Posthumous Ceremony in Hinduism & Why Is It Performed

Death is the eternal truth of life, as anyone who has taken birth is bound to leave this mortal world one day. But the soul, one’s actual self, remains immortal. A shloka in Bhagwad Geeta also explains, “नैनं छिंदन्ति शस्त्राणि, नैनं दहति पावकः, न चैनं क्लेदयंत्यापो, न शोषयति मारुतः। / nainaṃ chiṃdanti śastrāṇi, nainaṃ dahati pāvakaḥ, na cainaṃ kledayaṃtyāpo, na śoṣayati mārutaḥ।”, which means that neither fire, weapon, water or air can destroy the soul. The foundation of Hindu culture is not only based on religion and spirituality, but there is science involved as well. Hereby, living life while following the cultural traditions is said to be the best way. Although there are several sanskars in Sanatan Dharma, but 16 out of these are given high importance. From the birth of a person till after death, several rites and ceremonies are performed in Hinduism. The last sanskar or ceremony is performed after death, also called Posthumous Ceremony or Marnottar Sanskar.

Today, lets know more about this rite, why is it conducted and find out the necessary rituals to perform.

When Posthumous Ceremony Is Performed?

In Hinduism, the posthumous rites and rituals are performed for the deceased in order for his soul to rest in peace. It is also called as Marnottar Sanskar. In the scriptures, it is known as Shradhs. During the posthumous rites are conducted, grief and endearment is given up and the performer prays for the soul to rest peacefully. The word “Posthumous” is made of two words, “Post” and “Human”, which when literally translated means post death. During the ceremony, the performer prays that the deceased lives a better life in the next birth and gains minimum sufferings. Adhering to this ritual directly benefits the soul of the deceased. Therefore, this sacrament is done in accordance with complete devotion.

Although this posthumous ceremony must be conducted after the immersion of deceased’s ashes, but it is observed on the thirteenth day after the Funeral Ceremony or Antyesti Sanskar on the day of death is carried out. It is worth mentioning that in different states, this rite is observed as per their cultural beliefs. Shradh is also performed during the Pitru Paksha other than Posthumous Ceremony

Important Things To Keep In Mind

  • Pot death, the lifeless body of the deceased becomes impure, which is why the whole house is deep cleaned after the death.
  • This act is performed within 10-13 days.
  • On the thirteenth day, preparations for the posthumous ceremony must be carried out.
  • Collect all the items required to carry out this ceremony.
  • The one who has performed the funeral rites must sit and lead this ritual as well.

Main Items Required For The Posthumous Ceremony

  • Get a plate made of brass or steel, container and an urn before the rituals begin.
  • One container is used for carrying out Tarpan.
  • In the second container, offer water kept in the urn.
  • Apart from this, keep green grass, rice, barley and sesame seeds in small quantities.
  • For carrying out Pind Daan, kneaded wheat or barley dough must be prepared.
  • Mix sesame seeds in the dough.
  • Arrange for banana leaves.
  • Also, arrange for milk, yogurt and honey in minimum quantities.
  • To carry out the sacrifice and oblation, arrange for food items such as urad pulse or black gram.
  • On the altar, place the deceased’s picture, urn or Kalash, a diya or lamp and small agglomerate of rice for Lord Yam and sesame for ancestral evocation.

During the Shradh ceremony, conducted after the death, Panch Yagya, along with worshipping the gods and Tarpan, is carried out. These Panch Yagya are Brahma Yagya, Dev (God) Yagya, Pitra (Ancestor) Yagya, Bhoot (Spirit) Yagya and Manushya (Human) Yagya. Among these, Pind Daan is carried out for Pitra Yagya, Panch Bali (Sacrifice out of Five elements) for Bhoot Yagya and Shradh for Manushya Yagya.

Rituals Followed For Posthumous Ceremony

For Posthumous Ceremony, the first thing to do is Shatkarma, and after that the vow is taken. Then, special remedies must be followed:

  • For this, invoke the ancestors and Lord Yam and do the Tarpan.
  • After this, organize the Brahma Yagya, Dev Yagya, Pitra Yagya, Bhoot Yagya and Manushya Yagya.
  • After the yagya is conducted, devote yourself and do the Gayatri Yagya as per rituals.
  • Give away the last and final offering after that.
  • Before immersion, serve foods in two plates.
  • Make a religious offering for Gods and Ancestors.
  • Offer the plate with religious offering for ancestors to a priest.
  • Deliver the five portions of Panch Bali to its desired place.
  • Pind are either immersed in water or fed to cows.
  • At night, light a diya around the altar or place where this ceremony is performed.
  1. Ritual for Worshipping Lord Yam

Lord Yama, the God of Death, is worshipped when conducting this ceremony. To carry out the Yama Pujan, a small portion of rice is kept at the altar as a symbol of Lord Yama. now, chant the mantra while worshipping the lord. During this time, invoke the God with barley, rice and flowers in your hands.

