antyeshti shraddha death rituals

7/30/2019 Antyeshti Shraddha Death Rituals

1/93

ANTYESHTI & SHRADDHA ( Death Rituals)

(The details for performance of the ritual are based on the book Socio Cultural and Religious Traditions of Kashmiri Pandits by Piyaray Raina ( Saddhak )(Search from Google)

For the attention of Community members Performance of death rituals especially on the day of death as per Kashmiri Pandit tradition needs lot of preparatory work in collection of materials( Samgree) which needs lot of effort,especially in the present situation in which the community has been dislodged from Kashmir. Non availability of priests, or even if available, their high demands and lack of knowledge makes the mourners more desperate. Thus, despite love and affection for the departed soul one is compelle to ignore traditional farewell of departed soul and somehow cremate the body with whatever local services of the place where he/she is living. Back home in Kashmir we had a system of creating Mrtyu Samgree Bhandars in various localities where from one could collect all the materials without even making the payments at the time of tragedy. Even our kulguru family priest, would not accept payments on such occasions. He would keep a fast along with other family member till the corpse is cremated.The present day priests are using their meager knowledge to extract maximum possible benifit from the desperation of the bereaved family. A responsibility falls on the shoulders of senior members of community to make a concerted effort to preserve our traditions. They can start Mrtyu Samgri Bhandars and learn the recitations as given below. The recitations have been given in Sanskrit as well as in Roman script along with translations and directions.A careful study will reveal that there is not much of Sanskrit recitation in these ritual.The same recitations are used again and again for various acts . Efforts are on foot to make

these recitations in audio form and will be put on this site when ready.

Vedic thoughts about death As per Vedic thought human being is a combination of gross and subtle elements

called Panchmahabhutas namely 1) Aakasha ether, 2)Vayu air, 3) Aapa water, 4) Agni heat and5)Prithvi earth). They make the human body grow and perform various functions. The functioning of body is projected as a sort of sheaths (kosha ),like the one that covers a sword . Thus, a human body is a combination of five koshas known as Panchkoshas : 1)Annamayakosha Physical body nourished by food

2)Pranmayakosha (Vital

air

sheath

which

controls

functions

of

breathing

)

3)Manomayakosha( Mind sheath responsible for functions of mind ) 4) Vijnaanmayakosha ( Intellectual sheath responsible for making decisions) 5) Anandmayakosha ( seat of thoughts before they manifest in action ) These sheaths are to be understood as one residing within the other, from outer to inner , in the order given above . The physical gross body is known as Stulsharira, which comes into existence at the time of birth. It is this body alone which is destroyed by death due to its

1 | V i s i t w w w . k p s a m a r p a n . o r g


2/93

malfunctioning. The other four koshas which are subtle, known as Sukshamsharira( Subtle body )are not affected by death .They simply transmigrate into another body and keep on doing so till that eternal soul obtains moksha freedom from samsara ( acts of birth and death) The disposal of a dead body is also a Samskara . It is called Apara (later) Karma .

However it is more commonly known by the name Antyeshti (Final ygnya ) in which the dead body is offered as an oblation to Agnideva in the firepithoma, where the body disintegrates and releases these five elements to join back to their respective sources. The dead person immediately after death is called a Preta . It hovers around the place of its residence for one human year. At the end of one human year it finds a new body and is then called a Pitr . Thus all the rituals connected with Preta are called Antyeshti rituals and those rituals associated with Pitr are called Shraddha . All the rites performed under Antyeshti have been designated with the aim of transferring a Preta into a Pitr . With the passage of time carrying out these Antyeshti rituals over a period of one year may have become difficult, hence the whole samskara of one year has been compressed into a gauna secondary form of 13 days affair from the date of death. Many Hindus have reduced the time of mournig to just 4 days. The performance of monthly Masvar (monthly shraddha ) Shadmos (six monthly shraddha ) during preta stage of ancestor is a local tradition to keep up the remembrance of departed soul irrespective of karmic demands. As per Vedic thought, after eleventh/12th day shraddha no shraddha can be performed before first death anniversary. The disposal of dead body is done by offering it to Yamdeva ,who lives in Southern Quarters. Hence all oblations through a yagnya, along with other offerings such as black til (sessamum),barley flour etc are made facing South , yagnopavit in upsavena ( left shoulder)position.

The rituals connected with Antyeshti are : A)On the day of death B)Collection of Ashes from cremation place C) On the tenth day D) On eleventh day E) On twelfth Day F) Round the year Shraddhas G)First Annual Shraddha

A)On the day of Death

The performance of ritual on the day of death are as under:

aa) When the person is still on the death bed bb) Giving a bath to the Corpse cc) Aarti dd) Pind Dan ee) Journey towards Cremation Ground ff) Yama Homa



3/93


4/93


5/93

7) Two briefs or two lengths of cloth strips (I x 3 feet) Shran Pat/lion cloth along with a cotton thread for tying round the waist( Called Aitpan ) for covering private parts of body before and after bath.

8) A few narrow strips of cloth cut from white sheet for tying body parts such as hands, feet etc. after bath. White cotton ropes( nadas like the one used tying a pyjama)may also be used .

9) A white cotton sock .

10) Sufficient flowers, loose and garlands.

11) Laya ( perchad paddy) 250 grams, small quantity of mauli, milk,curd,ghee,srshup (yellow mustard oil seeds)black til,pavitr( made from kusha grass or a metal ring),yagnopavit if dead person is a male),sindur or saffron for applying tilak, honey, cotton, a coin,dhoop

12) Ratandeep in a thali with agarbati/krpur , Ganta and Shunk ( if available)for Aarti

13) Luke warm water , sufficient to give a good bath to the corpse.

