Monday, August 1, 2016

02-08-2016, KARKIDAKA VAVU WORSHIP OF ANCESTORS


Today is Karkidaka Vavu fasting. Forefathers, Dead grandparents, relatives and ancestors are remembered on the no moon day (Karutavavu) in Karkidaka Masam. The Bali in Karkidakam month is important because the Dakshinayana period begins in this month. It is considered to be the night of the Devas. The popular belief is that ancestors will achieve moksha (Liberation) during the period due to the Bali performed by relatives on the earth.

The Importance of shraddha ritual and the prayers offered during shraddha ritual - is mentioned in Rig Veda ( 5000 BC ) as:-.


उदीरतामवर उत् परास उन्मध्यमा: पितर सोम्यास:
असुं ईयुरवृका ऋतज्ञा: ते नोऽवन्तु पितरो हवेषु ।।

Meaning: Let the ancestors residing on Earth attain an evolved region. Let the ancestors who are in heaven, that is, at a higher plane of existence, never degrade. Let the ones who are at a medium plane of existence, attain a higher plane. Let the ancestors who symbolize the Truth protect us.




Markandeya Purana says that if the ancestors are content with the shraddhas, they will bestow health and happiness upon the performer. The performance of Shraddha by a son during Pitru Paksha is regarded as compulsory by Hindus, to ensure that the soul of the ancestor goes to heaven.

The greatness of Hindu festivals and rituals reflects the attitude of Gratitude. The ritual in remembrance of one's ancestors is known as Shraadh and by this Shraadham ritual we remember our dead ancestors with Gratitude and love.

The most important thing is as name itself says "SHARD"= you must do it with such a care and diligence and faith only, this is top most priority all comes next. If you keep it with shradda it will reach your ancestors.Its like giving back, you helped me when i am a little kid and now i am helping you , when you are old , only there is difference in time and space.

Last but not least, Hinduism doesn't refer to a single religion that is interpreted the same way all over India. Many people pray to their ancestors so that their souls(after they died) rested in peace and achieve entrance to heaven. Others pray because their souls could be reborn into a new body with a different memory and personality. Most of the others dont even pray to them.

However let it be known that the underlying emotion is gratitude and not selfishness.Love and nostalgia is one of the most important.

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