, symbolising the blessings of the ancestors and divine beings.
Pind Daan and Tarpan: Special food offerings made of rice, barley, milk, honey, ghee, and sugar are presented to the ancestors (Pind Daan). This is followed by Tarpan, a ritual involving the offering of water mixed with sesame seeds, barley, kusha grass, and flour to honour and satisfy the souls of the departed.
Our Research Trail
Gaurda Purana: Highlights the importance of Shraadh rituals like Pinda Pradaana and Tila Tarpanam in advancing the spiritual journey and Moksha of ancestors (Chapter 10).
Shiva Purana: Explains the roles of deities Vasu, Rudra, and Aditya in helping ancestors attain liberation through Shraadh rituals (Vidyeshvara Samhita, Chapter 25).
Vishnu Purana: Discusses the significance of ancestor worship during Mahalaya Paksha and the benefits of feeding Brahmins during Shraadh (Part 3, Chapter 14).
Yajur Veda: Emphasises the spiritual purification and benefits of offerings during Pind Daan and Tarpan rituals (Taittiriya Samhita, 4.5.1).
Padma Purana: Describes the merit of performing Varshika Shraadh in sacred places like Prayagraj and Gaya to enhance ancestors’ spiritual progress (Srsti Khanda, Chapter 7).
Manu Smriti: Explains how Tarpan offerings reach ancestors during Mahalaya Paksha, aiding their journey to higher realms (Chapter 3, Verses 123-125).