Bathing the corpse

The corpse is lifted from the place in the room and carried to the place where it is to be given a bath. It is to be placed on the wooden /bamboo platform with head in southern direction. Remove all the clothes from the body. Shirt/frock is removed by tearing it in from the front side as a token of grief. Cover private part of body by a new brief or shran pat. Bath is given with luke warm water mixed with milk, curd, ghee, srshup (yellow mustard oil seeds)black til . Add water from three kalashas i.e. Gayatri kalash, Bhairov and Astr kalash if yamahoma (See below)is done at the place of start. After this clean body once again with clean water to remove all sticking material

from it

. If

dead

person

is

a lady,then

bathing

should

be

done

by

ladies only. While giving a bath to the corpse it should be held in a partial sitting position or at least with the head up above ground level. During bath Gayatri mantra along withVyhrties should be recited as given below:

Om Bhu,Om Bhuv,Om Svah,Om Mha,Om Jnah Om Tapah,Om Satym



6/93

O m Bhur Bhuvh Svah Tat SaviturVrenym Bargo Devsy Dhimahi Deyo Yo Na Prachodeyat or Shrimat Narayn, Narayn Narayn (Jher ukjk;.k, ukjk;.k ukjk;.k )

Keep on repeating it till the bath is over. Recitation of 16 hymns of Purushasuktam (see www.kpsamarpan.org ) is considered very auspicious with all the kriyas linked with Anteyeshti . After bath has been completed following acts have to be performed:

1)A new brief/shran pat / is puton to cover private parts after removing the wet brief/shranpat .

2) Yagnopavit worn by males is taken out through head and a new

one is

put

on

his

body

through

feet

in

Upseven

Position.(Left

shoulder)

3) Nine Openings of body (both male/female) are to be closed with round balls of doop . These nine openings are 2 ears, 2 eyes, two nostrils, one mouth, front and back private openings.

4) Put a pavitr ( a ring made from Kusha grass) or a metal ring on right hand anamika finger of dead person

5) Put on sindur tilak on the forehead and tie a Mavli (Narivan ) on the right hand arm (for men) left hand arm (for women).

6) Place a coin in the mouth.

7) Wrap the body with white shroud.

8) Put on cap, but do not cover up face. This should be covered after performance of Arti .(see below)

9) Rub honey on the lower part of both feet and put on cotton on it

and then put on socks

10) Tie hands and feet together with a pieces of cloth/nada strips already kept ready

11) Place the corpse on the other wooden platform which has been covered with a sheet of white cloth and laid with flower petals, darbha and til (sesamum)

http://www.kpsamarpan.org/http://www.kpsamarpan.org/


7/93

. 12) Cover with Ram Ram Pat/Shiva,Shiva Pat if available and then place cotton sheet (dyed with saffron for the old member) on top of the corpse.

13) Place shawl/sari or a cloth used by dead person over the body and decorate it with flowers before final journey . 14) An oil lamp is to be kept burning at the place of bath after the corpse is removed. This will be removed after the cremation is over

cc) Aarti Take the corpse held on wooden platform to a convenient place with head on the southern side where everyone can have a final look on the face and make floral offerings. Before start of Aarti ,a snkalpa is to be made. Snklpa isas follows:

Om Tt St Brhm Adhy Tavt Tithou ( month) Mase( Shukla/ Krisna Pakshe (Date as per lunar calendar) Tithi ( day e.g. Somvarey for Monday)Vare( Your name along with gotraIf gotra is not known say amukgotre) Gotre Pitu for father/ Matu(mother) Svrg Praptyrthm Dupm Rtndeepm Krpurm Arpiyami

rr lr cz ge v| rkor.. ekls.. frfFk .. okjs..xks=s.. firq@ekrquke lfgr LoxZiz kIr;FkZ/kw ia jRunhia diZ w ja viZ ;kfe ue%

An Aarti with Ratandeep, in which camphor is poured regularly to keep the flame alive, is now to be made by recitation of Vishnu Aarti ( Jy Narayan ) and or Om Jai Jgdesh (see www.kpsamarpan.org for recitations). If Shnkh is available it should be blown loud and make Gnta ringing as is the practice in any Arti .

dd) Pind Dan ( This tradition is common to all Hindus) Three Pindas (balls) are made from the barley flour which are to be placed on the bier at different stages of final journey of corps. At each stage of placing the pind on the bier a recitation is to be made. At the time of departure the recitation is:

Anty Kriya Nimitlm Eshh Te Bodhh Pindh Preth Trpytu

vUR; f;k fufeka , cks/k% fi.M% iz sr% r`I;rq (May this preta be satisfied with this Bodh pinda)



8/93


9/93

Ant Kriya Nimithm Eshh Te Mkrdhvjh Pindh Preth Trpytu

vUR; f;k fufek ,s rsedj/ot% fi.M% iz sr% r`I;rq (For the sake of keeping Preta satisfied in this Antim Kriya, Mker dvjh Pinda is being offered).

A clockwise round of the bier is made and then it is lifted again. This pinda is then offered at a platform within cremation ground.

