by Gopalakrishna Ramaiyer, Tambaram, Chennai

I was thinking of writing on stray dog feeding. Incidentally I came across some interesting information from Wikipedia today about cows and crows and interlinking them to ancestors. I thought of sharing them also with you. While every body write of serious topics I thought some light reading material would not be bad.

Definitely while I take up my morning walk through the streets I come across at least a dozen dogs a day. Initially the dogs used to come near and bark and make fear of biting. But as the day went I found they have smelled me, not even wake up from their location. The idea of feeding them was suddenly initiated in me one day about a few months back.

It came to my mind the annual visit of my son and daughter in law with kids and it was an enjoyment to her to feed the small dogs giving biscuits in the evening. More than kids I think she was enjoying the buiscuit feeding to the “bow bow”.

After she left finishing last vacation it was a wonder the particular dogs she was feeding remained in front of our house in the cemented flooring and took comfort in sleeping in the sand left till date.

I told my daughter in law a few days ago I feel happy by start feeding the dogs. She said- appa probably you would have missed to notice – I too use to feed after our food every day when we were on vacation. So it came to me after a break I have restarted and nothing special of the dog feeding. My wife will surely become angry if I do not mention she too used to feed occasionally.

Initially I was providing some food after my meals. Later I thought I should share a part of the food I take. After wards I came to the conclusion I should keep some thing first for them and take my food, which is followed now. The most interesting thing is while serving my wife first reminds me to keep some thing apart.

It is still wondering the particular dogs my daughter in law was feeding and remain in front of our house still take the food. If the food is more this female dog  leaves and her friends feed one by one. So far if at all the dog come with another two or three with it, no barking no quarrelling and the others keep guard to it. It makes me think there is a certain discipline among them.

Now coming to cow and crow story, it was a practice to feed cows coming in the streets after we constructed the house in 2005. Plantains when purchased/grown up in our garden a few we keep for the cow. Invariably the plantain leaves are cut and fed to them. The cow feed regularly the grass grown in front. I feel a purpose is served by their eating the grass grown. Two days back it happened so, when I placed food for the dog immediately three cows came and started feeding. Immediately I brought new rice and they fed that too. I felt the cows were so hungry and what kept for the dogs will be insufficient.

My wife was telling some day’s crow is not taking the rice kept fully. I said just like that cow is taking, dog is fed, do not mind the crow much. It may not be hungry.

Now coming to Wikipedia I just tried to trace mythology of crow and dog to day. It was astonishing to me to read that not only crows and cow but dogs too represent ancestors.

After reading this I told my wife- do not get worried of crow not taking fully and all that, dogs eat, not leaving a bit of food. Cows too we feed. I do not know fully the meaning of her words-“Appadiya” ( அப்படியா?). I hope she has told it having understood what I said.

ALL ABOUT DOG

1. Phrase- Raining cats and dogs

There are a number of explanations for the phrase, “it’s raining cats and dogs”?

Cats and dogs were closely associated with the rain and wind in the western mythology. Dogs were often pictured as the attendants of Odin, the storm God, and cats were believed to cause rain.
It was raining cats and dogs in Mumbai last month
But the true source appears to be quite literal. During heavy rains in the 17th century England some city streets became raging rivers of filth carrying many drowned cats and dogs.

2. Phrase-Every dog has his day

In Maoist Nepal, dogs still have their day The proverb-Every dog has his day – literally came true on Monday when people in Nepal, the world’s last Hindu nation, worshipped their dogs with utmost devotion.

People did not forget to worship their dogs on the day of Kukur Tihar, and protect their families from destruction. The festival is also known as Narak Chaturdashi.

Big red tikas – a paste of vermilion, curd and rice – were put on dogs’ foreheads and were garlanded.

Street dogs are also worshiped and are garlanded on the occasion. After worshiping the dogs, delicious meals were served to them.

The Hindus appease their dogs because the canine is also the steed of Bhairab, the god of destruction.

“We Hindus in Nepal worship dog to guard our house from destruction, ” Pallavi Sharma, a housewife in Kathmandu said.
However, Hindus in India generally do not worship dogs.
3.Dogs -we very often compare to humans
Many say he did just like dog to get things done. In kerala they say” Nai petta padu or Pattiyae polae Nadannittu” depend on desacharam.
The dogs have very rudimentary requirements and they do not make any undue demands on the infrastructure and the amenities of the campus, much unlike their human counterparts, who, though work like dogs, end up straining the campus facilities. The fact that humans make undue demands is obvious from their whining that they live a dog’s life Besides, the dogs have been known to be obedient followers and the human beings, the dominant masters.
Brahminical dominance of humans beings has forced the dogs to avoid being alone; fearing for their safety they are always found in groups of three or more.
Also, when the human population was less, the dogs had enough space on the campus and they could move about and live freely. With the increasing human population, there is much less space for the dogs on the roads, in the parking sheds, on the footpaths, and in the corridors and staircases of the buildings.
We forget to recollect the dogs are also rightful inhabitants of this earth and this campus.

4. History of dog
Very early records of the historical mythology (or mythological history, if that’s what you prefer to call it) have references to the existence of dogs; Pandav king Yudhisthira was accompanied by a dog on his last journey. Why can’t we tolerate a dog in our short journeys on our roads in the campus?

5. Do not dog good in nature?
The dogs use only the public places. Never has anyone heard of a dog entering a human being’s house forcefully although it has been reported that last year a dog attended all lectures in class room A1 of the CSE department of Mumbai IIT.
But then, a class room is a public place and it was not a forceful entry. May be the dog found CSE to be the most interesting discipline or the CSE teachers to be the best teachers (or both).
Further, dogs being dogs and not human beings, such groups have always worked in unison.

6. Scientific Name of dog
Canis lupus familiaris Linn
Common Name-Dog, Kutha (Hindi), Naai (Tamil), Kukuraha (Sanskrit)
Distribution- Throughout India
Conservation Status- Domesticated

7. Dog in Mythology
Lord Bhairava, the guardian deity to the abode of Lord Shiva, is usually depicted with a dog or riding a dog as his vahana.
Feeding and taking care of dogs is believed to be a way of showing our devotion to Lord Bhairava.
Lord Indra is believed to have a divine dog named Sarama. Sarama is said to have pursued and recovered the cows stolen by the asuras and hidden in the nether world of Patala.
Lord Yama, the Hindu God of death is believed to have two ferocious dogs – Sarameyas (described as the offsprings of Indra’s dog). The dogs have four eyes each and they guard the road to Yamaloka.
Lord Yama himself took the form of a dog, while guiding Yudhishtra to swargaloka.
Lord Dattatreya, looked upon as the incarnation of the holy Trinity – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, is usually followed by four faithful dogs, which symbolically represent the four Vedas and his complete mastery over them.

In Hindu mythology too, dogs have a special place. In religious ceremonies, dogs are considered to be a link between us and our ancestors. Special offerings are given to dogs, along with the cow and the crow, so as to remember and invoke the blessings of our ancestors.
As if wearing rings and holding yagyas to cure malefic planetary conditions were not enough, people have started buying dogs to free them of the “dosh” in Shani and Rahu.
A Kanke Road-based pet dealer Manoj Mishra says according to Hindu mythology dogs are considered to be an incarnation of Bhairav.
“It is believed that feeding a black dog on specified days is good for Saturn but the difficulty is finding a black dog on the specified day. As a result many people keep them as pets,” he said. Known astrologer and palmist, N.K. Bera, believes dogs have a great importance in astrology. People are advised to feed black dogs if their Saturn is weak while feeding white dogs cures their Venus.
Bera, who is also the head of the Bengali department at Ranchi University, however, says: “I only ask people to feed them. It is good if people feed animals.”

7.1. Dog entering yanja premises
Janmeya’s brothers got a curse for mistreating a dog during the yajna-The story is slightly big but enjoyable.
Abhimanyu, the son of Arjun, had a son called Parikshit. Parikshit was killed when a poisonous snake bit him. So Parikshit’s son Janmejaya organised a Yajna in which he vowed to burn all the snakes. The Yajna was to be organised with the help of his brothers in the fields of Kurukshetra.
Janmejaya had three brothers called Shrutsen, Ugrasen and Bhimsen. While they were performing the rituals (Puja) a stray dog wandered into the sacred area where the holy offerings were kept.
The brothers hit the dog with sticks to drive it away and the dog ran squealing to his mother.
The mother consoled her puppy and said that he must have done something to provoke the anger of the brothers.
The dog defended himself by saying that he was not at fault and that he had neither licked any of the offerings, nor even looked at them.
The dog’s mother Sarna, who belonged to the Gods felt very angry and hurt at the brother’s treatment of her son. She went to the Yajna place and asked the brothers of Janmejaya why they had thrashed her son without any fault.
When no one answered her she became really angry and cursed them, “You have punished my son without any reason, therefore I curse you that there shall be some sudden fear that will engulf you.”
Thus cursing she went away from there. Janmejaya’s brothers were saddened by this unexpected turn of events. After the rites of the Yajna were performed, they went to Hastinapur and looked for a priest who would rid them of the curse.
After a lot of search they got a priest Somshrava Janmejaya requested Somshrava to accompany him to Hastinapur. When they reached Hastinapur he told his brothers to do exactly as the priest told them to do and never disobey him. The brothers did as they were told and the priest helped them get rid of their curse. Later they even invaded Takshila and won it.
8.Dog enjoy music

From music to mythology, from prayer to protest, it was man’s best friend – the dog – that took center stage at this concert for a cause held in the Capital recently. Ireespective of sniffing dogs present or not my street dogs always present in most Railway stations -my experience Trivandrum,Ernakula m, Chennai Tambaram. But they never harm you

9. Birth control for dog

A petitioner, B Krishna Bhat, had sought the quashing of rule 7 of Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rule so that stray dogs can be eliminated.