मंत्र :- “ॐ यमाय त्वा मखाय त्वा, सूर्यस्य त्वा तपसे ।।
देवस्त्वा सविता मध्वानक्तु, पृथिव्याः स स्पृशस्पाहि ।।
अचिर्रसि शोचिरसि तपोऽसि॥
ॐ यमाय नमः ।। आवाहयामि, स्थापयामि, ध्यायामि ।। ततो नमस्कारं करोमि॥”

Mantra: “oṃ yamāya tvā makhāya tvā, sūryasya tvā tapase ।।
devastvā savitā madhvānaktu, pṛthivyāḥ sa spṛśaspāhi ।।
acirrasi śocirasi tapo’si॥

oṃ yamāya namaḥ ।। āvāhayāmi, sthāpayāmi, dhyāyāmi ।। tato namaskāraṃ karomi॥”

  1. Ritual for Worshipping The Ancestors

During this ceremony, the main ritual to follow is worshipping and invoking the ancestors. For this, an urn or Kalash is placed at the altar and a small portion of sesame seeds is kept while placing a diya or lamp on it. Surround this diya with a boundary of flowers. People present in the ceremony must invoke the soul with rice in their hands. During this time, mantras must be chanted religiously. After this, offer the rice on the altar. Remember that the departed soul must be respectfully welcomed with Shodshopchar.

मंत्र :- “ॐ विश्वेदेवास ऽ आगत, शृणुता म ऽ इम हवम् ।।
एदं बहिर्निर्षीदत ।। ॐ विश्वेदेवाः शृणुतेम हवं मे, ये अन्तरिक्षे यऽ उप द्यविष्ठ ।।
ये अग्निजिह्वा उत वा यजत्रा, आसद्यास्मिन्बहिर्षि मादयध्वम् ।
ॐ पितृभ्यो नमः ।। आवाहयामि, स्थापयामि, ध्यायामि ।।”

Mantra: “oṃ viśvedevāsa ‘ āgata, śṛṇutā ma ‘ ima havam ।।
edaṃ bahirnirṣīdata ।। oṃ viśvedevāḥ śṛṇutema havaṃ me, ye antarikṣe ya’ upa dyaviṣṭha ।।
ye agnijihvā uta vā yajatrā, āsadyāsminbahirṣi mādayadhvam ।
oṃ pitṛbhyo namaḥ ।। āvāhayāmi, sthāpayāmi, dhyāyāmi ।।”

  1. Tarpan

After evoking the spiritual world, Tarpan is carried out. For this, mix sandalwood, rice, milk and barley seeds and offer Tarpan. If possible, add Gangajal. It is mentioned in the scriptures that this ritual is performed for the gratification of the soul. It is divided into the following parts:

  • Dev Tarpan
  • Rishi Tarpan
  • Divya Manav Tarpan
  • Divya Pitra Tarpan
  • Yam Tarpan
  • Manushya Pitra Tarpan

Dev Tarpan: The Act Of Gratification For The Gods

As per Indian culture, before every auspicious task is carried out, the gods are worshipped, which is why Dev Tarpan is conducted during the ceremony. This ritual is rendered with the feeling of gratitude towards God. First of all, a green grass is tied around the ring finger of the performer’s both hands. During this time, take water and rice and chant the mantra:

“ॐ आगच्छन्तु महाभागाः, विश्वेदेवा महाबलाः ।।
ये तपर्णेऽत्र विहिताः, सावधाना भवन्तु ते॥

“oṃ āgacchantu mahābhāgāḥ, viśvedevā mahābalāḥ ।।
ye taparṇe’tra vihitāḥ, sāvadhānā bhavantu te॥”

After this, put rice in the water. Hold the bunch of green durva or grass. Hold the Upanayana or Janeyu (a sacred thread worn in Hinduism) from the left side normally. During the ceremony, offer water collected in the hollowed space of both the palms. This posture is called the Dev Teerth Mudra. Pour water for each god, chant the mantra and offer the Tarpan while facing eastwards:

