Shraddha is one of the most sacred rites prescribed in Sanatana Dharma for honoring and repaying our debt to our ancestors (Pitru Runa). It is performed with deep faith, devotion, and gratitude to ensure peace and upliftment of the departed souls. The ritual signifies our duty, just as we serve and respect our parents while they are alive, we must also remember and support them after their passing. Through Shraddha, we invoke the blessings of our ancestors, ensuring their sadgati (spiritual progress) and, in return, receiving their guidance and protection in our lives. Neglecting Shraddha leaves the desires of pitars unfulfilled, making them vulnerable to negative energies. Hence, it is considered a dharmic responsibility. Shraddha is especially performed during Pitru Paksha, the fortnight dedicated to ancestors, which falls in the dark half of Bhadrapada month. During this time, rituals such as tarpan, pind daan, and mantra recitations are carried out with sincerity. These acts not only bring peace to the ancestors but also bestow blessings of health, prosperity, and harmony upon the family. In essence, Shraddha is not merely a ritual but a divine bridge that connects generations, ensuring continuity of love, respect, and dharma within the eternal tradition of Sanatana Dharma.
Shraddha, also known as post-funeral rites, is a sacred ritual performed to repay our debt to the ancestors (Pitruruna). By doing so, we also honor and repay our debt to the Gods (Devaruna) and Sages (Rishiruna). In modern times, many people believe that Shraddha rites have lost their meaning and prefer to donate food or support schools in memory of their departed loved ones. However, Shraddha holds a deeper spiritual significance. Just as one would choose proper treatment for a grave but curable disease instead of ignoring it, the mantras chanted during Shraddha rituals act as powerful remedies for the soul. These mantras provide momentum to the subtle bodies of departed ancestors, helping them progress to higher planes of existence and attain peace. Thus, Shraddha is not merely a ritual, but a vital spiritual duty that strengthens the bond between the living and the departed.