10.We dogs are heros

In World War I, Germans used dogs as a part of their military action. The dog force can sniff out not only deadly drugs and weapons, but even the existence of diseases such as cancer in the human body. Thousands have written verses in praise of dogs.
A veterinary doctor Rameshwar Narayan Pandey says German Shephard, labrador and German Spitz are commonly available in black and are therefore most popular.

11.  Now about cat-Phrase cat out of the bag

Not long ago in England, a city dweller had to be careful of buying a pig from a villager who would keep it in a sack. Very often, cunning villagers intent on duping the customer substituted the pigs with cats. And when the city dweller opened the bag, he would literally let the cat out of the bag, revealing the crafty farmer’s secret.

12. Phrase – To get ones back

When a cat is attacked by a dog or other animals, it aggressively arches its back, a response that suggested the phrase ‘to get one’s back up’ to describe humans aroused to anger.

12. Phrase cat has nine lives

Cats have long been regarded as tenacious survivors because of their careful, suspicious nature and because they are supple animals that can survive high falls. This could be the reason for the Old English saying that a cat has nine lives. This phrase can be traced back well before the 16th century.

14. Phrase cat has got the tounge

You might have asked a person who has been rendered speechless if a cat has got her tongue. This phrase refers to a form of punishment in the Mid-east, several centuries ago, when the tongue of a person who lied was cut off and fed to the ruling king’s pets, often cats.

15. Phrase- Being a cat.

Being a cat or cool cat implies that the person is smart or street smart – like a cat. I am recollecting one of my cousin’s words that his wife is just like cat when referring to her nature.

16. Dog and cat in pet therapy
Pet therapy is becoming very popular these days in the USA, especially for help in diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Experiments have shown that merely petting a dog or a cat reduces blood pressure.
 

Abda Poorthi, Ayush Homam

TRS Iyengar

The purpose, benefits that one gets by performing the Ayush Homam

Homam (also known as Havan in Hindi) is a religious ritual performed by Hindus in general and Brahmins in particular, to invoke the blessings of specific Gods and Goddesses. It begins with the performer known as Karta (devotee) invoking Agni (God of fire) and inviting him to carry the offerings into the fire, to the concerned deity. The Gods, pleased with the offerings grant the wishes of the devotees in the form of benefits like longevity, good health, wealth, success in business, ward off evils, get rid of enemity, gain prosperity, progeny etc., etl. In fact, the invoking of Fire God is (i.e. Agni) is traditionally considered as the carrier of our prayers and offerings to the concerned deity/devatha. It is said that since these devathas are so powerful, they are not easily reachable to the ordinary man. The Agni acts as an easy and approachable intermediary who can pass on our devotion and prayer to the devathas. The Agni along with his two brothers, takes our offerings to the Gods, through the powerful Vedic recitals of specific Mantra, given for each ritual.

The Ayush Homam is one such, performed on the completion of first year of birth Nakshatra (note – not as per birth date, but the day of constellation that falls on the same Indian Calender month in the following year of birth). Primarily to pray for longevity and prosperity of life  this Homam is performed.  Ayush = meaning age or tenure of life, and Homam, the invocation of the deity through a consecrated fire. Though it is usually performed on the First birthday (Star-wise) of the baby. it can even be performed anytime later during one’s lifetime.

After the purification of the place where the Ayush Homam is held, i.e. Graha Suddhi Punyahavachanam, the priests are invited to invoke the Lord Brahma, through their prayers. The recitals are at least with three such priests, chanting the Ayush Sooktham in unison. Then, the Lords of birth Nakshatra, Family Diety (Kula Devatha)  are invoked. Basically, this starts with the Kumbam known as Khalash and then the same is repeated again with the Holy Fire. This can be compared to the respect with which we treat our guests and ensure they feel special. Similarly, the God is also treated in a special way. The perform sits facing east, where the Agni Kundam is kept in front of him in the centre. 

The purpose of performing Aayush Homam is that, when a child is born, the possibilities of having the vibrations of previous birth and might identify the previous birth’s contacts. To remove that from the present body, they apply certain herbal sticks, that will heat the body and mind, which will remove the poorva jenma karma, and make the child fit to live this generation. In The Holy fire they offer cooked rice, ghee made out of cow’s milk and some samithu known as wooden sticks of smaller size. While offering these, they recite and chant the Ayush Sooktham for a minimum three times, that contain 8 stanzas.

Ayushya Homam is Dedicated to the Life God to enhance longevity – Ayush – i.e. life. Homam is explained by the sage Bodhayana in the Bodhayana sutras. According to Bodhayana, if a child is constantly ill, this Homam could be performed on a monthly basis till the child attains good health. But in general practice, this is performed only at the first year of birth only i.e. day of the star in which the child is born. This Homam is performed on the day the child completes one year of age. In case one is unable to perform it on this day, it can be done on the consecutive month. It may be done even on a monthly basis. By performing the Ayush Homam the evil effects caused by day of the fortnight (Thithi), day of the week (Vara) & the constellation (nakshatra -star) are eradicated. It bestows longevity, prosperity and good health. It is experienced that even some of the common ailments, which cannot be diagnosed through mainstream medicines, are cured by the performance of this Homam.

After the Homam, the child is given the remainder cooked rice as a Prasadam, added wtih sugar. Then, the child’s head is tonsured to get rid of the dirts, that associated while in mother’s womb. After giving bath, the ear piercing takes place to complete the function. The general sequences for this ritual is:

1. Changing Holy thread by the performer, (2) Purifying the Home (suddhi punyahavachanam), (3) Anugjam, (4) Sankalpam (5)  Vishwakshena Aradhanam (6) Ayurdevatha, Kula Devatha, Ishta Devatha & Nakshatra Devatha aavaahanam in the Kumbam (7) Archanam (8) Recitals of Ayush Sooktham and other Devatha Mantram  – Japam (9) Agni Avaahanam (10) Pradhana Ayush Homam – depending on the number of priests/Bruhaspati, the number can vary from 28 to 108 ahuthis. (11) Nakshatra Devatha, Purusha/Sri Sooktha Homam &  (12) Jayathi Homam. And finally the Maha Aseervatham – the blessings of Brahmins with Vedic recitals specific for the function, after offering their due sambavana/Dakshina.  Kula Devatha/Perumal/Thayar & Acharyan Sambavana. At The end of the function, Mangala Aarathi is taken.

The Ayush Homam is also performed during completion of the 60th, 80th & 100th year. Srivaishnavites perform Sri Sooktha, Purusha Sooktha & Sudarsana Homam ttogether with Ayush Homam. Shivites used perform, starting it Ganapathy & Navagraha pooja, then with Ganapathi Homam & Navagraha Homam. However, for both, after the Ayush Homam & Poorna Ahuthi, a sacrifice known as Jayathi Homam is performed at the end. The Jayathi Homam is, in fact, to be performed at the end of each auspicious Havan known as Homam; this is for all the sect of Brahmins.

List of Items required for Ayush Homam – List given in Tamil & English.

மஞ்சள்/Turmeric Roots & Powder

குங்குமம்/Kumkum

சந்தனம்/Sandalwood paste

கற்பூரம்/Camphor

ஊதுவத்தி/Incense sticks

வெற்றிலை – பாக்கு/Betel Leaves & betalnuts

பழங்கள்/Fruits

புஷ்பம் – கதம்பம்/Flowers

குழந்தைக்கு ஏற்ப சிறிய மாலை/small garland for the child

அக்னி குண்டம் அல்லது ஆறு செங்கல்/6 Bricks or AgniKundam for Holy fire

சாதம் 200-மில்லி/Cooked Rice 200 ml

நெய்/Ghee

வாழை இலை/Banana Leaves 4

கும்பம்/கலஸத்திற்கு ஒரு டவல் அல்லது வேஷ்டி உத்ரீயம்/A Towel or Dhoti for Khalas

மாவிலைக்கொத்து/Mango Bunch leaves

அனுக்ஞத்திற்கு சில்லரை தக்ஷிணை/Coins

அரிசி/Rice 1 Kg

தேங்காய்/Coconuts

சர்க்கரை/Sugar

சொம்பு, டம்ப்ளர், ஸ்தாலி, உத்திருணி, தாம்பாளம், ட்ரே, கலஸத்திற்கு குடம் அல்லது சொம்பு

/Water vessels, Tumbler, spoon, Trays & Plates etc.

(வரட்டி, சமிது, பூணல் இத்யாதிகளை வாத்தியார் கொண்டு வரலாம்)/

Cowdung cakes, Yagnjopaveetham, firesticks etc. can be brought by the Bruhaspathi himself.

Hope this article and the list help the visitors to plan their ward’s Ayush Sooktha Homam in an arranged manner.

Recommended Gift Items for the child: Toys, Dress, Gold items of Chain/Ring etc, or still better a Gift Cheque to be deposited in a minor account for the child’s future usage.

மாதா, பிதா, சிசு தீர்க்காயுஷ்யமஸ்து.

ஸுபமஸ்து.

(I am planning to publish the entire Ayushya Sooktha scripts soon. Please visit again to check)

Please sign in the Guestbook with your valuable comments, suggestions and criticism as well.

There are many persons asking me to give an invitation draft for the Ayush Homam function. It is not possible for me to give each and every single person’s needs so I am giving hereunder the sketch from which one can get the cue. It is meant for Sri Ahobila mutt followers. However, the same can be used for all other sub-sect followers (Andavan Ashsram, Parakala Mutt, Thenkalai different Acharyan disciples)-   just simply changing the Thiruman/Sloka for their respective Acharyan / mutt. However, for Sashtiyabtha poorthi and other functions, the format changes and varies from the following script. You can change the following name of father of the child and can replace with grandparents names that also can be mentioned.