After placing bier on the ground for final cremation place third barley pinda is placed on it with the recitation:

Anty Kriya Nimitlm Eshh Te Ym Dhut Pindh Preth Trpyuth .377 rr lr cz ge vUr; f;k fufek , rs;enw r fi.M% iz sr% r`I;rq (May this pinda satiate Yam duta)

ff) Yama Homa (Oblations to Yama ) It has two parts:

ff 1)Homa It involves performance of a brief yagnya . Traditionally it was performed at the placefrom where the corpse is carried for cremation .With changed situation after migration this is either not performed or performed at cremation ground along with chitvas

ff 2)Chitvas It is an act of offering puja to the deities who reside at

cremation grounds

ff 1)Homa Preparatory The following materials will be needed for Yamahoma 1) Barley flour kg 2) Barley grains kg 3) One bowl (or taku ) for use as Agnikund ( This has to be carried to shamshan cremation ground for subsequent use if homa isperformed at the starting point) 4) About 10 small earthen lamps or bowls. 5) Earthen bowls large (810 dia) or earthen taku 5 Nos. 6) Earthen pitchers , large (1 x 1 feet) 1 and small (6 x 8 inches) 1 7) Walnuts 15 8) Ghee kg. 9) Basket 1 No 15x15 inches (for carrying homa materials to Shamshan . If homa is performed at starting point then live agnikund has also to be placed in it )



10/93

10) Panchmewa (shrean , dry apricots, khajoor ,moongphali candies etc.) total weight about 1/2 kg. 11) Piece of dry wood small quantity for homa( Not needed if homa is performed at cremation ground)

12) Small quantities of honey, doop, kesr, sesamum, sindur, mavli, darbha , milk, curd, srshp (oil seeds). 13) A few cakes made from barley flour 14) Cooked rice 1 kg. 15) Potato fingers fried (250 gms). 16) some coins 17) Shruch and Shruva These are handles used in making offerings of ghee in homa. Shruch is like one spoon with a long handle ,shruva has two spoon like hollows with a long handle for holding ghee and other thing (such as a walnut) while making an offering in the firepot .They are usually available with priests. If not available, one can use two pieces of wood, by fixing cotton on it.

Starting performance of homa It has five steps:

I)Establishing Kalashs II)Establishing Agnimukha III)EstablishingAjay pot IV)Purifications of offerings to Yama V)Ahuties to homa

I)Establishing Kalashs (Kalash Sthapna )

Clean a small place near by 6x6feet by smearing it with clay. Presense of Kalash(Varunadeva deity of water bodies) is considered essential in all homas (Yagnyas )performed on auspicious or non auspicious occasions. Water in a pot is placed over a diagram called Brahma kalash drawn with flour(See figure). In Yama homa along with Brhm kalash three more kalash pots are established. These are :

i) Gayatri kalash on the southern side of Brhm kalash (i.e. right

side).

ii) Bairov kalash on the right hand side of Gayatri kalash . iii) Astr (or Indr ) kalash On the right side of Bairov kalash .

The pots used in all these kalash s are earthen lamps (except Bairov kalash where a small earthen pitcher is used). In these kalashas water along with vishthur or flower( Vishthur is a piece of dharba grass with a knot in the middle) and one walnut is put, which are



11/93

placed on Ashtdals (eight petal lotus figure drawn with flour by putting flour at 8 places around a small circle and then pressing on flour by thumb to give it the shape of petal.).

Five earthen lamps are placed on Aashtdals which represent

Panchbhuhs . Lighted oil lamp kept at the head of corpse is taken out and placed on ashtdal in the SE (Agney kona) The performer sits facing east along with priest (or one who conducts the ritual) (see Figure )..

It has two steps as follows: a)Kalash/kumb Sthapna b) Kalash Puja

a)Kalash/Kumb Sthapn (Establishing Kalash /Invoking Varunadev in a waterpot) (dy@dw Ec@o:.k iw tk ) It is a very important anga in all homas and pujas . It is also called Kumb because water is held in a pot(Kumb ). Varuna god of water bodies is invoked in this puja and hence it is also called Varuna Puja also. Kalash is considered to be witness (Heruk = secret agent) during performance of a karma . As per tradition before Kalash puja recitations of Vedic hymns (Svstivachan ) in praise of Vedas and other deities Ganesh, Vishnu, Rudra, Gayatri is carried out. Ganesh is usually invoked in the lower



12/93


13/93


Chkshr, Aattm Tt Vipraso Vipnyo Jagr Vamsh Smndhita Vishnor Yt Permm Pdm

rr fo .kksije in~e lnk i;fUr lw ;kZ fnOo; pdj vkRe rr% foijlksfoiu;kstkXj lEufgrk fo .kksj ;r% ije ine AA(The learned ones always worship the sacred feet of Lord Vishnu and are eager to have His vision in the Svrga Loka. We pray to Him to take seat here for our welfare and happiness.) .

a2) Gayatri Mantra recitation (recite 3 times) Om Bhur Bhuvh Svh Tt Svitur Vrinym Bhrgo Devsy Dhimhi Dhiyo Yo Nh Prochodyat Hkw Hkq Z o% Lo% r~ r lforqjojs.;a Hkxks Zns oL; /khefg f/k;ks ;ksu% izpksn;kr AA(May we mediate on that eternal god, our creator, independent reality who manifests through Sun propitiated by the highest gods, one who bestows wisdom, bliss and even lasting life; may our

intellect be illumined by that light of god). a3) Kshtrpal invocation

Kshtrapals are protectors of crops in the fields and are beneficial to mankind. There are 49 Kshtrpals who are worshiped on major Samskaras along with Kalash . However on other occasions only 20 khetrpals are invoked with the recitation:

Om Bhur Bhuvh Svah Kshetradipalye Nmh Hkw Hkq Z o% Lo% {ksrk` fnifr;sue%While applying arga pushpam ( mixed rice and loose flowers) to

khetrpals recite

their

names

as

under:

1) Om Drshtre Nmh ( nzVsue%)2) Updrshtre Nmh ( minzVsue%)3) Khyatre Nmh ( [;k=sue%)4) Upkhyatre Nmh ( vi[;k=s ue%)5) Anukhyatre Shastre Nmh ( vuq[;krskL=sue%)6) Shr nvte Nmh ( J` .orsue%)7) Upshr nvte Nmh ( viJ.ors ue%)8) Ste Nmh ( lrs ue%)9) Aste Nmh ( vlrs ue%)10) Jatay Nmh ( tkrk; ue%)11) Janishymany Nmh ( tfu ;ek.k; ue%)12) Bhutey Nmh ( Hkw rk; ue%)13) Bhvishyte Nmh ( Hkfo;rsue%)14) Chkshushhe Nmh ( p{kqsue%)


14/93

15) Shrotray Nmh ( Jks=k; ue%)16) Mnse Nmh ( euls ue%)17) Vache Nmh ( okpsue%)18) Brhmne Nmh ( czge.ksue%)

19) Shantay Nmh ( kUrk;sue%)20) Tpse Nmh ( rils ue%)

b)Kalash Puja i)Avahan (invocation of Kalash devta and other deities) It is a part of the ritual to welcome deities to be present during the performance of a karma to receive oblations. Two pieces of darbha or a flower are held in right hand and avahan recitation then starts as follows: Avahi Kalash Mndl Devtabhyoh Astrayai Gaytriyay Bhairvayay Namh

Bhktanugrh Kark,

Asmat

Dyanurdhen

Snnidhanum

Kuru

Prbhu

(repeat 3 times)

(vkokfg Hkxou dy ea My nsorkH;ksvLrjk; xk;=h;k; Hksjok; ue%Hkdrkuq&xzg dkjd vlekr n;kuq&jks/ks u lfUu/kkue dq: izHk w ).(Oh God, you are the one who blesses devotees with anugraha divine grace. Please be merciful and remain present here).

ii) Apo Prashana/ Aachman (Purification of water) (vkiksizkuk ) This is an act by which water is symbolically purified for further use

of Achman , washing of deities feet(Padyo ) and his hands face etc. ( Arghyam ). Water held in Pranipatr (pot) is poured into the right hand and purified by recitation of following mantra three times and then put back into pranipatr for further use:

Sham No Devirabhishtaya Apo Bhavanti Pityay Shanyorabhi Srvantu Nah a uksns ohfHkZ V; vkiksHkoUrqihr;sa ;ksjfHk lz oUrqu% A(Oh water god (Varun ) you wash our sins and you have made us happy. Heal our body from sickness and drive away all sickness from

us. May we use the sanctified water for drinking and sacrificial purposes. Shower upon us your grace through these waters) . iii) Pran Pratishtha (Bringing idols to life for Puja ) (izk.k iz frzBk ) This is a symbolic act by which idols of worship are made live to receive oblations. A small quantity of water is placed in panchpatra



15/93


(or metal cup) which has vishthur or 2 pices of darbha or a flower in it for sprinkling water on kalash with the recitation:

Ashivnoh Pranstau Te Pranm Dttan Ten Jiv. Mitravarunyoh Pranstau Te Pran Dttan Ten Jiv

Brhspteh Pranstau Te Pran Dttan Ten Jiv

vfouksiz k.kLrkSrsiz k.k rsiz k.k nrka rsu tho A fe=ko:.k;kSiz k.kLrS rsizk.k nrka rs u tho AczgLirs% iz k.kLrkSrsiz k.k nra k rs u tho AA(This is request to Vedic deities Ashvini, Mitra Varuna and Brhaspati to bring idols to life). iv) Padya ( Washing deities feet ) Washing of deitys feet is one of the symbolic acts of puja . Water already purified by Apo Prashana (See ii above) mixed with

Panchamrita , (milk, curd, honey, ghee and gur) is sprinkled over deity byVishthur along with recitation of following mantra :

Gngadi Srv Tirtha byo Anitm Toym Uttmm ! Padyarthm Smpradasami Grhnntu Prmeshvrh Kalashdevtabyo Padyo Padym Smrpyami

xkfn loZrhFkZH; vkuhre( rks ;eqkee Aik/kkFkZ a lEiznkL;kfe x`gUrqijesJjk Ady ns orkH;% ikn;ksik|a leiZ;kfe A(I am using this sacred water from Ganges and other sacred rivers for washing your feet. Please accept it) v) Arghym (Washing deities hands and face) (v/kZ;a ) Water held in Pranipatr , already purified by Apo Prashana (iii above). Eight ingredients called Ashtang (water,milk,curd,ghee,rice,barley, yellow mustard oi seeds called sarshap,vishthur) is poured over kalash along with recitation of following mantra :

Gnd Pushpakshtlair Yuktm Gryni Sampaditm Mya Grhnntv Argym Prasanashch Bhvntu Me Srvda

Kalashdevtabyo Argyam Samarpiyamey Nmh

xU/kiq ik{krS ;q ZDre/;Z a lEikfnra e;k AxURo/;Z a izlUukp HkoUrqes a loZnk Ady ns orkH;% v/kZ ;a leiZ;kfe ue%

(Oh Gods so and so please accept offerings of Gndh (tika ) flowers, aksht (unbroken rice) along with other ingredients for washing you face and hands, please be happy with me/us always.).