“ॐ ब्रह्मादयो देवाः आगच्छन्तु गृह्णन्तु एतान् जलाञ्जलीन्। ॐ ब्रह्म तृप्यताम्। ॐ विष्णुस्तृप्यताम्। ॐ रुद्रस्तृप्यताम्। ॐ प्रजापतितृप्यताम्। ॐ देवास्तृप्यताम्। ॐ छन्दांसि तृप्यन्ताम्। ॐ वेदास्तृप्यन्ताम्। ॐ ऋषयस्तृप्यन्ताम्। ॐ पुराणाचायार्स्तृप्यन्ताम्। ॐ गन्धवार्स्तृप्यन्ताम्। ॐ इतराचायार्स्तृप्यन्ताम्। ॐ संवत्सरः सावयवस्तृप्यन्ताम्। ॐ देव्यस्तृप्यन्ताम्। ॐ अप्सरसस्तृप्यन्ताम्। ॐ देवानुगास्तृप्यन्ताम्। ॐ नागास्तृप्यन्ताम्। ॐ सागरास्तृप्यन्ताम्। ॐ पर्वता स्तृप्यन्ताम्। ॐ सरितस्तृप्यन्ताम्। ॐ मनुष्यास्तृप्यन्ताम्। ॐ यक्षास्तृप्यन्ताम्। ॐ रक्षांसि तृप्यन्ताम्। ॐ पिशाचास्तृप्यन्ताम्। ॐ सुपणार्स्तृप्यन्ताम्। ॐ भूतानि तृप्यन्ताम्। ॐ पशवस्तृप्यन्ताम्। ॐ वनस्पतयस्तृप्यन्ताम्। ॐ ओषधयस्तृप्यन्ताम्।ॐ भूतग्रामः चतुविर्धस्तृप्यन्ताम्।”

“oṃ brahmādayo devāḥ āgacchantu gṛhṇantu etān jalāñjalīn। oṃ brahma tṛpyatām। oṃ viṣṇustṛpyatām। oṃ rudrastṛpyatām। oṃ prajāpatitṛpyatām। oṃ devāstṛpyatām। oṃ chandāṃsi tṛpyantām। oṃ vedāstṛpyantām। oṃ ṛṣayastṛpyantām। oṃ purāṇācāyārstṛpyantām। oṃ gandhavārstṛpyantām। oṃ itarācāyārstṛpyantām। oṃ saṃvatsaraḥ sāvayavastṛpyantām। oṃ devyastṛpyantām। oṃ apsarasastṛpyantām। oṃ devānugāstṛpyantām। oṃ nāgāstṛpyantām। oṃ sāgarāstṛpyantām। oṃ parvatā stṛpyantām। oṃ saritastṛpyantām। oṃ manuṣyāstṛpyantām। oṃ yakṣāstṛpyantām। oṃ rakṣāṃsi tṛpyantām। oṃ piśācāstṛpyantām। oṃ supaṇārstṛpyantām। oṃ bhūtāni tṛpyantām। oṃ paśavastṛpyantām। oṃ vanaspatayastṛpyantām। oṃ oṣadhayastṛpyantām।oṃ bhūtagrāmaḥ catuvirdhastṛpyantām।”

Accurate Puja Rituals for Panch Yagya

  1. Brahma Yagya
  • Gayatri Viniyoga is done in Brahma Yagya.
  • All the wellwishers and relatives come and sit together for this ceremony.
  • Remember the good times spent with the departed and wish for their soul to rest in peace. Also, chant Gayatri Mantra.
  • Give the final offering and chant the mantra:

“नामाहं नाम्नः प्रेतत्वनिवृत्ति द्वारा, ब्रह्मलोकावाप्तये परिमाणं गायत्री महामन्त्रानुष्ठानपुण्यं श्रद्धापूर्वक अहं समर्पयिष्ये।”

“nāmāhaṃ nāmnaḥ pretatvanivṛtti dvārā, brahmalokāvāptaye parimāṇaṃ gāyatrī mahāmantrānuṣṭhānapuṇyaṃ śraddhāpūrvaka ahaṃ samarpayiṣye।”

  1. Dev Yagya

In this, godly and heavenly elements are worshipped, and negative elements are eliminated. By doing this, one pleases the divine powers. The main performer must be present with the relatives and associated people in the ceremony. One must take vow to get rid of negative influences and traits and imbibe positive and spiritual actions within his nature. Also, the benefits from it must be diverted towards the deceased soul. At the end, chant the mantra:

नामाहं नामकमृतात्मनः देवगतिप्रदानाथर् दिनानि यावत् मासपर्यन्तं- वर्षपर्यन्तम् दुष्प्रवृत्त्युन्मूलनैः सत्प्रवृत्तिसंधारणैः जायमानं पुण्यं मृतात्मनः समुत्कर्षणाय श्रद्धापूवर्कं अहं समर्पयिष्ये।”

“nāmāhaṃ nāmakamṛtātmanaḥ devagatipradānāthar dināni yāvat māsaparyantaṃ- varṣaparyantam duṣpravṛttyunmūlanaiḥ satpravṛttisaṃdhāraṇaiḥ jāyamānaṃ puṇyaṃ mṛtātmanaḥ samutkarṣaṇāya śraddhāpūvarkaṃ ahaṃ samarpayiṣye।”

  1. Pitra Yagya
  • 12 Pind Daan are carried out in Pitra Yagya. Hence, mix sesame seeds, honey, ghee and milk in a dough of wheat or barley and prepare 12 dough balls. Keep them on a plate.
  • Keep a leaf plate nearby and put these dough balls or Pind after taking the vow.
  • Each Pind is dedicated to Six Tarpans, which was conducted for the departed soul.
  • The seventh Pind is for the departed soul.
  • Another five Pinds are for those souls who were childless.
  • After the ceremony, keep these 12 Pinds at an appropriate place for birds or cows.
  • When placing the Pinds, chant the below mantra:

ॐ कुशोऽसि कुश पुत्रोऽसि, ब्रह्मणा निर्मितः पुरा। त्वय्यचिर्तेऽचिर्तः सोऽस्तु, यस्याहं नाम कीर्तये।” / “oṃ kuśo’si kuśa putro’si, brahmaṇā nirmitaḥ purā। tvayyacirte’cirtaḥ so’stu, yasyāhaṃ nāma kīrtaye।”.

Pind Samarpan and Prayers

Prepare the Pinds and with folded hands, offer the Pinds and chant the mantra:

“ॐ आब्रह्मणो ये पितृवंशजाता, मातुस्तथा वंशभवा मदीयाः। वंशद्वये ये मम दासभूता, भृत्यास्तथैवाश्रितसेवकाश्च॥ मित्राणि शिष्याः पशवश्च वृक्षाः, दृष्टाश्च स्पृष्टाश्च कृतोपकाराः। जन्मान्तरे ये मम संगताश्च, तेषां स्वधा पिण्डमहं ददामि।”

“oṃ ābrahmaṇo ye pitṛvaṃśajātā, mātustathā vaṃśabhavā madīyāḥ। vaṃśadvaye ye mama dāsabhūtā, bhṛtyāstathaivāśritasevakāśca॥ mitrāṇi śiṣyāḥ paśavaśca vṛkṣāḥ, dṛṣṭāśca spṛṣṭāśca kṛtopakārāḥ। janmāntare ye mama saṃgatāśca, teṣāṃ svadhā piṇḍamahaṃ dadāmi।”

Pind Daan

Keep the Pind in the right hand, sit in the PItra Tirth Mudra and face towards South while placing the Pind on a plate or leaf plate:

  • First Pind for the Gods

“ॐ उदीरतामवर उत्परास, ऽउन्मध्यमाः पितरः सोम्यासः। असुं यऽईयुरवृका ऋतज्ञाः, ते नोऽवन्तु पितरो हवेषु।”

“oṃ udīratāmavara utparāsa, ‘unmadhyamāḥ pitaraḥ somyāsaḥ। asuṃ ya’īyuravṛkā ṛtajñāḥ, te no’vantu pitaro haveṣu।”

  • Second Pind for the Sages

“ॐ अंगिरसो नः पितरो नवग्वा, अथर्वणो भृगवः सोम्यासः। तेषां वय सुमतौ यज्ञियानाम्, अपि भद्रे सौमनसे स्याम॥”

“oṃ aṃgiraso naḥ pitaro navagvā, atharvaṇo bhṛgavaḥ somyāsaḥ। teṣāṃ vaya sumatau yajñiyānām, api bhadre saumanase syāma॥”

  • Third Pind for the Divine

“ॐ आयन्तु नः पितरः सोम्यासः, अग्निष्वात्ताः पथिभिदेर्वयानैः। अस्मिन्यज्ञे स्वधया मदन्तः, अधिब्रवन्तु तेऽवन्त्वस्मान्॥”