Draft Invitation model for Ayush Homam

ஸ்ரீமதே லக்ஷ்மீந்ருஸிம்ஹ பரப்ரம்மணே நம:  ஸ்ரீமதே நிகமாந்த மஹாதேஸிகாய நம: ஸ்ரீமதே ஆதிவண்சடகோப யதீந்த்ர மஹாதேஸிகாய நம: ஸ்ரீமதே வேதாந்த தேஸிக யதீந்த்ர மஹாதேஸிகாய நம: ஸ்ரீமதே லக்ஷ்மீந்ருஸிம்ஹ திவ்யபாதுகா ஸேவக ஸ்ரீவண்சடகோப ஸ்ரீநாராயண யதீந்த்ர மஹாதேஸிகாய நம: ஸ்ரீமதே ஸ்ரீவண்சடகோப ஸ்ரீரங்கநாத யதீந்த்ர மஹாதேஸிகாய நம: அப்தபூர்த்தி ஆயுஷ்ஹோம சுபமுஹூர்த்த பத்திரிகை. ஸ்ரீமத் வேதமார்க்கப் ப்ரதிஷ்டாபனராய் எழுந்தருளியிருக்கும் ஸ்ரீ உ. வே. ______________________________________ஸ்வாமி ஸந்நிதியில் அடியேன் ______________________________ தாஸன் அநந்தமான தெண்டன் ஸமர்ப்பித்த விக்ஞாபனம். க்ஷேமம். உபயகுசலோபரி.  இப்பவும் நாளது ஸ்வஸ்திஸ்ரீ ______________ ளூ ___________மீ____உ (__-__-____) _____________கிழமை __________திதியும், __________ யோகமும்___________கரணமும், _______________நக்ஷத்ரமும் கூடிய சுபயோக சுபதினத்தில் உதயாதி நாழிகை __ க்கு மேல் ___க்குள், (மணிக்கு மேல் __க்குள்) ________ லக்னத்தில்,அடியேன் (குமாரன் சிரஞ்சீவி ) / (குமாரத்தி சௌபாக்யவதி) ___________________________க்கு அப்தபூர்த்தி ஆயுஷ்ஹோமம் செய்வதாய், ஸ்ரீமத் அழகியசிங்கர்களின் அநுக்ரஹத்துடனும், பகவத் க்ருபையுடன் பெரியோர்களால் நிச்சயிக்கப்பட்டு, க்ஷ சுபமுஹூர்த்தம் (நெ. __ல் உள்ள _______________________- விலாஸம், ஹால், தெரு, ஊர் பெயர் முதலியன) நடக்கிறபடியால், தேவரீர் ஸஹகுடும்ப ஸமேதராய் எழுந்தருளியிருந்து, குழந்தையும் எங்களயும் ஆசீர்வதித்து அனுக்ரஹிக்கவேணுமாய் ப்ரார்த்திக்கிறேன். இடம்:                                               வாசிக தோஷ:                   வேணும் அநந்தமான தெண்டன் ஸமர்ப்பித்த விக்ஞாபனம்,தேதி:                                                    க்ஷந்தவ்ய:                                                            தாஸன், (பட்டப்பெயர், குலம், ஊர், பெயர் முதலானவை

Jaya Jaya Sri Sudarsana !

QUESTION & ANSWERS ON SRARDDHA & THARPAN

Introduction.

After having his some doubts  cleared on Gaya Srardha, through the FAQ pages of this website,  Mr. Gopala Krishna has written many mails asking for clarifications in our Srardha and TharppaNa procedures. This question & answer is prepared to have an enlightening about Sraardha and Tharpan. I am thankful to Mr. Gopalakrishnan Ramaiyer, now settled in Chennai for condensing our email exchanges into this Q & A format. The Questions some times you may see as something you always wanted to ask and get the Answer. The answers are given in simple understanding manner. In fact it is the compression of the various questions put to me in different occasions by visitor Sri R. Gopala Krishnan who is a retired officer from BSNL Trivandrum. In fact, the summarized Q&A below is out of our various e-mail exchanges on the subject.

Q1. Sir – Who has performed sraardha first? Who has coordinated the procedures for the sraardha we perform today? Has any body amended it?  

A1. Good question! It will be astonishing to you if I say that Sri Varaha moorthy has performed sradha first. Sage Bodhayana has co-ordinated the procedures for Sraadha. But his procedures are lengthy. For instance, even while Bhokthas are taking food, Kartha is to continue performing the lengthy Jayathi Homa. These procedures are later amended by sage Apasthambha which is the basis of Sraadha Niyama now we follow.

Dear Sir, You would have heard lengthy manthras for Bodhaya soothra while you perform annual upakarma. I hope this much will satisfy your question.

Q2. Sir, I have heard Sraadha has to be performed by self. Is it possible?

A2. Sraadha niyama say so. But due to the elaborate procedures and complexities in them, we seek the Sasthrikals known as Bruhaspathi or Vadyar to guide. Now it has become order of the day to invite Sasthrikals, Bruhaspathi known as Vaadyar.

If you refer Ithihasa (The History) Ramayana,  you will read Sri Rama performed Sraadha for Dasaratha himself  

Q3. Sir is it correct that Sraadha has to be performed in Aparannam. What is your view?

A3.  Again Sraadha niyama say so. We are in a fast moving world. Can the present day kartha and Bhoktha can remain that much time? Kartha or Bhoktha can be a sugar patient. Can they wait so much? However it is apt to perform sraadha so that the Bhokthas take their food in the afternoon. I hope after reading this you will not get displeased with either sasthrikals or Bhokthas if they come a little late by 11 AM or so. I hope this reply satisfy you.  

Q4. Sir, Your answers make me more curious. You have said Sradha Niyama two times to me. Where can we have sraadha niyama now?  

A4. It is interesting to note that you are more curious. One sradha niyama authority is vaidyanatheeyam or Vaidyanatha deekshitheeyam. You can refer it to clarify many of your doubts. This is actually a Tamil translation of smrithi muktAphalam, named as vaidhyanAdha dhIkshithIyam, compiled and translated by Sri Venkatrama Shastry and Sri Ramamoorthy Shastry, at the behest of srI KAnchi ParamAchAryAl in 1985. I can give you the details of this book since you are very curious.

Title: samkshEpa dharma sAstram ,  

Publishers: Heritage India Educational Trust,

#6, Sanskrit College street, Mylapore,

Chennai – 600 004 Latest edition: Third, 1990  

This book deals with many other topics too. Just for your information, the book is really a boon as the price is astonishingly very very little comparing to its worth. Since you are at present settled in Chennai, I think you could get one copy from them. There are many books in other languages too. As an appendix, this book also clarifies on Aasaucha sadakam.

Q5. Sir, This question was in my mind for a long time. Now I put it to you. Do Viswamdeva (Viswedava) escort or guide the pithru?

A5. I think you are going deeper in to sraadha. I will try to answer all your queries, For your question Viswam deva is both.  Even if the pithru is in nether world he is to be brought by Viswam deva only. I hope this gives satisfactory answer to you.

Q6. Sir, This is another question in my mind for a long time. During sraadha we feed only one Bhoktha. Then how do we call Vasu, Rudra Aditya swaroopaya and pithrus from three generations? I hope I am making you to think putting questions of elaborative nature.

A6. Dear Sir, Surely the answer to this question is rather than elaborative they are sookshma in nature.  How ever I will answer the question in simplest manner.

Basically understand in Sraadha a set of procedures is followed to recollect the pithru. The set procedures as told are followed. Many of these procedures have inner meanings too still not fully explained or can understand from the sraadha books.

If you go through the manthras you will learn  not only three generations but jnatha Anjatha pithrus too you invite and feed. This is sankalpa. You are performing sraadha to the pithru who has left on that thithi.  

You have asked why we refer in Sradha Vasu Rudra Aditya swaroopaya. They are sradha deities.

If you are going to invite a relative and his friends too are there will you invite your friend only? Why for courtesy call others too? Will we not send them too some compliments through him?

One bhoktha whom you invite represent the pithru for whom sradha is performed. We identify him in addition with Sraadha deities Vasu, Rudra and Aditya. Usually Vasu is pithru deity for whom sraadha is done. Rudra and Aditya represent other pithru deities whom you invite.  It is told by identifying the invited bhoktha with Vasu, Rudra and Aditya deities the sraadha offerings are taken to all invitees. As I first said the explanation is sookshma. This indirectly hints pithru is another deity like viswamdeva (Viswedevas).

Q7.  Sir Do our pithru  reach swarga?

A7.  Why doubt? The ultimate destination being Kailasam aka Paramapadam, the souls wander from   one location to other, depending on their merits and punya bhalam. They reach their destinations by various steps; pithrulokam, devalokam, etc. The actual   paramapatham, Srivaikuntham or kailasam are one and the same as per the   philosophical readings.

Q8. Excuse me sir; you have said depending on the merit the pithru reach Paramapadam. If so what happen by performing sraadha to a pithru reached Swarga. Is it too sooshma to explain?

A8. But having no way to know the facts, we are instructed to continue the   srardham till our lifetime. Here too, we do it not only for the parents who left, but also for three-generation viz. grand and great grand parents. Why? If   by any chance, if our parent reached the destination but any of the grand parents left wandering, then it is for them to gain through this srardham. What if none of them wandering but all reached safely to the Kailasam   or the Paramapadam? It will benefit Njaatha ajnjaatha pithrus.

The very basic reason for having prescribed to perform it for three generation is the most vital part of the value added srardham.

Q9. Sir, Do not think I am philosophical and too much pondering. When we offer the seventh pinda during sraadha it go to Jnatha Anjatha pithrus. Am I correct if I say it pertain to sahothra?

A9. Mr, Gopala Krishnan- It is not you are going philosophical but it is a desire to know more on sraadha. I am happy you are showing so much interest. I am too much happy to answer you …

Ok, Sir, you are correct. Jnatha Anjatha Here, when you   perform the srardham with homam, after offering twice each to Pithru, Pithamaha & Prapithamaha – the seventh time offering is to Njaathi -i.e. distant cousins who left the earth. In case of anyone who left without any such ceremony performed, let the seventh step offering reach them – that   is for the Sahothra njaathi. (Njaathaagnjaatha, pithrupyapcha, yathaa   swaahaah:) By doing this seventh Ahuthi with Havis that reaches to the Sahothra Daayathi, who might have left without any kriya/kainkaryam performed for many reasons (No issues, died at unknown place, nobody knows who is who when left, or some of them with issues but they never cared to perform the rituals from the beginning etc. etl.)