16/93

vi) Aachman (Purification of deity) (ns o vkpeu )This is an act of pouring pure water over deity to purify it of any sticking materials used in oblations.This type of achman is performed almost after every oblations. Sometimes some scents (and or camphor)is added to water as an aroma .Recitation of following words is done: Krpuren Sughndhn Vasitm Svad Shitlm Toym Achmanyrthm Grhnuntu Prmeshvrh .diZw js.k lq?kU?ks u okflra Lokn hrye rks ;ekpeuh;kFkZ a xguUrqijesJoj% A(Oh Prmeshvr please accept this achman purification with cold, tasty water scented with camphor and other scents). vii) Dev Snan / Abhesheikh (Bathing of deity) (nso Luku @ vfHksd) Bathing of deity with water and other ingredients. Abesheikh (bath) of male deities is carried by15 ingredientsPanchdashang (ipan Luku

) along with recitation as follows:

Asnkhyata Shstrani Ye Rudra Adi Bhumyam Teshham Shstr Yojnev Dhnvani Tnmsi Kalash devtabyo Panchdash Snanm Smrpyami Nmh

vla [;krk lgL=kf.k ;s:nz k vkfn Hkw H;ke A rsk lgL= ;kstuso /kuokfu rUefdy ns orkH;% ipan Luku leZi;kfe ue%)

( There are innumerable Rudras Rudra is one who can punish watching over me, plese keep them thousands of miles away from me. I am offering bath with fifteen ingredients Padeties ).

viii) Vastra Grhan (Putting on clothes of deity) ( oLrxgu )Offer flowers to Kalash along with the recitation: KalashdevbyoVstrm Samarpyamii Nmh dy ns orkH;% oL=a LejI;kfe ue% A

(Please accept clothes with my full reverence).

ix)Dev Anulepna (Smearing deities with tilak ) (ns o vuq ysiuk )While applying tilak to Kalash recite following words:

Srveshvr Jgt Vindya Divyasnm Susmsthita Gndh Grhan Devesh Divgndop Shobitm Kalashdevtabyo Smalbnm Gndo Nmh

losZJoj txr oU/k fnO;klu lqla fLFkr AxU/k x`gk.k ns os fnO;xU/kksi ks fHkre Ady ns orkH;% lekyHkusxU/kksue% A



17/93

(Almighty god, seated on His/Her divine seat, please accept this Gndh (tika ) for your beautification with my fullReverence) x)Chamer/Arti (Recitation of bajans etc) (pkej@vkjrh)Move Ratandeep and Doop etc held in a thali in front of kalash and recite: Kalashdevtabyo chamaram/arti samarpayami Nmh dy ns orkH;% vkjrh;e leZi;kesue%).

II) Establish Agnimukha in an earthen pot .

Place dry wood pieces in taku or similar open earthen bowl a make it ablaze by pouring little ghee or camphor .

Place a little water and vishthur (or a flower ) in the pranipater pot ( See fig above)

Sprinkle water on fire pot from pranipatr by vishthur or flower along with the recitation :

Ashivnoh Pranstau Te Pranm Dttan Ten Jiv. Mitravarunyoh Pranstau Te Pran Dttan Ten Jiv Brhspteh Pranstau Te Pran Dttan Ten Jiv Agnideva Jivdhanm Pariklpyami Nmh

vfouksiz k.kLrkSrsiz k.k rsiz k.k nrka rsu tho A fe=ko:.k;kSiz k.kLrS rsizk.k nrka rs u tho AczgLirs% iz k.kLrkSrsiz k.k nra k rs u tho AvXu;s thonku ifjdYi;kfe ue%(This is invocation to various vedic devas such as Asvinos,MitraVaruna,and Brhaspati to bring Agnideva to life to receive oblations ).

Sprinkle water from Pranitpatr, nine times on the Agni pot with Vshthur with following recitations:

i) Rtmtvya Styen Perismu Hyami (_ra Ro;k lR;s u ifjlew gkfe )(for custodians of cosmic order Rita I am offering this water oblations.)

ii) Stym Tvrtenm Perismuhyami (lR;a Rors Z ua ifjlewgkfe )(for Custodians of truth I am offering this water oblation).

iii) Rit Styamyam Tva Perismuhyami (_ra lR;kE;ka Rok ifjlewgkfe )(for custodian of Rita and truth .....).

iv) Ritm Tva Styen Pryukshami (_ra Rok lR;s u i;q Z{kkfe )



18/93

(For Ritm I am offering oblations without any recitations). v) Stym Tvrten Pryukshami (lR;a Rors Z u i;q Z{kkfe )

(For truth.....)

vi) Rit Styabhyam Tva Pryukshami (_ra lR;kH;ka Rok i;q Z{kkfe )(For both Rita and Stya ......)

vii) Ritm Tva Styen Perishhinchami (_ra Rok lR;u ifjpkfe )(For Rita I am sprinkling the water)

viii) Stym Tvrten Perishhinchami (lR; Rors Z u ifjpkfe )(For Satyam I am ......).

ix) Ritm Satyabhyam Tva Perishhinchami (_ra lR;kH;ka Rok ifjpkfe )

(For Both Ritm and Satym ......).

Place pieces of darbha on all four sides of Agni pot and recite.

Ygnsy Sntitir Asy Ygnsy Tva Snttyai Strnam ;KL; lUrfrj vfl ;KL; Rok lUrR;SLr`.kkfe

(Ygnya you are eternal and you are called eternal).

