What exactly is Shradh

Posted on 26/09/2014 I by: Priya Sharma

Shradh is remembering of ancestors. The idea is to remember the ancestors with gratitude. Shradh is a Sanskrit word, which literally means 'anything done with sincerity and faith.'Shradh'also means 'Shraddha' which means unconditional reverence. Shradh is performed every year on the death anniversary of the deceased relative as per the Panchang (The Hindu calendar) or during the period of dark fortnight called Pitra Paksha.

Process
The process of Shradh is not limited to the external symbolism of offering lumps of rice, but has a deeper philosophical and spiritual significance as well. Brahmins are fed and given Daan-Dakshina, for it is believed that whatever is given to the Brahmins also reach the departed souls. People donate clothes and other items to Brahmins and relatives.t birth. The next life of a Jeeva is essentially determined by its previous Samskaras. Shradh, as such, is performed with the objective that a Jeeva may attain a better life in its next birth.

Avoidance
According to Hindu tradition, people do not buy or wear new clothes and do not get a haircut during the period of Shradh. On the day of this ritual, male members of the family do not even shave and women do not wash their hair on that particular day. Auspicious ceremonies are not performed during Shradhs.

How daan reach to ancestors
The food does not reach them, but the Positive energy and good karma created by you in their name reaches them. Once people die, they lose the opportunity to perform karma. What is so unique about human birth is that you can perform good or bad karma, which will take you to the destination of being one with God.

Difficulties
The difficulties created due to departed ancestors come in various forms as Inability to get married, Marital disharmony, Loss of job, Difficulty in conceiving a child, Miscarriages, Bearing mentally challenged children or children with special care and needs, Death of children in their childhood etc.