So, even if our parents, grand & great grand parents reached the abode, it is for us to continue the thithi srardham till our life time only for those who might have fortunate.

Q10. Sir, I have a doubt. Do the tharpanam done on sraadha day itself at the end is not as per niyama?

A10. Sir, Is your entire query on sraadha is over and I can take a relief?

Surely It is local codification in course of time. Actually it has to be performed only on the next day. But it has become practice of the day in context of sasthrikal and Kartha. However some thing done is better than not done. We are also becoming Apasthamba some times!!!

Q11. Sir, My questions on sraadha are not over please. The Tharpanam question on sraadha day came to my mind and I raised it. Sir, Many perform Hiranya sraadha in place of sraadhan with Homam. Why there are these two types of sraadham? Sir, Hiranya sraadham as per rules  is  to be conducted by those who are physically not capable and much aged or who are extremely poor.

A11. Sir, Well asked an important question. Hiranya sraadha is told for people who have got certain limitations like very aged and not able to perform the long procedure srarddha etc.

All capacitate (it is not financial alone but physical and mental too) people should perform sraadha with Homam. True benefit is only achieved through performing Srardham with HOMAM!  Only when performed with homam, these are given thrice to the parents – first through the agni swaroopam, then through the Brahmmana Bhojanam and then lastly through the Pinda pradhanam (For Sama and Rg Vedhis three   pindams and for Yajur Vedhis with six pindams – and for Bhodhayana soothra followers it is 24 Pindams!). Only on doing these three steps, then the remainder cooked rice becomes Pithru sesham.  

One has to eat this pithru seasham to gain the benefits of the srardham . The pithru  seasham is known blessings directed to us which is left untouched by many – without knowing the values!

In hiranya sraadham there is no pithru sesham, which is the main blessing of pithru. I hope after reading this answer at least able people will perform sraadha with Homam.

Q12. Sir, who all can take food prepared for sraadha, after offering to Bhoktha?

A12. It can be taken by close relations and by sagothra too. Normally, other Gothra persons do not share the srardha food. However, children below the age of 7 years are allowed eat the srardha food. But in Srivaishnava Thenkalai sampradaya, it is known as ishta pandhi, where any one who is not related, too can eat, if one wish.

Q13. Another important question is coming to my mind Sir, in those days when there was monthly period for the wife how did the kartha-performed sraadha? Now a day the problem may not appear perhaps by taking medical assistance.

A13. It appears you are coming to practical sides.In those days, in villages they had a very big place at backyard for the women to take shelter during the inconvenient periods. They used stay at a distance, where you won’t even hear them. (Even hearing them talking during their periods was not allowed and mostly restricted to few house members).

In Sama Veda sampradaya, they perform only after the fifth day, after Kartha’s wife taking bath. In Rig Veda’s followers too it was the same. But in Yajur Veda followers, they can perform it even in the absence of one’s wife during the Srarddha.

In normal terms, for every sect and sub-sect, allowed their female family member with periods to stay elsewhere during and earlier day of sradha.

During the Punyahavachanam, they used to add a word in sankalpam “rajaswala aasoucha nivruthiyartham” and then perform the Graha suddhi to continue with the ceremony. Oh, thinking of the present day cubicles and flat system and apartments!!!!.

Q14. Sir, I know there are different types of sraadhas. There is Atma pinda sraadha with special manthra too. My question sir, who are advised to perform Jala srradha and Hiranya sraadha?

A14. Hiranaya sraadha I have already replied. How ever I will give one more clarification and express the srardha niyama as explained by my distant cousin, late Sri Mukkur Lakshminarasimhachariar, (who was very popular for his divine writings in many periodicals, very specifically for an article series in Kalki “Kurai Onrum Illai Govinda”) has given some hints on the Srardha procedures. He even wrote an article in one of the Kalki Deepavali supplement and I give the contents here below for the readers to take a note. The Srardha niyama in three different types with each having values on Uthama, Madhima & Athama paksha:

The Uthama factors: Srardha with Homam

With five Brahmins – one each for the post of Brahmma, Bruhaspathi, Viswedeva, Pithru and Sri Mahavishnu as Srardha Samrakshaka. – Uthamothamam.

Bruhaspathi, viswedeva, Pithru & Vishnu – Uthamam

Bruhaspathi, Vishwedeva & Pithru – Madhimam

Bruhaspathi & Bhokta Pithru – Adhamam

The Madhima factors – Srardha without Homam but only with sankalpam:

Sankalpa srardha without homam but bhojanam to three Brahmins plus vaadyar – Uthamam

sankalpa Srardha without homam but with two bhoktas – Viswedeva & Pithrus + Vadyar – Madhimam

Sankalpa Srardha without homam but with only one Bhokta + vadyar – Adhamam

Adhama factors – No homam, No bhojanam but only offering raw rice, raw banana with pulses, jaggery etc. with Sankalpam:

offering to 3 Brahmins – Uthamam – Visvedeva, Pithru, Sri Mahavishnu and Bruhaspathi – Uthamam

offering to two Brahmins – visvedeva, Pithrus – Madhimam

offering to only one Brahmin – Adhamam

Adhamoadhamam:

Offering to only one Brahmin that too without any sankalpa mantra – this is known as Aama srardham.

And still, if one cannot do any of the above for varied reasons, it was said to perform at least the Thila TharppaNam on that day and offer it to the Vishnu padam to remember the Thithi! This is the least one can afford – if one is so poor, sick and disabled. If one cannot even afford the Thila (seasame), then just only with plain water!

If age factor and monetary considerations are not favourable, one has to   perform to the minimum possible way, i.e. by Sankalpam with   Hiranyam. And Sri Lord Krishna wants at least a TharpaNam by offerring it to the Vishnu Padam (only, sick, aged and poor can do the srardham just only with TharpaNam!).

Q15. Sir, What is pithru dosha? Does this appear on account of non-performance of sraardha?

A15. Very good, now you have come to related topics. The pitru dosha is supposed to be caused by non-performance of sraardha rites. It. causes childlessness, obstacles and failures in many ways.

Q16. Sir, This question is regarding a very big confusion in my mind. Once I wrote in the Yahoo iyer 123 group for pithru 1 year is equal to a day. A few replied back to me  it is a month and not one year. Please clarify.

A16. Dear Sri Gopala Krishnan, it is not you only, but many have this confusion. Actually, the period of day & night and months are quite different in different logam, just like the one in the planets and celestial phenomena. If pithru’s happen to be in pithru logam, for them Sukla paksha/Krishna paksha each fifteen days counts as day and night.

If they reach the deva gana status, then Dakshinayanam & Uthrayanam period of six months each stands for them as a day and night.

Here I will add a little bit more so that my point will be further enlightened. Pithru do not get hungry as we. For the first one year after death we offer masikam-monthly feeding. After annual sraadha once in a year. This mean once in 12 days. For pithru this feeding is sufficient. This is the procedure followed now. If they have reached Devaloka it is ones a  day.

Please note pithru ned not be in pithru loka or deva loka. There are six worlds above us and seven worlds below us.

In this context  I hope you recollect the story of  sage Sandipani. Sree Krishna offered him Gurudakshina  after praying to Lord Varuna and Going to the nether world bringing back his deceased son…

Though you have not asked, still I like to clarify a little bit about tharpan in this context.

Monthly Tharpanam is not pithru feeding. It is to get their blessings. Many confuse that tharpanam is for feeding pithru. I will discuss further on tharpanams if you have any  query on it .  As I said earlier in my answer there are certain sooshma instructions. Annual sraadha is one among them. I hope you are contented with this reply.

Q 17. We normally perform sraadha on a specific given thithi of the month of death. Sir, Can we postpone/advance to any earlier or later thithi?

A17. It is desired  sraadha be performed on the fixed thithi only. However there are some exceptions told in the scripts, like – (1) If Vadhyar, Bhokta failed to turn, then also you can postpone it to a convenient day. (2) If due to war, mutiny, calamity etc.  one can postpone the same to any other convenient day, till the normalcy returns!  Or if any death take place amongst one’s close relatives (aasoucham) one can postpone srardha to the day when aasoucham is over. Here for the failed Srardham, the condition is, that it should be performed on the immediate next day, or on the Krishna Paksha Ashtami or on the Amavasya day, in that order; if that too not possible, then in the next month but in the same thithi.

One compulsory rule is, you can postpone the thithi sraadham but cannot advance it!” These are the main rulings. I hope you are satisfied with the reply.

Q18. Excuse  me sir, if sraadha can be postponed why it should not be advanced? Can you kindly clarify?

A 18. Mr Gopala Krishnan, I answered postponement of sraadha is permitted on extreme conditions. It is very simple logic to answer your question why it should not be proponed

.

Shall I  start with a simple example. If you are taking meals at 1 PM regularly you will feel hungry and turn to dining table only by that time. Particularly if you are having any health problem timely food is a must. Either earlier or later you may not go. You know it very well. Similar is the case of the pithru. They will not turn up earlier. You will put the question- then why postponement is approved?

Yes, again the same example for easy understanding – you go to the dining table and if your wife say just wait another 10 minutes, you may (Have to?) wait. But everyday if you have to wait surely will you not become angry?

Refer my answer for postponement of sraadha. On extreme conditions only it is permitted. I hope this answer is convincing you. Once again I emphasize the point – Pithrus appear only on the day of srardham and if failed , then they visit on all subsequent days till it is performed. This is just like your impatience  to have the food in my example.