Offering Tilak and flowers to Agnipot recite the words:

Agnye Shukarudhay Svaha Sahitay Trinetray Tejrupay Smalubnm Gndo Nmh, Argho Nmh Pushpm Nmh

vXu;sqdk:


19/93


20/93

vi) Shrotrat Vachm Sntnu Svaha (Jks=kr okpa lUruq a Lokgk )vii) Vachh Atmanm Sntnu Svaha ( okp% vkReku lUruqLokgk ) viii) Atmanh Prithivim Sntnu Svaha (vkReku% i` fFkoha lUruqLokgk )ix) Prithviya Antrikshm Sntnu Svaha (i` fFkO;k vUrfj{ka lUruqLokgk )

x) Antrikshat Divm Sntnu Svaha (vUrfj{kkr fnoa lUruqLokgk )xi) Divh Svh Sntnu Svaha ( fno% Lo% lUruqLokgk )(These ahuties pray for the happy and full of life journey of Atma from the various stages in human body covering pran, vyan, apan , eyes, ears, speech, earth antirksh and finally to Svarga )

.b) Ahutis for deities with ghee & pieces of bread as above:

i)Ritutithyadi Bhyh Devtabhyh Svaha (_frfrFk;kfnH;a ns orkH;%Lokgk ( offerings to deities of seasons , ) ii) Brhmney Svaha (

czge.ksLokgk )

iii) Abhijite Svaha (vfHkftrsLokgk )iv) Gaytrai Svaha (xk;=k;sLokgk )v) Bhairvay Svaha (HkSjok;sLokgk vi) Astray Svaha (vL=k; Lokgk )vii) Bhut Pnchkobhyo Svaha (Hkw ripa dsH;ksLokgk )viii) Om Bhulokay Svaha ( Hkw yksdk; Lokgk )ix) Om Bhuvolokay Svaha ( Hkq o% yksdk; Lokgk )x) Om Svh Lokay Svaha ( Lo% yksdk; Lokgk )

xi) Om Bhur Bhuvh Svh Lokay Svaha ( HkqHkZ o Lo% yksdk; Lokgk )xii) Om Ayur Ygnen Svaha ( vk;;ZKs u Lokgk )xiii) Om Prano Ygnen Svaha ( iz k.kksKsu Lokgk )ivx) Om Apano Ygnen Svaha ( vikuksKsu Lokgk )xv) Om Vyano Ygnen Svaha ( O;kuksKs u Lokgk )xvi) Om Udano Ygnen Svaha ( mnkuksKs u Lokgk )xvi) Om Smano Ygnen Svaha ( lekuksKs u Lokgk )xvii) Om Chkshu Ygnen Svaha ( p{kqKs u Lokgk )xix Om Shrotrm Ygnen Svaha ( Jks=a Ks u Lokgk )xx) Om Vak Ygnen Svaha ( okdKs u Lokgk )xx) Om Mno Ygnen Svaha ( euksKs u Lokgk )xxii) Om Atma Ygnen Svaha ( vkRekKs u Lokgk )xxiii) Om Brhma Ygnen Svaha ( czgekKs u Lokgk )xxiv) Om Jyotir Ygnen Svaha ( T;ks frjKs u Lokgk )xxv)Om Svr Ygnen Svaha ( LojKs u Lokgk )



21/93

xxvi) Om Prshthm Ygnen Svaha ( i` BKs u Lokgk )xxvii) Om Ygno Ygnen Svaha ( ;KksKs u Lokgk )

At the end of this homa , sprinkle water from the three kalashs on the corpsebefore it is cremated .

ff 2) Chit vas Puja Performing puja at the ground site where corpse will be finally cremated Chitvas are deities who reside at cremation grounds.No homa is to be performed for them .Following rituals are observed at cremation ground:

a) Drawing chitvas diagram b) Puja of cremation ground deities c) Putting corpse on Chitta d) Recitation of final prayers by Karta

e) Keeping away evil spirits f) Purn ahuti g) Closing acts

a) Drawing of chitvas diagrams

This involves drawing a kalash diagram ( see figure)at the place where the corpse is to be cremated with barley flour after the place has been cleaned and smeared with earth.



22/93

In situations where it can not be drawn,such as in an electric crematorium , it can be drawn on a piece of cloth which can be placed on top of furnace( Printing of chitvas on cloth sheets in advance by social organizations would be a service to community) Wooden pegs are driven on the outer side of Chitvas Kalash as

shown in figure to keep the corpse in position. Flowers,Tilak , Arga are placed on it.

b)Puja of deities residing at cremation ground It is carried out as given below:

i)Pran Prathishtha (Invocation to Agnideva) This has to be done in case Yamahoma has been done at home, otherwise it is not needed

Ashivnoh Pranstau Te Pranm Dttan Ten Jiv. Mitravarunyoh Pranstau Te Pran Dttan Ten Jiv Brhspteh Pranstau Te Pran Dttan Ten Jiv Agnideva Jivdhanm Pariklpyami Nmh

vfouksiz k.kLrkSrsiz k.k rsiz k.k nrka rsu tho A fe=ko:.k;kSiz k.kLrS rsizk.k nrka rs u tho AczgLirs% iz k.kLrkSrsiz k.k nra k rs u tho AvXu;s thonku ifjdYi;kfe ue%(This is invocation to various vedic devas such as Asvinos,MitraVaruna,and Brhaspati to bring Agnideva to life to receive oblations ).