“oṃ āyantu naḥ pitaraḥ somyāsaḥ, agniṣvāttāḥ pathibhidervayānaiḥ। asminyajñe svadhayā madantaḥ, adhibravantu te’vantvasmān॥”

  • Fourth Pind for the Ancestors

“ऊजर वहन्तीरमृतं घृतं, पयः कीलालं परिस्रुत्। स्वधास्थ तर्पयत् मे पितृन्॥”

“ūjara vahantīramṛtaṃ ghṛtaṃ, payaḥ kīlālaṃ parisrut। svadhāstha tarpayat me pitṛn॥”

  • Fifth Pind for the Lord Yam

“ॐ पितृव्यः स्वधायिभ्यः स्वधा नमः, पितामहेभ्यः स्वधायिभ्यः स्वधा नमः, प्रपितामहेभ्यः स्वधायिभ्यः स्वधा नमः। अक्षन्पितरोऽमीमदन्त, पितरोऽतीतृपन्त पितरः, पितरः शुन्धध्वम्॥”

“oṃ pitṛvyaḥ svadhāyibhyaḥ svadhā namaḥ, pitāmahebhyaḥ svadhāyibhyaḥ svadhā namaḥ, prapitāmahebhyaḥ svadhāyibhyaḥ svadhā namaḥ। akṣanpitaro’mīmadanta, pitaro’tītṛpanta pitaraḥ, pitaraḥ śundhadhvam॥”

  • Sixth Pind for the Human Ancestors (Manushya PItra)

“ॐ ये चेह पितरों ये च नेह, याँश्च विद्म याँ२ उ च न प्रविद्म। त्वं वेत्थ यति ते जातवेदः, स्वधाभियञ सुकृतं जुषस्व॥”

“oṃ ye ceha pitaroṃ ye ca neha, yām̐śca vidma yām̐2 u ca na pravidma। tvaṃ vettha yati te jātavedaḥ, svadhābhiyaña sukṛtaṃ juṣasva॥”

  • Seventh Pind for the Departed Soul

“ॐ नमो वः पितरो रसाय, नमो वः पितरः शोषाय, नमो वः पितरों जीवाय, नमो वः पितरः स्वधायै, नमो वः पितरों घोराय, नमो वः पितरों मन्यवे, नमो वः पितरः पितरों, नमो वो गृहान्नः पितरों, दत्त सतो वः पितरों देष्मैतद्वः, पितरों वासऽआधत्त।”

“oṃ namo vaḥ pitaro rasāya, namo vaḥ pitaraḥ śoṣāya, namo vaḥ pitaroṃ jīvāya, namo vaḥ pitaraḥ svadhāyai, namo vaḥ pitaroṃ ghorāya, namo vaḥ pitaroṃ manyave, namo vaḥ pitaraḥ pitaroṃ, namo vo gṛhānnaḥ pitaroṃ, datta sato vaḥ pitaroṃ deṣmaitadvaḥ, pitaroṃ vāsa’ādhatta।”

  • Eighth Pind for the soul who didn’t have a Son

“ॐ पितृवंशे मृता ये च, मातृवंशे तथैव च। गुरुश्वसुरबन्धूनां, ये चान्ये बान्धवाः स्मृताः ॥ ये मे कुले लुप्त पिण्डाः, पुत्रदारविवर्जिता:। तेषां पिण्डों मया दत्तो, ह्यक्षय्यमुपतिष्ठतु॥”

“oṃ pitṛvaṃśe mṛtā ye ca, mātṛvaṃśe tathaiva ca। guruśvasurabandhūnāṃ, ye cānye bāndhavāḥ smṛtāḥ ॥ ye me kule lupta piṇḍāḥ, putradāravivarjitā:। teṣāṃ piṇḍoṃ mayā datto, hyakṣayyamupatiṣṭhatu॥”

  • Ninth Pind for the United Clan (Avichin Kulvansh) कुलवंश

“ॐ उच्छिन्नकुल वंशानां, येषां दाता कुले नहि। धर्मपिण्डो मया दत्तो, ह्यक्षय्यमुपतिष्ठतु ॥”

“oṃ ucchinnakula vaṃśānāṃ, yeṣāṃ dātā kule nahi। dharmapiṇḍo mayā datto, hyakṣayyamupatiṣṭhatu ॥”