Q19. Excuse me sir,-we perform Nanthi (Nothing but a variation of sraadha in my thinking ) on a convenient date before any auspicious function. It is an untimely calling. How do you justify it if timely meals just like a sick patient is to be given to the pithru. Am I embarrassing you too much?

A19. Not at all sir, From your way of putting the questions I understand very well your intentions of clarifications. I am expecting more and more questions. Incidentally are you not having any questions on Tharpan? I will answer your question now.

The Abvyooham known as nandhi srardham is known for “KaaraNa nimitham”  i.e. for a specific benefit. It is to seek their blessings for the special occasion. It is just like any other festivity that we take special meals than the regular and unusual. There is no over-feeding amounts on the “kaaraNa nimitham” since this is for a specific special purpose.

Since you have asked I will add a little more on nanthi sasthra which may give some more informations to you about it.

There are some stipulations one has to follow for every ritual. These are classified under Dharma sasthra; with the help of a learned person, one can invite the departed souls only on pre-laid conditions per sastra for some reasonable functions as Nandhi srardha only. Other pithru days are not counted as a disturbance as they do expect these on given days. The same rule applies to sraadha conducted in Punnia kshethras like Sethu aka Rrameswaram, Prayag, Kasi, Gaya etc.

When you do the Nandhi srardham, it is said to be directed to all the 14 Lokams so as to get the blessings from all, whoever, wherever they might reside are linked to us and surely there is no question arises of our disturb/botheration to any soul. In such Nandhi srardham, the name order changes! In normal Srardha, you invite pithru, pithamaha & prapithamaha; but in Gothra pravaram and nandhi, you announce/invite first prapithama first, then pithamha and lastly your pithru !

Q20.  Respected Sir, surely I have questions on Tharpanam but they are few in number since you have clearly stated already it is for the blessings and not feeding.

I have a few more questions  on sraadha. I will put the next one – Why the pinda is offered to crow. Can it be offered to cow if crow do not turn up?

A20.  Niyathi is to offer pinda to crow and before the bhoktha get up after meals, crows should be start eating pinda.

Crow is said to be a carrier/messenger for the pithrus.  When a srardha/tharppana mantra is recited at any location and if a crow flies across even a furlong away, then the message is carried/uplifted to the pithrulogam, it is believed. Yes, the phonetic wave vibrations are taken from one station is just uplifted with its wings. (Even the researchers agree, crow has a special power even to uplift the ether waves and some sort of unknown signals lengths.

When an Earth  quake is about to take place, researchers say, crow is the first creature to be watched as it feels the shock even before it strikes!!). It is the most reserved and alert bird.

I have heard that  in certain places Crow do not turn up. In such places we can adopt local conditions. Are we not changing many things suit to local conditions?

One needs to be practical to give merit to the ethics. The Sasthra says to do it; when the availability of such and such things are rare, then one need to abide by the sastra but leave the matter to almighty! Be practical to the minimum extent. required.

As a matter of fact, most of our rituals are surely based on local conditions and the practices we follow are that most suited to the place we dwell in. Even the Almanac known as Panchang we use in the south , it is quite different one from the one used in the North or Eastern India. Why so? Surely, Rithu/ayana etc are different from one other and it is purely based on the climatic & topographical conditions of each place.

Now sir, I can give  an interesting piece of information after giving the Vayasam – pindam to the crow:

If it eats the rice from the ball from east side, it is said to be a good omen, that the coming generations too will benefit from the pithru’s blessings.

If from the west side Aiswarya

And  if from north side of the ball if it eats first, then pithru’s are not fully contented happy over the ritual.

If it takes from the south side, then some sort of trouble is impending.

What if four crows at a time eats from all directions? Surely our present life continue, that much one can be sure of!

But I think in many areas crow taking the pinda rice immediately is considered as pithru satisfaction of the sraadha performance.

I have heard in certain houses even  crow will be impatiently waiting for the second Kartha keep the pinda for its eating.

I hope this answering though  gone lengthy has input a lot more information . What do you  think?

Now, let us think on the rationale way. Crow is an environmental cleansing agent. It takes away every bit of dirt that if left that would contaminate the surroundings. Whether rat or any other dead animal, the crow will eat it and cleanse the place neatly!. But the fact is, if any other creature dies, crow will eat it; and if a crow dies – oh, it is to bio-degrade itself with the soil !! Yes, no other creature will touch the dead crow.

Q21.  Sir, Though lengthy the answering was very very nformative. Thank you. Sir, my next question- Now a days practically it is impossible to remain till aparanna with out even taking coffee or milk for elderly and sick people. This applies to Bhoktha too. What is your opinion on it?

A21.  Sir, In the present world surely your query is justified for elders. If your ill health do not permit to remain with out taking any thing till sraadha completed  take some thing . At least while performing sraadha- two hours time do not take any  thing. If a kartha or bhoktha is having high Blood sugar, then insulin and morning food after it are important. Try to conduct sraadha earlier. These are all my personal opinions. What I feel is your sinceority to conduct sraadha is most important.

Q 22.  Can you elaborate  rules regarding the Bhoktha  as well as for kartha Sir?

A 22. Surely I will. For the sanctity of the bhoktha these are all the must.

1. He should be fairly healthy, married and a family man and with no physical handicappedness.

2. He should refrain from family life on the previous day.

3. He should have fasted the previous day.

4. He should be clean, neatly dressed and should have taken oil bath on the day.

5. He should partake only in one sraadha on a day. This is very important.

6. On the sraardha day too other than the food taken no meals should be taken in the night.

7. If not done the Veda Adyayanam fully, at least he must a be a person doing his daily Gayatri Japa. And above all,

8. He should not be from the same Gothra as that of Kartha.

I think you agree if I state  such a bhoktha has to be fully compensated with Dakshina and other forms . Bhoktha can partake maximum seven sraadhas in a month. The entire month bhoktha and his family  has to survive on the dakshina.

Now for the Kartha – one has to go fasting on the earlier day to Srardha; avoid taking food from outsiders/outside or in hotels (here Sister, Aunt, Uncle and immediate close relations viz. Father In-law etc are not considered as outsiders!) at least a fortnight from the date of Srardha. Not to take oil bath or shaving on the day of Srardha; all sorts of entertainments, outside travels etc. to be avoided. To perform the Srardhanga TharppaNa on the next day to srardha and then only move out.

Q23. Sir,I fully agree with you..  I have three  more   questions in my mind  before I put my queries on Tharpan.

First one is whether thithi or nakshathra of death is to be reckoned? In Kerala Nairs follow Nakshathra. Nampoothiries too if I recollect.  In Calcutta star is found followed according to one sraadha book in Bengali I have read.

A23.  Surely a good question you have asked me .Now I will give the clarification.

In general the Nakshatra for birth and thithi for death is taken. However, for the Lords, the thithi is given importance by many and the nakshatra is given importance by others. (Few for the festivity consider Pusyha/Rohini).

In Srivaishnava, even a fraction of seconds of Sapthami is not to be there for Sri Krishna Jayanthi, even if Rohini slips out!

The reason for this is as we live on this earth it is to be taken according to this planets rotational movements that falls in the Nakshatra. And for the Pithru’s it the Thithi is important because, as the Pithru locational calander is based on fifteen days Sukla/Krishna paksha is a day for them.

As far the Lords, it is the one and same applicable as they too were born and departed souls in this earth! These are my assumptions and there is no syllable I can quote. May be I have not come across any such notations on this. I admit the fact, I am not able to say why srardha should not be conducted as per star.

Q24. Sir my next question is about theertha sraadha. and specifically sraadha performed at  Rameswaram, Prayag, Banaras and Gaya. I want an elaborative reply from you regarding their  importance  and why they are important.

A24.  First I will answer Why this Gaya sraadha is made important.  

A srardha performed near any of the Sacred river-side known as Jeeva Nadhi is always has multiple benefits. And when it comes to Gaya, Kasi or Sethu known as Rameswaram, it has more value, as these places are mentioned as Punya-Kshetra, where the Lord Himself has set His foot.

More so, in Gaya the Lord’s feet print (only in single) known, as Vishnu Padam is located, thus signifying the offering the Pindam directly to the Vishnu Padam.

Thus Gaya srardham gets highest merits to add punya-bhalam to the coming generations in a flow.  

As stated earlier, being the important place where Sri Mahavishnu’s footprint known as Vishnu Padam is located, it was widely given much more importance in Srardha Niyama. Thus expecting the entire Sanadhana Dharma followers will be visiting once in their lifetime, the settlement of Brahmin communities was imminent. To help it’s followers, each Mutt or Sect has established it’s branches to facilitate the visitors of respective sect to do the ordained ritual; they made every available source to render its services to the needy.

Here in Gaya, irrespective of your faith and membership of one’s sect, you can perform the srardha from any other mutt also, as the aim and intention is the same. Also, the mantra vidhi is all the same for every one!

Another important thing-Every body who simply desire to go are not able to go to these places. Some obstructions in some way come in their way. Above all some destiny take us there…. And only the gifted one does perform the Srardha here, let what come the cost.

The Gaya Srardha has  no equations. It is the specialty of Vishnu Padam location, which counts much more benefits; one needs to do, perform the Theertha Srardha once in their lifetime.

Above all, it is the gifted souls that reach their to perform the srardha – either in the belief of weeding off their sins, or to gain to punyabhalam; in most cases, the visitors sincerely and honestly perform it there, to relieve the souls and send them to their ultimate destinations, out of pure love, affection and care for the departed persons.

In your one earlier query I had  clarified already the following points which I may add here too for the benefit of visitors:

1. Gaya sraadha is equivalent to performing 60 annual sraadhas.

2. After Gaya sraadha, conducting sraadha should not be discontinued. Continuing sraadha will surely  feed Jnatha Anjatha pithrus if our pithrus have gone to their destinations. It adds to punniabalam.

There are even persons perform sraadha for Jnatha anjatha pithrus too for punniam. I hope this reply is elaborate as you desired.

