22 Important Rules of Shradh in Pitru Paksha | Major Parts and Types of Shradh

24 Key Rules of Shradh in Pitru Paksha

According to religious texts, during the sixteen days of Shradh, people give water to their ancestors and perform Shradh on their death anniversary. It is believed that the debt of the ancestors is paid by Shradh. Shradh is performed on the same date of Pitra Paksha for the ancestors who passed away in any month and date of the year. Since death occurs on the full moon, it is prescribed to perform Shradh on the full moon of Bhadrapada Shukla. This day is also considered to be the beginning of Mahalaya (Shradh). Shradh refers to everything provided with faith.

By performing Shradh in Pitra Paksha, the ancestors remain happy for the whole year. It is said in the scriptures that a householder who donates the body of his ancestors obtains long life, sons and grandsons, fame, heaven, nourishment, strength, Lakshmi, animals, means of happiness and wealth and grain.

In Pitru Paksha Shradh, the ancestors hope that our sons and grandsons will satisfy us by offering us Pinda Dan and Tilanjali. With this hope they come from the world of the fathers to the world of the earth. That is why Hindu scriptures tell every Hindu householder to perform Pitru Paksha Shradh. There are many things related to Shradh that very few people know. But it is very important to know these things before performing Shradh because sometimes the fathers curse you for not performing Shradh according to the rituals. Today we are telling you some special things related to Shradh, which are as follows:

1. Cow’s ghee, milk or yogurt should be used in Shradhkarma. Keep in mind that the cow has been calving for more than ten days. The milk of a cow that gives birth to a calf within ten days should not be used in Shradh Karma.
2. The use of silver utensils in Shradh and charity is not only meritorious but also considered to destroy demons. If only water is given in a silver vessel for the ancestors, it is inexhaustibly satisfying. Arghya, pinda and food utensils for the ancestors are also considered even better if they are made of silver.
3. In Shradh, when feeding a Brahmin, one should hold the serving vessels with both hands. The food served from the food vessel brought with one hand is taken away by the demons.
4. The Brahmin should eat in silence and without praising the dishes because the ancestors only accept food as long as the Brahmin eats in silence.
5. Shradh of individuals murdered by Pitra Shastra, for example, should be conducted on Chaturdashi in addition to the primary day. This makes them happy. Shradh should be done in secret. By wearing the gaze of ordinary or lowly men on the offering of the body, he does not reach the ancestors.
6. In Pitru Paksha Shradh, it is necessary to feed the Brahmin. If a Shradh is performed without the presence of a Brahmin, the Pitars will not dine in his home and will return with a curse. By Shradh without a Brahmin, a man becomes a great sinner.
7. The use of barley, kangni, peas and mustard is best in Shradh. If the amount of sesame seeds is high, the Shradh becomes inexhaustible. In fact, sesame seeds protect Shradh from vampires. Kusha (a type of grass) protects from demons.
8. Shradh should not be performed on another’s land. Forests, mountains, shrines and temples are not considered to be the land of others because they are not considered to be owned by anyone. Therefore, Shradh can be performed at these places.
9. Even if one does not think when choosing a Brahmin in the work of the gods, but one should choose a qualified Brahmin in the work of the ancestors because in Shradh, the satisfaction of the ancestors is done by Brahmins.
10. A person who for some reason does not feed his sister, son-in-law and nephew living in the same city in Shradh, his father as well as the gods do not accept food.
11. If a beggar comes while performing Shradh, he should be fed with respect. A person who drives away a beggar who comes to his house at such a time is not considered to have completed his Shradh and his fruit is also destroyed.
12. Shradh should never be performed in Shuklapaksha, at night, on twin days (the sum of two dates on the same day) and on one’s birthday. According to religious texts, evening is the time for demons, this time is condemned for all activities. Therefore, one should not perform Shradh Karma even in the evening.
13. In Pitru Paksha Shradh, the happy Pitris grant sons, wealth, knowledge, longevity, health, worldly happiness, salvation and heaven to human beings. For Shradh, Krishna Paksha is considered better than Shukla Paksha.
14. Night is considered to be a monstrous time. Therefore, Shradh Karma should not be performed at night. Shradh should not be performed even during both the evenings. The gift given to the ancestors in the eighth Muhurt (Kutapkal) of the day is inexhaustible.
15. These things are important to have in Shradh: Ganga water, milk, honey, dauhitra, Kush and sesame seeds. Shradh food on banana leaves is forbidden. Gold, silver, bronze, and copper vessels are excellent. In the absence of these tin can be used.
16. Tulsi pleases the ancestors. It is believed that the ancestors ride on Garuda and go to Vishnu world. By worshiping the body with Tulsi, the ancestors remain satisfied till the time of doom.
17. Silk, blanket, wool, wood, grass, leaves, Kush etc. are the best seats. Iron should not be used in any form in the asana.
18. 18– Chana, lentil, urad, kulthi, sattu, radish, black cumin, kachnar, cucumber, black urad, black salt, gourd, big mustard, black mustard leaf and stale, unholy fruits or food are forbidden in Shradh.
19. Invite as many learned Brahmins as possible for food before the Shradh date. On the day of Shradh, seat the Brahmins who have come for food in the southern direction.
20. The food of choice of the ancestors is milk, yogurt, ghee and honey with grain dishes like khir etc. Therefore, take special care to give such food to Brahmins.
21. Take out a little portion from the prepared food for cows, dogs, crows, gods and ants. Then take water, akshat ie rice, sandalwood, flowers and sesame seeds in your hands and take resolution from the Brahmins.
22. Food taken out for dogs and crows should be given to dogs and crows but food of gods and ants can be fed to cows. Only after that should the Brahmins be fed. After feeding them to full satisfaction, put tilak on the heads of the Brahmins and donate clothes, food and alms as much as you can to get blessings.
23. After dinner, send the Brahmins to the door of the house with full respect. Because it is believed that the Brahmins go along with the Pitras. Feed your relatives, friends and relatives only after the Brahmins have eaten.
24. Shradh of father should be performed by son. In the absence of a son, the wife can perform Shradh. In the absence of a wife, the cousin and in his absence, the relatives (of the same family) should perform Shradh. If there are multiple sons, the eldest son performs Shradh.

Also Watch: Rules of Shradh | Shradh Protocols

Major Parts of Shradh

1. Tarpan- In this, water mixed with milk, sesame seeds, Kusha, flowers and fragrance is given to satisfy the ancestors. It is prescribed to do it daily in Shradh Paksha.
2. Food And Body Donation– Food is given to Brahmins for the sake of the ancestors. Pills of rice or barley are also donated during Shradh.
3. Vastradan – Giving clothes is also the main goal of Shradh.
4. Dakshina Dan- The wife of the sacrifice is Dakshina.

Also Watch: Pitru Paksha Shradh Puja Vidhi

Types of Shradh

According to Bhavishya Purana, 12 types of Shradh :-

1. Daily
2. Occasional
3. Desirable
4. Growth
5. Sapindan
6. Parvan
7. Goshti
8. Shuddhartha
9. Karmanga
10. Divine
11. Yatraartha
12. Pushtayartha