What to Do in Shraddha: & What Not to Do? A Complete Guide
Introduction
What to do and what not to do during Shraddha—this question arises in the mind of every person who wishes to express reverence and gratitude toward their ancestors. In Hinduism, Shraddha is not just a religious ritual; it is a profound occasion to stay connected with one’s roots and remember one’s forefathers. It is believed that performing Shraddha satisfies the ancestors, brings their blessings, and ensures peace and harmony in the family.
According to the scriptures, every rule of Shraddha is associated with deep spiritual and social significance. It is not merely a tradition but a combination of discipline, faith, and a scientific approach. In this guide, we will understand in detail what should be done during Shraddha, what should be avoided, and why these rules hold great importance for our life and family.
1. Meaning and Historical Background of Shraddha
The word Shraddha originates from the Sanskrit word “Shraddha,” which means faith and respect. This faith acts as a bridge between the living and the departed souls. The Vedas and Puranas describe Shraddha as a path to repayment of the ancestral debt (Pitri Rin).
A look into history reveals that not only in Hinduism but even in ancient civilizations like China, rituals were performed to honor ancestors. Hinduism further developed and systematized these practices and established that Shraddha should be performed specifically during Pitru Paksha.
2. What to Do During Shraddha (Do’s)
2.1 Sacred Rituals
The most important part of Shraddha is Pind Daan and Tarpan. Offering rice balls made of rice, sesame seeds, and water along with mantra chanting symbolizes sending our reverence to the ancestors. In Tarpan, water mixed with sesame seeds is offered to the departed souls to bring them satisfaction and peace.
After this, feeding Brahmins and giving them charity or Dakshina is considered highly auspicious. Brahmins are regarded as representatives of the ancestors; therefore, honoring them expresses gratitude toward the forefathers.
2.2 Importance of Time and Place
Scriptures state that the best time for Shraddha is noon, known as the Aparahna Kaal. This period represents a balance of energy and calmness. Shraddha should ideally be performed in a clean area of the home, near a riverside, or at a sacred location.
The purity of the place holds special importance because cleanliness and peace create the ideal environment where departed souls are remembered.
2.3 Respect for Animals and Birds
Feeding cows, crows, and dogs after Shraddha is considered highly auspicious. Scriptures mention that these beings act as messengers of the ancestors and through them, the forefathers symbolically receive the offerings. If a crow sits on the pind, it is believed to be a sign of the ancestors’ happiness.
2.4 Faith and Simplicity
Even if resources are limited, Shraddha can be performed with faith and simplicity. Home-cooked food, a calm mind, and humility make the ritual as fruitful as a grand ceremony.
Items Used in Shraddha and Their Significance
| Item | Use | Importance / Symbolism |
|---|---|---|
| Sesame seeds | Used with water in Tarpan | Purity and removal of negativity |
| Water | Used in Tarpan and Pind Daan | Symbol of life and purification |
| Rice (Akshat) | Making and offering the pinds | Stability and completeness |
| Pind (made of rice and sesame) | Offered to ancestors | Spiritual satisfaction and peace |
| Durva grass | Placed with the pind | Symbol of longevity and peace |
| Brahmin food | Offering of grains | Blessings as representatives of ancestors |
| Feeding cow, crow, and dog | After the ritual | Considered the messengers of the ancestors |
3. What Not to Do During Shraddha (Don’ts)
3.1 Avoid Tamasic Food
During Shraddha, non-vegetarian food, onion, garlic, alcohol, and all tamasic items are strictly prohibited. These create impurity in the environment and prevent satisfaction of the ancestors. Scriptures state that the food used in Shraddha must be sattvic, fresh, and pure.
3.2 Avoid Wrong Timing
Shraddha must never be performed at night, during twilight, or in inauspicious moments. These timings symbolize negative energies and may cause dissatisfaction instead of blessings.
3.3 No New Beginnings or Celebrations
During Pitru Paksha, events like marriages, housewarming ceremonies, new business starts, or any festive celebrations are prohibited. This time is dedicated purely to the ancestors. Scriptures mention that beginning new ventures during this period may hinder auspicious results.
3.4 Personal Discipline
One should remain disciplined during Shraddha. Activities like oil massage, using perfumes, cutting hair or nails, entertainment, and sensual indulgence are forbidden. This period is meant for self-restraint, meditation, and remembrance.
3.5 Care with Utensils and Food
Food for Shraddha should not be prepared in iron or steel utensils. Brass or clay utensils are considered most auspicious. Also, making flatbreads (roti) is generally avoided because it is viewed as inauspicious for Shraddha meals.
4. Table: Do’s vs Don’ts in Shraddha
| Do’s (What to Do) | Don’ts (What Not to Do) |
|---|---|
| Pind Daan and Tarpan | Performing rituals at night or in inauspicious time |
| Feeding Brahmins and offering Dakshina | Eating meat, alcohol, onion, garlic |
| Clean and peaceful environment | Housewarming, marriages, new ventures |
| Feeding cows, crows, and dogs | Arguments, lying, conflicts |
| Performing rituals with faith and simplicity | Oil massage, cutting hair/nails, using perfumes |
FAQs
Answer: Noon, known as Aparahna Kaal, is considered the best time.
Answer: Only sattvic, fresh food such as khichdi, fruits, milk, lentils, sesame seeds, and rice.
Answer: No. Simple and clean clothes should be worn; display or showiness is discouraged.
Answer: Avoid marriages, housewarming, new businesses, entertainment, alcohol, non-vegetarian food, and all conflicting activities.
Conclusion
Shraddha is not merely a religious ritual but an expression of gratitude and remembrance toward our ancestors. When we perform Shraddha as per the rules mentioned in the scriptures—sattvic food, Tarpan, Pind Daan, feeding Brahmins, and offering food to animals—it purifies and protects both our life and our family.
Conversely, performing Shraddha at the wrong time, eating tamasic food, showing inappropriate behavior, or planning material celebrations may disturb the blessings of the ancestors and cause imbalance in life.
Therefore, understanding what to do and what not to do during Shraddha is essential for anyone who wishes to honor their forefathers and maintain prosperity and peace in the family through their blessings. What to Do in Shraddha
Authentic References
- Garuda Purana – Shraddha rituals and rules.
- Manusmriti – Significance of ancestral debt and Shraddha.
- Vishnu Purana – Description of Tarpan and Pind Daan.
- Valmiki Ramayana – The incident of Lord Rama performing Shraddha for King Dasharatha.