Q25. Sir, My last question is about the queries itself I have put forth so far. I think I have put forth queries which needed answer in mine as well as from many peoples mind.

A25. Yes sir, Really I too feel so. Your queries are thought provoking. I too feel this Q&A will be benefiting to the visitors to my site .Thank you very much for patronizing my site. Now let us proceed with your other questions on TharppaNa niyama.

QUESTION & ANSWER ON THARPANA.

Q1. Sir, You have already clarified many times Tharpan is not pithru feeding. If so why we  are conducting tharpan? 

A1.  According to Pithrumedha sagaram, any srardha with bhojanam is only the feeding. And the tharppaNam is entirely for the benefit of more gains through blessings .So you get blessings of the pithrus by tharpan Irrespective of the place where pithru stay.

The tharpan offerings til (black seasame known as gingily) and Jal (water) reach them. Only the mantra roopa “hitham, swathaa nama: tharppayami” and no where it is mentioned whether-where they live or stay put . I hope this simple answer is sufficient.

Q2 Sir, If one’s mother leave to heavenly abode keeping father alive why do Tharpan is not performed till father’s death? Do not the soul of mother has to bless us, if the father’s death occur late?.

A2. Dear Mr Gopala Krishnan, Here my answer is a little elaborate. Then only why tharpan for mother is not performed can be clarified to you.

The Dharma Sastra bestows many rights only to a son. Are not the daughters equal? Once a woman marries, she belong to another gothra. She is to gain all the benefits from the home she enters as an housewife. She becomes the head of the family. This is the prevailing status in Hindu dharma for living souls.

For the departed souls, the annual srardham is the only feeding and hence we do not leave them hungry. But for the male counterpart, the Tharpana niyama is in mantra roopa and hence it is not amounting to feeding.

As a rule, male vamsavali is only counted as genetical factors and no female vamsavali is known to be taken. It is for the Kula vrudhi , vamsa vrudhi and saubhagya one performs the ordained rituals. (VidhivihitreNa tharppana:, kulavruthena argyam, bhalavrudthena  karmavyaapi, Guna vruthena saukyobava:).

Here, the thrappanam only is given to the males, just on the male vargathavya; 

Since srardha feed is done individually, the tharppana only begin after the departure of the male counter part and till then no tharpanam for female. 

Here again, they never starve because of not doing tharpanam since tharpan is for blessing. Here I add this too is sookshma. I hope my quotings fully satisfy your query.

Q3.  Sir, I have read tharpan has to be started after sapindi for departed male soul. Now it is the practice to perform sapindi on 12^th  day. Then why tharpan is not started from the first month?

A3.  What you have read is correct Mr. Gopala Krishnan.SapindikarNm is to be is to be performed only on the 12th month and then aabdeekam. No, not on the 12th day. Does it suprise you? Truly, this is the fact.  How and where did we err?  According to all the Srardha niyama books and scripts, the oldest practice is to perform the Kriya, then Oonam, thithi maasyam every month and then Sabindeekaranam in 12th month,So, normally only after the aabdeekam the Tharpanam was performed, in those days after one year.

This is the reason given by some vadyars to start the tarpanam only after one year . But pithrumethasagaram insists to perform the tharpanam immediately from the first amavasya after sabindeekaranam! So which one to follow?

In those days, they never would have thought that the sabindeekarnam too would be advanced to the 12th day instead of 12th month. There is no known authority for advancing sapindi  to 12^th day. This topic is more related to Tharpan and I am happy you put  it in the correct context.

Q4. Sir, can one perform tharpan after some other family member leaves the home for outstation ?

A4. One should never perform the Tharpan immediately after some other family member leaves the home for outstation. Likewise, one should not prostrate a person while leaving for out of station from the home. These are all sooshma. Only when the dead body is taken out, then persons younger to the departed to prostrate while taking the body for cremations.

Q5. Can you intimate me the Source References for your answer that tharpan is for blessings?

A5. Surely. For answering your query Source References  are availed from: 

1.Sudheevilochanam – Pithrumethasarvyaagyaanam by Vaidhika Sarvapoumar 

2.Vaidhyanaatheeyam – Sraarrdha Niyamam – By Sri Vaidhyanathar 

3.Pithrumethasaaram by Thozhappar

4. Srivaishnava Sadhachara Nirnaya, 2nd Edition, Authored by present Ahobila Mutt jeer during His poorvashram.

I hope those who want to know more, can refer to them.

Q6. Sir, am I correct to say Tharpana is related to the parental lineage and to be started only after fathers death.

A6  Very correct.  This answer is very much explained when I explained lineage.

Q7. Sir,that question was put to clarify answer  important doubt.  If Tharpana is related to the parental lineage why then we call for mothers side her father grandfather, and great Grand father. Not only that -mothers mother, grand mother too for upasthanam and tharpanam? You have to give an elaborate answer.

A7. I am really happy with your deep thinking on reading my answer. I am furnishing below the reply for question.

In every family, the maternal uncle will be performing tharpanam to your Mathru Vargam. Likewise, everyone’s mother side issues will be doing it for their maternal parents too. The niyama for starting the Tharsha Srardha (Tharpanam) is only male lineage and not female side.

However, the Tharpanam is for both side… mathru/pithru and also for Garunya pithru’s during Mahalaya. There is no doubt about this vargathavvya. The additional performance to the mathru vargam is to gain the pithru blessings in any form and also if for any reason, the mathru vargam failed to get their dues, it is the other side to offer and protect their interest. In case none else there surviving to pass the tharpana benefits from mother side, just for the sake, no issues, or all passed away or none performing, then your punyabhalam incrases by adding their vargam too.

Q8. Sir, I am well clarified now. Thank you for giving such a fit answer.  In tharpana we call our pithrus including  jnatha anjatha pithrus too and address and say thrupyatha thrupyatha and thrupyatha. What do the mantra really mean?

A8.  Mantra Thrupyatha -means may the soul get satisfied with this offering oblation.

Q 9. Sir, if a person could not start sraadha or tharpana  from beginning  and he desires to perform them at a later date. Do the pithrus become happy? This QUESTION sometimes can be in many peoples mind.

A 9.  When once a thought like that come he become more pure and get punnia balam even before performing. As you said there can be many in Airforce, military etc who due to their working conditions could not start them in time. There may be many others who think of performing  all these things after retirements. There is a shooshma making you to think like that. No pithru will curse for not starting sofar but only bless for starting now. Thank you for putting such a question.

Q 10. Sir, this is the last question coming to my mind at present. At what time we have to perform tharpan?

A10. Dear Mr Gopala Krishnan, please do not laugh at my answer much. Many have become local Aapasthamaba and Bodhayana. We. Have shifted the day of sapindi from the end of 12^th month to 12^th day . We have shifted Sraadha tharpan to sraadha day. We have transferred  the duty to of performing sraadha to Madhya Kailas in Chennai. We have gone to tape mantra for tharpan, Ok, Ok.

Answer to your question is, it has to be performed in the end of forenoon, preferably in the river side just like your Upakarma . But I am of the opinion considering the convenience of ourselves and your Vaadyaar/ sasthrikal  after 8  AM  is preferred. But surely not before sun-rise. 

In addition to the above, it would not be out of place to mention some some more interesting facts on the subject. I give below the Regular Tharpanams one has to perform. Apart from the listed days here under, one has to perform the TharppaNam on the Eclipse days and also on the next day to Mathru/Pithru Srardha days:

To come to the reality and practicability, one has to read the entire Srardha Niyama and the reasoning for it. According to the Vaidhyanatheeyam and Srivaishnava Deepika, a dutiful Brahmin has to perform 96 tharppanams in a year, as stipulated in the Vedic scripts. Listed below are the days on which a Brahmin has to perform his duty in Thila tharpaNa roopam. Out of these, the Mahalaya Tharpanam can be done with Hiranyam or with BrahmmaNa bhojanam also; if not on all the sixteen day, any one day that one considers himself as most important – viz. Mahabharani, Madhyashtami  or on his mathru/ pithru srardha thithi days that falls during Mahalayam.

Amavasya – 12

Masapirappu – 12

Pournami  – 12

Kruthayugathi – 1

Threthayugathi  – 1

Dwaparayugathi –  1

Kaliyugathi – 1

Vaithruthi Yogas – 14

Vyatheepatha Yoga -14

Mahalayathi -16

Ashtaka – 4

Anvashtaka – 4

Thisroshtaka -4

If one cannot afford to perform the Tharsha Srardham known as Thila tharppaNam on all the above days, one should stick to minimum possible on Amavasya, Mesha Sangramanam, DakshinayaNa punyakaalam, Thula Vishu Punyakalam, UtharayaNa punyakalam, visible Surya/Chandra Grahan days and also on the next days to Mathru/Pithru srardha.

I do hope all the answers  given to you can benefit all the visitors to my web site too while published. Thank you for your patronage of  putting so many queries and giving me an opportunity  to answer such weighted queries from elder peoples like you. Pl visit my web site whenever possible.

Please read FAQ pages (Q&A No.32) to get clarifications on Gaya Srardham & its benefits.

Upanayanam – Brahmmobadesam

by TRS Iyengar

The Sanskrit word Upanayanam is made of Upa and Nayanam. (vision through knowledge). Literally, it is identified as the second vision known as Wisdom & knowledge. Also, Dwijan as we call the boy to whom the ceremony is being performed,  is known to get the second birth – first being born on the earth with physical body and second being  “taking one near to wisdom”. through this ceremony. Essentially it has two parts. First is the investiture of the three stranded thread called Yagjnopaveetham. The second part is the Brahmmobadesam – taking one to the Brahmman – a recitation into his right ear the Gayathri mantra. This is usually performed by his father, who becomes the Teacher known as Guru to the boy..

