13) THE MANIFESTATION OF VARIOUS DEITIES

During Treta Yuga, there lived a king named Prajapal. Once while he was on his hunting spree, he entered into a dense forest. He was delighted to see a dear who started running for its life after hearing the noise. Prajapal let his horse loose in the direction of the…

Continue reading

12) THE RITUALS OF PINDA DAN AND BALIVAISHVA DEVA

One important characteristic of the rituals connected with pinda dan is the offerings made to manes in the form of sesame seeds and water. Another important aspect is that ‘pinda’ is offered on the ‘kusha’ grass which are kept facing south- first in the name of one’s dead father and…

Continue reading

11) TYPES OF SHRADHA AND MANTRA

A person performing the shradha rituals should have his seat made of ‘kusha’ grass. After taking his seat, he should invoke the deities and make offerings of ‘ardhya’ to them. While offering ‘ardhya’ to the deities water and barley are commonly used along with other articles like sandalwood, incense, etc….

Continue reading

10) HOW TO INVITE BRAHMINS TO SHRADHA CEREMONY

Invitation should be given to the all the brahmins one day in advance. If invited brahmins arrive to attend the shradha ceremony they should be treated with due respect. The brahmin who is supposed to perform the rituals should wash the feet of other brahmins to show his respect towards…

Continue reading

THE POWER OF CHASTITY

Once, sage Vyasa went to Brahmaloka to get his doubts cleared on certain spiritual matters from Lord Brahma. While dwelling on a wide range of religious topics such as importance of austerities and various incarnations Lord Vishnu took to protect righteousness, Lord Brahma narrated a tale of a Brahmin woman…

Continue reading

9) SHRADHA KALPA

Describing the types of Brahmin considered to be elligible to preside over the rituals of shradha, Markandeya told sage Gaurmukh- “The following types of brahmin are can perform shradha- trinachiket, trimadhu, trisuparna and the brahmins who are well versed in all the Vedas. The shradha rituals can be performed by…

Continue reading