  • Tenth Pind for the One who died of Miscarriage

“ॐ विरूपा आमगभार्श्च, ज्ञाताज्ञाताः कुले मम ॥ तेषां पिण्डों मया दत्तो, ह्यक्षय्यमुपतिष्ठतु ॥”

“oṃ virūpā āmagabhārśca, jñātājñātāḥ kule mama ॥ teṣāṃ piṇḍoṃ mayā datto, hyakṣayyamupatiṣṭhatu ॥”

  • Eleventh Pind for the relatives of this birth or past life

“ॐ अग्निदग्धाश्च ये जीवा, ये प्रदग्धाः कुले मम्। भूमौ दत्तेन तृप्यन्तु, धर्मपिण्डं ददाम्यहम्॥”

“oṃ agnidagdhāśca ye jīvā, ye pradagdhāḥ kule mam। bhūmau dattena tṛpyantu, dharmapiṇḍaṃ dadāmyaham॥”

  • Twelfth Pind for the relatives of this birth or past life

“ॐ ये बान्धवाऽबान्धवा वा, ये न्यजन्मनि बान्धवाः। तेषां पिण्डों मया दत्तो, ह्यक्षय्यमुपतिष्ठतु ॥’’

“oṃ ye bāndhavā’bāndhavā vā, ye nyajanmani bāndhavāḥ। teṣāṃ piṇḍoṃ mayā datto, hyakṣayyamupatiṣṭhatu ॥’’

If during the Tirth Shradh, one desires to perform the Pind Daan for more than one ancestors during the Pitra Paksha, then add the respective name and gotra (caste) in the below mantra and perform the ritual:

“………..गोत्रस्य अस्मद् …….नाम्नो, अक्षयतृप्त्यथरम् इदं पिण्डं तस्मै स्वधा॥”

“………..gotrasya asmad …….nāmno, akṣayatṛptyatharam idaṃ piṇḍaṃ tasmai svadhā॥”

After this, offer milk, curd and honey on the Pinds and pray for the gratification from the forefathers and ancestors. Chant the mantra when pouring milk on the Pind the second time:

ॐ पयः पृथिव्यां पयऽओषधीषु, पयो दिव्यन्तरिक्षे पयोधाः। पयस्वतीः प्रदिशः सन्तु मह्यम्।

“oṃ payaḥ pṛthivyāṃ paya’oṣadhīṣu, payo divyantarikṣe payodhāḥ। payasvatīḥ pradiśaḥ santu mahyam।”

The Performer should repeat the below mantra:

ॐ दुग्धं। दुग्धं। दुग्धं। तृप्यध्वम्। तृप्यध्वम्। तृप्यध्वम्॥”

“oṃ dugdhaṃ। dugdhaṃ। dugdhaṃ। tṛpyadhvam। tṛpyadhvam। tṛpyadhvam॥”

Then offer curd on the Pind while chanting the following mantra:

ॐ दधिक्राव्णऽअकारिषं, जिष्णोरश्वस्य वाजिनः। सुरभि नो मुखाकरत्प्रण, आयुषि तारिषत्।”

“oṃ dadhikrāvṇa’akāriṣaṃ, jiṣṇoraśvasya vājinaḥ। surabhi no mukhākaratpraṇa, āyuṣi tāriṣat।”

The performer should chant the following mantra:

“ॐ दधि। दधि। दधि। तृप्यध्वम्। तृप्यध्वम्। तृप्यध्वम्।”

“oṃ dadhi। dadhi। dadhi। tṛpyadhvam। tṛpyadhvam। tṛpyadhvam।”

Offer honey on the Pind while chanting the mantra written below:

“ॐ मधुवाताऽऋतायते, मधु क्षरन्ति सिन्धवः। माध्वीनर्: सन्त्वोषधीः।
ॐ मधु नक्तमुतोषसो, मधुमत्पाथिव रजः। मधु द्यौरस्तु नः पिता।
ॐ मधुमान्नो वनस्पति, मधुमाँ२ऽ अस्तु सूर्य:। माध्वीगार्वो भवन्तु नः।

“oṃ madhuvātā’ṛtāyate, madhu kṣaranti sindhavaḥ। mādhvīnar: santvoṣadhīḥ।
oṃ madhu naktamutoṣaso, madhumatpāthiva rajaḥ। madhu dyaurastu naḥ pitā।
oṃ madhumānno vanaspati, madhumām̐2′ astu sūrya:। mādhvīgārvo bhavantu naḥ।”