The Youngster is thus, made eligible to be taken near the Vedas, so that he can study them and practice what is ordained upon him, in the Vedas. Here is the simplest way I explain the ritual known as Upanayanam – Brahmmobadesam. This ritual is performed with a larger gathering of friends, family relations and others to bless the boy. And from this day, he begins his routine Sandhya Vandanam – a regular prayer done thrice a day – during Morning, Noon & in the Evening. Also, from the day of Upanayanam & Brahmmobadesam, he start to perfom the Samitha Dhanam, a holy fire sacrifice, which he is supposed to perform daily.

Gayathri: The mantra that protects the recitor.

AUM BHOOR BHUWAH SWAHA,
TAT SAVITUR VARENYAM
BHARGO DEVASAYA DHEEMAHI
DHIYO YO NAHA PRACHODAYAT.

Summary of the Gayatri Mantra

ॐ भूर्भुव: स्व: तत्सवितुर्वरेन्यं । भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि, धीयो यो न: प्रचोदयात् ।।

Oh God! Thou art the Giver of Life, Remover of pain and sorrow, The Bestower of happiness, Oh! Creator of the Universe, May we receive thy supreme sin-destroying light, May Thou guide our intellect in the right direction.

This Vedic mantra is a two liner and translate i its simplest form as: We meditate and bow before the exalted Dweller of the effulgent sun Who kindles our intellect.

While uttering this mantra OM BHURBHUVAHA is always added to invoke the Supreme Lord of the three worlds.

A word of caution about the pronunciation and articulation of this mantra is needed. We strongly advise that this sacred mantra be uttered only after getting taught its pronunciation by a person well versed in the correct recitation of the Vedas.

There are various forms ceremonies, and rituals which mark the diverse stages and activities of men. Samskaaram (signifying cleansing) is the comprehensive Indian word for these forms. these are secular (like a handshake), civil (like certification by a legal authority),  or religious( like birth rites) in character.

The Indian society is characterized by four broad choices (varnnyam or Varnam) of occupation, and the Ulpanayanam is administered to those who opt for religious education and practice, or the organized defense of a nation or community, or commercial operations according to established norms and practices. The ceremony is regarded as important as a re-awakening and creates for the functionaries the obligation to a life-long commitment of ethical principles, the ambience of Dharma. The passage through the ceremony confers the identity of Dvija (of dual birth) on these three groupings of citizens.

While every person is endowed with a autonomous ability to identify and verify objects of nature and human situations, a conscious search for knowledge is best facilitated by enrolling with an appropriate mentor (Achaarya). The expression Upanayanam indicates a preceptors leading the pupil on a spiritual quest of meaning and purpose. The Upanayam ceremony has two initial stages. THe Upaveetham involves the investiture of the sacred thread which is a three stranded loop (representing the three entities of creation, the chit or the animate, the anachit or the inanimate and the Eesvara the Lord) with a consecrated knot (Brahmagranthi), worn on the left shoulder across the midriff. The Upaveetham is the accessory in the worship of the Lord Supreme, Vishnu-Naarayana. The Upaveetham thread is known as Yagnjopaveetham in acknowledgement that the Lord is Yagna (Yagno vai Vishnu).

The Upanayanam signifies the purpose of it all, namely, the reaching for God-awareness through the study of the Upanishad. This mission of reaching or knowing (Brahna-jijnaasaa) is to be realized by means of the sacred formula (Gaayathri Mantram) imparted in the second stage which is thus named Bramopadesam. The young pupil is now known as the Brahmachaarinn, the candidate for the knowledge of Godhead.

The Gaayathri Mantram, hitched to the pranavam, is the precious acquisition of the ceremony, and yields unfailing protection to the one who recites it. The mantram and its metre is adored as the Mother of all sacred formulas and metres, Gaayathri Chhandasaam Maataa. This mantram is to be imbibed with due attention and veneration, and in privacy. There is an ongoing electronic-media commerce in singing this mantram, and this is a gross offence.

The mantram speaks of Devasya, savitu: and bharga charting the Lord (Deva:) who is in the lustre (bharga:) of the sun (savitaa). The cognomen deva: is from dyu: for lustre, and relates to the Indo-European dei and deity. Savithaa, a masculine noun, is for the Sun, but is a substitute for prasavitaa (from sou to bring forth), the maker. Bharge: is effulgence. The following texts establish the Gaayathri as a hymn for the Lord, Sri Maha Vishnu – Sriman Narayana.

The Upanishad text describe the Lord as dwelling in and radiating from the Sun. The Lord is identifies in specific descript such as Lotus-eyed (Chaandogyam), the pure animation (Suddha-sattvam) forming the core dwelling of the Lord in the Sun (Maitreyaaani), bharga signifying Vishnu (Yaajna-valkya smrti), savitr-mandala-madhya-vartree (agneya puraanam), Vishnu’s supreme magnificence known as Rk, Yajur, Saama, enveloping the Sun’s core (Vishnu puraanam), in Purushasooktam which speaks of the Sun’s radiance transcending darkness (aaditya-varnam tamasa: parstaat), the Narayanasooktam describing how the lightning streaks out of the dark cloud (neela-toyada-madhyasthaat), in Sri Raamaayanam which is revered as Vedic redaction, Seeta identifying herself with Sri Raama even as the luminosity inheres in the Sun (bhaaskarena prabhaa yathaa).

The Udhaga Shanthi ( Uthaka Shanti) Japam recitals takes place normally the earlier day. The boy is being prepared with mentally and physically to take the Brahmmacharyam through the recitals and also with cleansing him with the Holy water. Then the Panchacavyam – a combination of Cow’s Urine, Milk, Curd, and the holy water and mixed after recitals of specific Slokas & Mantras to purify the boys body & soul. Then the naandhi srardham (known as Abhvyooham to Srivaishnavas( is performed the day previous to the upanayanam and a very important requirement is stressed by the administering priest/aacharya- manasamaadheeyataam, Compose your mind!  This is a pre-condition for receiving instruction, retaining and practicing it. Srimad Bhagavad-Gita Sri Krishna reiterating this discipline, samaahitamanaas srunu, Listen thou with a tranquil mind!

Normal age to perform Upanayanam: between 7 and 15 years.. generally odd running year is taken. If performed after the age of 15 years, then no need to stick to this rule. Best period for performing the ritual is during the Tamil month Maasi, which fall during Mid February to Mid March. However, during UtharayaNa period this can be performed. I.E. from Mid January till Mid July ( Tamil months from Thai to Aani). During Dakshinayana, it is advisable to avoid performing Upanayanam. Also, for Sama Veda followers must avoid performing Upanayanam during the time when Mars is set (Kuja Asthamanam), for Rg Vedis to avoid during Jupiter’s setting, (Guru Asthamanam) and Yajur Vedi’s to avoid during Venus setting period (Sukra Asthamanam). On the day of Muhurtham, the 8th house to the selected day’s Muhurtham should be clean and without any malifics. This is a must for performing the Brahmmobadesam. Due to paucity of time and availability of halls and economical considerations, nowa-a-days, the Udhaka Shanthi, Nandhi and Upanayanam/Brahmmobadesam is performed in a single day.

Here are some interesting facts about the Poonool known as Yagnjopaveetham:

The sacred thread consists of three strands, (all common to Srivaishnavas, Smarthas & other Bachellors) joined by a knot known as Brahmagranthi or the knot of Brahma. The three strands symbolizes the Hindu trinity – Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. There are various interpretations of the three strands to represent many of the other triads like Mahasarasvati, Mahalakshmi and Mahakali. Or the three qualities known as sattva, rajas and tamas; past, present and the future; the three states – wakefulness, dream and deep sleep. Some even say that it represents the three dimensions known as heaven (swarga), earth (martyaloka) and nether regions (patala).

But the most important meaning of the three strands is ida, pingala and sukshama nadi, through which the kundalini energy manifests as prana and consciousness.  Yajno-pavita means ‘thread of sacrifice.’ That is so called because it symbolizes the sacrifice of ego, Anger & selfishness.

According to the Manusmrti which specifies the following ages for the initiation ceremony to take place:

In the eighth year after conception, (i.e. at the age of 7 on birth) one should perform the initiation of sacred thread) of a Brahmin, in the eleventh year after conception for a Kshatriya and in the twelfth year that of a Vaisya. (Manu Smruthi II.36).

The sacred thread is a passport to obtain Vedic education. It is a prerequisite for learning Veda and also for marriage. For without it, in those days, no Brahmin man can dream of getting a bride for him. It was considered important because a person with Yajnopavitha must have undergone all the oaths associated with wearing it and should have led a celibate life and should have completed a major portion of his Vedic Sastras and education. A Brahmachari known as bachelor  wears a single sacred thread that has three strands. A married person wears a pair of three bands each. A person who is married who is very orthodox, still with the family but has Sanyasa within the Grahasthasrama (does his daily routine and duties in the family, but unattached – like a drop of water lay on the lotus leaves).

Note: You can take a print out of this, publish this in a small booklets and distribute along with your invitation cards so as to spread the real meaning of the function. Persons who are unaware of this rationale meaning can surely benefit by reading this and while witnessing the function. It would be of pleasure to add this source of information in your booklets i.e. a reference to this website –  www.trsiyengar.com .   

In addition to the above list, a table spoon rice flour and two tea spoons full of mustard seeds (kaduku / Rai) to be kept ready for the Homam.

TRS Iyengar

In the Srivaishnava Tradition, one of the important function is known as Seemantham or Bhumsavana Seemantham during the 8th month of pregnancy of a woman. Though, in the olden days, this auspicious seemandham was celebrated for each issue, nowadays, this is just simply performed only for first issue. Prior to this 8th month function, they used to perform a function namely “Poochoottal” meaning decorating the pregnant would be mother with floral decorations; this function would be attended by a large gathering of women, who too would be offered all the auspicious items viz. Bangles, (of course, glass or plastic made only!), Haldi, Kum Kum and flowers with betel leaves & nuts. The timing of this Poochoottal functions varies from family to family, some performing on the 4th month and some on the 6th month and a few conducting on the day prior to Seemantham.