ii)Gayatri Mntra (3 times)

iii)Snklpa for Archam (puja)

Om Tt St Brhm Adhy Tavt Tithou ( month) Mase( Shukla/ Krisna Pakshe (Date as per lunar calendar) Tithi ( day e.g. Somvarey for Monday)Vare( Your name along with gotraIf gotra is not known say amukgotre) Gotre Pitu for father/ Matu(mother) Svrg Praptyrthm Dupm Rtndeepm Krpurm ArpiyamiChitvas Devtanam Atmano Pitu (or Matu ) Antykriya Nimitm Archam Ahm Karisheye Om Karishv

rr lr cz ge v| rkor.. ekls.. frfFk .. okjs..xks=s.. firq@ekrquke lfgr LoxZiz kIr;FkZ/kw ia jRunhia diZ w ja viZ ;kfe ue%

fprokl norkuka vkReuksfirq a ekrqvUrd`;k fufera vpkv|a dfj ; dfj;



23/93


24/93

i) Place dry wood logs over chitvas kalash figure in such a way that corpse can be placed over it. This is usually done by paid attendants at cremation ground in towns .

ii) Remove corpse slowly from the bier on which it was carried from home and place it on wooden logs with head southwards. iii) Put more dry wood logs over the corpse so that corpse can burn completely by it. iv) Place cotton on few wooden sticks about 18 long.These are called ulmuks. Immerse them in ghee , ignite them and then place them under the wooden logs. Eldest son or who is performer of kriya should place this burning ulmuk below the head of corpse while other persons may do around the body at other places. v) Put the Ajayghee pot along with walnut and wooden shruk and shruv (if used) on top of burning corpse while reciting:

Akutyai Tva Svaha, Ishane Kamayai Tva Svaha, Vayve Smrddhyai Tva Svaha, Iti Naitrte

vkdw R;SRok Lokgk bZkusdkek;SRok Lokgk ok;osle );SRok Lokgk bfr uS_rs

vi) Karta along with others should go round the burnig corpse three times in clockwise direction and at the end of it, put all ulmuks in the SE corner of burning chita .

d)Recitation of Final Prayer byKarta

i)Om Asmt Tvm Abhijatosi Tvt Ahm Jayte Punh (name of dead person) Asou Pita (or Mata ) Svrgay Lokay Svaha

( vLer Roe vfHktkrks fl Ror&vg tk;rsiq u%----vklkSfirk vFkok ekrk loxkZ ; yksdk; Lokgk ). (From whatever high region you took birth here, go back to that place again. Let my father/mother go to heaven).

ii) Pitu/Matu Anty Kriya Nimitm Chitvas Devtanam Pujnm Achidrm Astu Om Shanti Shanti Shanti ( firk @ ekrk vUR; f;k fufek fprkokl ns orkuke iw tue vfNnz e&vLrqA kfUr kfUr kfUr).



25/93


26/93

Om Tt Sat Brhm .. Month. Pksh ..Tithi ..Var ..Gotra . Asmt Pitu/Matu Anty Kriya Nimittm Ett Tilodkm Elt Te Udk Tarpnm ( rr lr cz ge ekl i{ksfrFkh okjsxks=k vLer ekrk@firk vUR; f;k f,rr fryksnsde&,rr rsmnd riZ.ke ARelations who join in the tarpan should modify it by reciting their own gotra and skip the part which describes the relation with the ancestor. iii)(Tchay Zalen) Going round burning grass .A bundle of dry grass is alighted , all assembled people go round it three times without looking back at it in the final round

iv) After reaching home, the oil lamp kept burning is put off.

v) Close relations of the dead person who had not eaten so far can

now eat freshly prepared food .

B) Collection of Ashes and Bones .

On an auspicious Var (day) usually Monday, Wednesday or Friday, soon after cremation, the ashes and bones are collected from the cremation ground in wide mouth earthen pitchers, which are then covered with lid and tied by cloth. (If it is intended to carry ashes to Haridvar or some other sacred place at a later date a small quantity of ashes / bones is placed in a box and sealed and kept in a locker in the cremation ground where such facilities usally exist.)

The place where the cremation took place is cleaned of all unburned material, then smeared with clay and water. Flowers, dry fruits are placed at the spot. A silent prayers is held for the peace of departed soul. The ashes in the pitchers are carried to a place where there is swift water current. In Kashmir they were taken to Shadipur (16 miles from Srinagar) where there is a confluence of River Sind with River Jehlum.



27/93

C) Tenth day Kriya

Fixing the venue Tenth day kriya is performed at river bank or where there is a fresh water body e.g. lake, spring, pond etc. The choice of place is made before hand as relatives, friends etc. have to be informed so as to enable them to reach the place. It is performed in morning hours. It also symbolises end of mourning period.

Kriya Prepratory

1) Cooked rice 1 kg This is prepared at kriya site. 2) Earthen pitchers 2 Nos one 6 x 8 and one 8 x 12 (aprox) with Taku as lids.

3) One Thali for preparation and holding of Pindas . 4) White and red cloth to cover above pitchers and one piece of printed cloth for use during head shaves (1 m x 1 m). 5)Two small mat for sitting while performing Kriya. 6) Six earthen lamps, one wick for lamp, match box and 50 gms of oil. 7) Small quantities of sesamum, ghee , honey, milk, shker (sugar), gur, laja (perched paddy),rice for arga , chandan tika , darbha, pavtri , raw wool (black in colour), dhup , loose flowers and four flower garlands 2 large, 2 small, barley flour (half kg) some vegetables and a foot long twig of a tree. 8) A barber is asked to come to site to shave the head of Karta and other sons if any. 9) Aachor (who is to receive clothes of dead person) is informed to come to site.