The performer should chant the following mantra:

“ॐ मधु। मधु। मधु। तृप्यध्वम्। तृप्यध्वम्। तृप्यध्वम्।”

“oṃ madhu। madhu। madhu। tṛpyadhvam। tṛpyadhvam। tṛpyadhvam।”

  1. Bhoot Yagya: Panch Bali

The Panch Bali ritual is performed during the Bhoot Yagya. To improve the conscience of all the living beings, this yagya is conducted. For this, place eatables at five places on different leaves or a leaf plate. Along with that, keep black gram pulse cake (urad daal cake) and curd. Now, while chanting the mantra, offer rice on each part and conclude the ritual of Panch Bali.

  • Goubali: For the Sacred Cow

ॐ सौरभेयः सर्वहिताः, पवित्राः पुण्यराशयः। प्रतिगृह्णन्तु में ग्रासं, गावस्त्रैलोक्यमातरः॥ इदं गोभ्यः इदं न मम्।”

“oṃ saurabheyaḥ sarvahitāḥ, pavitrāḥ puṇyarāśayaḥ। pratigṛhṇantu meṃ grāsaṃ, gāvastrailokyamātaraḥ॥ idaṃ gobhyaḥ idaṃ na mam।”

  • Kukkurbali: For the Dutiful Dog

“ॐ द्वौ श्वानौ श्यामशबलौ, वैवस्वतकुलोद्भवौ। ताभ्यामन्नं प्रदास्यामि, स्यातामेतावहिंसकौ ॥ इदं श्वभ्यां इदं न मम ॥”

“oṃ dvau śvānau śyāmaśabalau, vaivasvatakulodbhavau। tābhyāmannaṃ pradāsyāmi, syātāmetāvahiṃsakau ॥ idaṃ śvabhyāṃ idaṃ na mama ॥”

  • Kaakbali: For the Malignant Preventive Crow

“ॐ ऐन्द्रवारुणवायव्या, याम्या वै नैऋर्तास्तथा। वायसाः प्रतिगृह्णन्तु, भुमौ पिण्डं मयोज्झतम्। इदं वायसेभ्यः इदं न मम ॥”

“oṃ aindravāruṇavāyavyā, yāmyā vai naiṛrtāstathā। vāyasāḥ pratigṛhṇantu, bhumau piṇḍaṃ mayojjhatam। idaṃ vāyasebhyaḥ idaṃ na mama ॥”

  • Devbali: For Spiritual and Heavenly Powers

“ॐ देवाः मनुष्याः पशवो वयांसि, सिद्धाः सयक्षोरगदैत्यसंघाः। प्रेताः पिशाचास्तरवः समस्ता, ये चान्नमिच्छन्ति मया प्रदत्तम्॥ इदं अन्नं देवादिभ्यः इदं न मम्।।”

“oṃ devāḥ manuṣyāḥ paśavo vayāṃsi, siddhāḥ sayakṣoragadaityasaṃghāḥ। pretāḥ piśācāstaravaḥ samastā, ye cānnamicchanti mayā pradattam॥ idaṃ annaṃ devādibhyaḥ idaṃ na mam।।”

  • Peepilikadibali: For the Hardworking and United Ants

“ॐ पिपीलिकाः कीटपतंगकाद्याः, बुभुक्षिताः कमर्निबन्धबद्धाः। तेषां हि तृप्त्यथर्मिदं मयान्नं, तेभ्यो विसृष्टं सुखिनो भवन्तु॥ इदं अन्नं पिपीलिकादिभ्यः इदं न मम।।”

“oṃ pipīlikāḥ kīṭapataṃgakādyāḥ, bubhukṣitāḥ kamarnibandhabaddhāḥ। teṣāṃ hi tṛptyatharmidaṃ mayānnaṃ, tebhyo visṛṣṭaṃ sukhino bhavantu॥ idaṃ annaṃ pipīlikādibhyaḥ idaṃ na mama।।”

After this, offer the respective sacrifices to the respective animals.

  1. Manushya Yagya – Taking Vows for Shradh
  • The ritual of donating is followed when performing the Manushya Yagya. With this, one must accept as much as is necessary for the survival of the deceased’s child or spouse from his/her inheritance or wealth.
  • Although if the child is earning, then he must refuse to accept this, as it is believed that one has to repay the favours of the departed soul and accepting this donation will add to the ongoing debt.
  • Donate important items to poor, needy and orphans and feed the girls.
  • Along with that, announce your will to donate for public interest and welfare activities while vowing.