I am not elaborating the Mantra part of the function. But only giving the inner meaning of the function and its values. This specific function is supposed for each issue and pregnancy, but the cost involvement and time constraints made the generation only to carry out this Seemantham for the first issue. There are indications that this was solemnized for every pregnancy and issue in the olden days.

Now let us see the importance and significance of this Seemandam function. From the day of formation in the mother’s womb, a child grows in different steps, each within a stipulated time frame. According to the Vedic scripts, the birth and death is a pre-planned one by the almighty. And as pre-planned, the child grows in a way that is linked to many factors, which include a genetically considered factors. I.e. the child should have the nose like so and so, brain and intelligence like father or mother or even great grand father, height and weight of the child at birth and even its future growth plans that are stored into the genetic chip! (Oh, do we call this as fate? Or pre-written on the forehead? Or the Creator’s command?) Accordingly, though brain formation takes much earlier, the memory cells are said to begin its activities on the completion of full seven months of pregnancy. Then onwards, a child can record the sounds and vibrations from the surroundings and hears every spell around it. 

The word seemandham or Seemantham literally means the hair parting just above the eye brow. It is said that the Goddess of Wealth, Sri Mahalakshmi resides in that parting. This is one more reason to mention why the practice of applying Kumkum on the parting, as a manner of propitiating Goddess Sri Lakshmi. And when a woman delivers a child, she is considered the embodiment of Goddess Lakshmi Herself.
 
There has been one underlying commonality amidst most pregnant women in India. Mostly, all the pregnant women as well as the entire family expects a male child, the first born to be a son. This tendency is such, it is commonly the one bothering the entire nation. And the climate is such, the psyche is yet unresolvable one till date. May be, the younger generation today are learning a bit to value a beautiful healthy baby for itself-and wish for only health and happiness for the child no matter what the gender is. And value the little baby girl who will, after all be the mother of future generations!

So as to format the brain in a fittest condition, they used to perform Vedic recitals of relics and verses named “Udhagasanthi” or “Uthakashanthi” Japam, a soft but powerful mantra recital for about 1 and half hour. This they do by keeping a copper or brass vessel known as Kumbam in which fesh water is poured in, a bunch of mango leaves kept with a coconut covering it and also a bunch of Holy Grass known as Dharbam  inserted. It is believed, that a kind of aquatic vibration that is caused during the Vedic Recital and chanting, this holy grass absorbing the vibration and transmits it to the water in the vessel. The water in the vessel gets a highest value, a combination of phonetic + aquatic vibration. Added to this, a sort of scented items to add value, they used to put the powder of Cardamom, Clove, Benzene, Saffron, Jatfal etc. to add taste and flavor!
  
This chanting of mantra is done at a pre-fixed Muhurtham known as auspicious time. Normally a day prior to the main function of Seemantham or in some cases done on the same day of Seemantham function, they arrange to perform and recite the Udhakashanthi Japam. Then immediately completing this Japam, they used bathe the pregnant woman with the said holy water. (Oh, in cold water, without mixing any warm or hot, the time might be even late in the evening (!) – the child in the womb shakes and jerks on this stimulation, that’s felt by every seemandham adorned women!) This specific function of Japam is to give a solid state of mind for the child to be born, a positive vibration from the recited Mantras that give enough strength to the child in the womb, and create an atmosphere conducive to the earthly possessives on his/her birth! Yes, this much is practically carried out even today!

True, the phonetic vibrations caused during the chanting cannot just be ignored as rubbish. Each Vedic Mantra is of for a specific stimulation, the phonetic vibration has to attain its fullest value. To gain this specific value, for each function, they had discovered the merit of a specific recital. And the Udhakasanthi Japam too has its own potential values, in addition to giving confidence to the pregnant women. This also increases the mental strength of the would be mother, encouraging her with the system, with the supportive gathering members blessing the child and mother for a normal delivery. Also, during this function, the presentations given to the would be parents, just to meet the extra burden of bringing up a child! Gifts of valuables and cash would suffice for them to meet the demands!

Now, for the main function known as “seemandam” performed on a pre-fixed Muhurtham, an auspicious time is chosen to conduct this ritual. After the usual chores of house cleansing act known as punyavachanam and routine Agni Santhanam performance, the main function is held at the specified Muhurtham.

On this specific occasion, they used to grind the tender leaves of Banyan tree which is in its formation, mixed with raw cold milk and make it to a paste. (This banyan leaves should be of fresh, tender in its cone shaped and not opened as a leave fully. At some places, they add a few fresh tender fig tree leaves to this). The grinding of these leaves is to be done by two young girls below the age of 9 years known as Kanya – to state, the young girls who have not attained the puberty stage} This concoction essence would then be dropped in the pregnant would be mother’s right nostril just by dropping through a silk cloth and the mother to be is asked to inhale instantly. Once inhaled, then a needle/quill of porcupine animal is taken from the head downward the navel, just slightly touching/lightly scratching the body portion. 

It is believed, this supposed to make the marking line for the inhaled (the banyan leave juice + the cow’s raw milk) gum to travel to the womb. At this junction, a specific mantra is recited, which makes the route to the tube perfect as the vibration + the porcupine quill acting as nodal guiding act. Thus the inhaled essence of milk and banyan leave juice, forms like a paste and straightly carried to her womb. Because of some unknown chemical proposition and the dirt gathered inside from her last menstrual course, this paste settles in the child’s stem cell and surrounds, that begin from the naval part. This paste is gradually become like a protective mask for the stem cell tube and strengthens its tube bottom base. As long as in the womb, it settles there till the child is born. Once out in the open air, the same gum getting dried very quickly in the open air, thus causing easy and automatic separation of the stem cell tube from the naval portion! And mostly, no scissors used to cut the stem cells, if the seemandam was performed with authentic and ritual way! It is also widely believed that the above is symbolically cleaving the delivery passage to open for an easy downward movement of the child and for a normal delivery.
 

Followed by the Seemantham and dropping the Banyan leave essence, the function is carried on with Veena Recital, Carnatic & melodious songs and vocal songs. This is to give a strengthening bondage in an affirmative between the relatives visiting the function and the family that holds the function. Mainly, Veena is recited to give a calm & pleasant atmosphere. From this day, the pregnant woman is separated from her husband and she returns to her parents home for delivery. On bearing the child and issue, once she regains her health and vigor, then she is sent back to her husband’s place i.e. after 3 or five months of gap after delivery! You’ll get the details of this specific period gap given after delivery in my another article on Child Care & Motherhood.

Now a days, it has become a mere formality perform this ritual. Neither the learned scholars explain the reasons, nor the performing couples interested in knowing the details of facts. In some one’s comments, it has just been made to show off their wealth by performing this function, rather than understanding the inner meaning and value of same. In rare cases, it has an opportunity from the groom’s side to demand A silk sari, A silver vessel for punyavachanam etc. and makes the function as mockery and laughing stock!

Now, for the part of care to be taken by any pregnant woman:

Avoid stress; your stress and pain might put the pressure on the growing child in your womb. Listen to soft and classical music and fine Veena recitals. Be happy and smile all the time. This would help the child you carry to learn to be happy and steady in his/her life. It is called the actual molding period, that your personal mood elevations are practically carried to the child’s future life on the earth! Have more calcium in your food, as the child absorbs the calcium from your own body to grow its bones and skull portion. If you are of nature lover, then you can surely take betel leaves with natural calcium rather than taking any artificial ones to give more value. To add value and color to the growing child, you must take extra care to avoid arguments and clashes with anyone. Control your temperament and do not cry at all. If it is possible to avail pure Saffron known as kum-kum flower(Kungukumapoo) (Kesar in Hindi), then have it with your daily intake of milk. This will avoid cough and plums forming in the chest of growing child in your womb. The more you are in a steady and mood and healthy note, you will deliver a healthy and normal child. If you are a person from a believers family, then you can also arrange to play some of the Vedic rhymes and versus for about an hour a day. Sleep well and work normally. Do not lie in bed than normal course. Be active all the time. By doing so, your muscles would expand to give a natural birth to the child. Avoid too much of fat & cholesterols in your food and instead add more green and fruits. Remember, an active and happy woman mostly delivers an healthy child in normal delivery.

In India, all the community people take much care with joy when they come to know a woman has conceived. As a precaution, pregnant women are not allowed to take much stress or exertions but normal day to day activities are allowed to carry out as usual. Pregnant women are not allowed to see the Ecliptic path during Solar or Lunar Eclipse (Surya – Chandra Grahanam). As per Vedic guidance, pregnant women should not see the eclipse part, nor come out in open during the time of Eclipse. This is just to avoid the child in womb getting affected by the radiation, which is said to cause damages to the child in womb. Hence, they were not allowed to move out during the Eclipse days and protected by remaining inside a room where the sun/moon rays are not directly passing through. Even the modern science tell us that the Ecliptic rays are not good for health. When a growing child’s health is given importance, they take all sort of precautionary measures to avoid clashing with nature. If the Eclipse of Lunar or Solar taking place of the pregnant women’s birth star, then they do all the sorts of Shanthis and Pariharam by offering wheat or Rice to a Brahmin to weed off the ill effects. The affected persons need to chant a verse during the course of Eclipse to avoid their contamination from the ill radiations.

There is a lot more to add to this subject with explanation giving step by step. This needs an elaborative listings, procedure and practices. However to make the point felt, I am giving only the very important rites that are most vital for the function. Shortly, I shall give you further info on the subject, with the requirement, timings and list of things one needed to have for this occasion.

Oh, once the main function is over, a grand traditional feast is served to all the visitors. The menu, simply a typical south Indian recipe and the combination is just equal to any marriage of south Indian Tamil Brahmin style feasts. (Kalyana sappadu!).

If anyone has any further information & knowledge over this specific function, please let me have the same for publication; I hope this would certainly help the younger & future generations to learn more about our rituals and practices which are of high value and traditions that comes with a hidden meaning to it!