Mantra for Taking Sankalp

“नामाहं नामकमृतात्मनः शान्ति- सद्गति लोकोपयोगिकायार्थर् परिमाणे धनदानस्य कन्याभोजनस्य वा श्रद्धापूर्वक संकल्पम् अहं करिष्ये॥”

“nāmāhaṃ nāmakamṛtātmanaḥ śānti- sadgati lokopayogikāyārthar parimāṇe dhanadānasya kanyābhojanasya vā śraddhāpūrvaka saṃkalpam ahaṃ kariṣye॥”

After fulfilling the vow, chant the below mantra and offer flowers and rice to the God.

“ॐ उशन्तस्त्वा निधीमहि, उशन्तः समिधीमहि।। उशन्नुशतऽआ वह, पितृन्हविषेऽअत्तवे॥ ॐ दक्षिणामारोह त्रिष्टुप् त्वाऽवतु बृहत्साम, पञ्चदशस्तोमो ग्रीष्मऽऋतुः क्षत्रं द्रविणम्॥”

“oṃ uśantastvā nidhīmahi, uśantaḥ samidhīmahi।। uśannuśata’ā vaha, pitṛnhaviṣe’attave॥ oṃ dakṣiṇāmāroha triṣṭup tvā’vatu bṛhatsāma, pañcadaśastomo grīṣma’ṛtuḥ kṣatraṃ draviṇam॥”

After concluding the Panch Yagya, light the sacred fire and conduct the Gayatri Yagya. Then, perform three special offerings while chanting the below mantra:

“ॐ सूयर्पुत्राय विद्महे, महाकालाय धीमहि ।। तन्नो यमः प्रचोदयात् स्वाहा ।। इदं यमाय इदं न मम्॥

“oṃ sūyarputrāya vidmahe, mahākālāya dhīmahi ।। tanno yamaḥ pracodayāt svāhā ।। idaṃ yamāya idaṃ na mam॥”

Make the last and final religious offering and conclude the yagya. After this, prepare a plate of food items for forefathers and spiritual powers and make offerings to the deity. Then, ask for forgiveness and perform Pind Visarjan, Pitra Visarjan and Dev Visarjan.

Immersion

  • During Pind Visarjan or Immersion, chant the below mantra when offering the Pinds:

ॐ देवा गातुविदोगातुं, वित्त्वा गातुमित ।।
मनसस्पत ऽ इमं देव, यज्ञ स्वाहा वाते धाः॥”

“oṃ devā gātuvidogātuṃ, vittvā gātumita ।।
manasaspata ‘ imaṃ deva, yajña svāhā vāte dhāḥ॥”

  • Now perform the Pitra Visarjan while offering sesame and rice:

“ॐ यान्तु पितृगणाः सवेर्, यतः स्थानादुपागताः।। सवेर् ते हृष्टमनसः, सवार्न् कामान् ददन्तु मे॥ ये लोकाः दानशीलानां, ये लोकाः पुण्यकर्मणां।। सम्पूर्णान् सवर्भोगैस्तु, तान् व्रजध्वं सुपुष्कलान॥ इहास्माकं शिवं शान्तिः, आयुरारोगयसम्पदः।। वृद्धिः सन्तानवगर्स्य, जायतामुत्तरोत्तरा॥”

“oṃ yāntu pitṛgaṇāḥ saver, yataḥ sthānādupāgatāḥ।। saver te hṛṣṭamanasaḥ, savārn kāmān dadantu me॥ ye lokāḥ dānaśīlānāṃ, ye lokāḥ puṇyakarmaṇāṃ।। sampūrṇān savarbhogaistu, tān vrajadhvaṃ supuṣkalāna॥ ihāsmākaṃ śivaṃ śāntiḥ, āyurārogayasampadaḥ।। vṛddhiḥ santānavagarsya, jāyatāmuttarottarā॥”

  • For Dev Visarjan, chant the below mantra and offer rice and flowers

ॐ यान्तु देवगणाः सवेर, पूजामादाय मामकीम्।। इष्ट कामसमृद्ध्यर्थ, पुनरागमनाय च॥ / oṃ yāntu devagaṇāḥ savera, pūjāmādāya māmakīm।। iṣṭa kāmasamṛddhyartha, punarāgamanāya ca॥”

With this, you’ve concluded the Posthumous Ceremony.

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Astrology

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