Performance of kriya

The priest (or who acts as priest) and Krta (performer) sit facing each other on the bank on river, while others watch from some distance. One or twoclose relatives act as helpers and stay near the place where kriya takes place. Clean the place with water , krta places the yagnopavit in apsavena position ( left shoulder).This kriya has five parts as under:

aa)Doop Deep Puja bb)Pind Dhan cc) Vpn (Shaving of head by the mourners dd) Invoking Preta in a human body Aachur ee) Reception of krta at home and bidding goodby to assemblage

aa) Doop deep puja



28/93


29/93

recitation of Viniyoga mantra and then, the seat for worship is symbolically made pure by sprinkling water over it with the help of Vishthur or darbha . i) Viniyoga (naming Rishi etc. of this mantra ). Asy Shri Asn Shodn Mntrsy Meruprshth Rishi Sutlm Chhndh Kurmo

Devta Asan Shodn Viniyogh

vL; Jh vklu ks/ku eU=L; es:i` V _f lw rya NUn% dw eks Zns ork vklu ks/ku fofu;ksx% A(For purification of deities seat (asan ) by Mantra, Meru Preshht is the sage (Rishi ), Kurma (tortoise incarnation of Vishnu ) is the presiding deity; sutla is the name of the metre. Deity is requested to Lake the seat) .ii) Purification of Seat Om Prithivyai Tvya Drita Loka Devi Tvm Vishnuna Drta Tvm Ch Dharaya Mam Devi Pvitrm Kuru Chasnm

iz fFkO;SARo;k /k`rkyksdk ns fo Roa fo .kq uk /k`rk ARoa p /kkjk;k ekens fo ifo=a dq: pklue A(Om, O mother Earth, the worlds are supported by you and you are supported by Lord Vishnu . O goddess Prithvi support me too and purify my seat as well).

After reciting above mantra one should salute the seat by touching or bowing and then sit on it.

4) Prithvi Pujan (Worship of earth as mother) (i` fFkfo iw tu )While applying tilak, arghya and flowers to floor in the front, recite

following words:Prim Prithiviyai Adhar Shaktyai SmalubnmGandho Nmh Arghyo Nmh Pushpm Nmh

iz ha i` fFkO;Svk/kkj dR;SlekyHkua xU/kksue% vxkZ sue% iq ia ue% A(I bow to mother Earth who is the support of Primal energy and offer my salutations by applying tilak, arghya and flowers).

5) Aakash Pujan (Worship of Sky) (vkdk iwtu )While applying tilak, arghya , and pushp (flowers) to sky symbolically

by holding it in fingers and pointing towards sky, recite following: Sknd Adhar Shktyai Smalubnm Gndho Nmh Argo Nmh, Pushpm Nmh ldUn vk/kkj dR;SlekyHkua xU/kksA ue% vxks Zue% iq ia ue% A(To sky which is the support of Prime Energy I offer my salutations by applying tilak, arghya and flowers).

6)Ganesh Pujan (Seeking blessings of Lord Ganesh ) (x.ks&iw tu )



30/93

Lord Ganesh s blessings are sought for the smooth performance of the karma that is intended to be performed by applying tilak, arghya and flowers to Him along with recitation of mantras . The recitation of mantra is :

Om Shuklmber Dhrm Vishnu, Shshivrnm Chturbhujam! Prsnn Vdnm Dyaye Srv Vignop Shantiyai

&qdya kHkj/kja&fo .kq&fo.kZ a &&prqjHkq ta &izlUu&onua &/;k;a &loZ&o?uksi&kUr;S (I pray to Lord Ganesh, Whose clothes are white like sky itself (He is everywhere like God Vishnu ); Who is bright and cool like the Moon; Who has four arms (control over four directions) and is always happy. Even gods for fulfillment of their desires and removal of obstacles in the success of their chosen karma worship Him.)

7) Guru Puja (xq:&iw tk ) ( Seeking blessings of teacher (Guru ) or Brahma

Trinity of gods Brahma , Vishnu and Mahesh are the first guru s of an individual. If one worships his chosen human

guru (living or dead) then he/she is worshiped as an agent of trinity of gods who guides one in the right path to follow. While applying tilak, arghya and flower to guru one recites following words:

Guruh Brhma Guruh Vishnu Gurudevo Maheshvra

Guru Sakshat Prbrhm Tsmy Shri Garve Nmh

Gurve Nmh Prm Gurve Nmh Prmacherya Nmh

Adh Siddhi Byo Nmh xq:%&cz&xq:&fo .kq%&xq:&ns oks&egsOj%&xq:%&lk{kkr&ijcze&rLeS&Jh&:os&uexq os Z&ue%, ije&xq os Z&ue%, ijekpk;kZ&ue%,I

vkfn&fl)H;ks&ue%&A(Guru is Brhma , Vishnu and Mahesh . He is Omnipresent, I bow to Him

who is Supreme Master and source of all siddhas right actions.)



31/93


32/93

i) Om Hrdyaye Nmh (&n;k;s&ue%&Touching heart with four fingers of both hands

ii) Na Shirse Svaha &^u*&fjls&Lokgk )Touching forehead withfour

fingers of both hands

iii) Ma Shikhaye Vsht (^e*&f[kk;s&oV)Touching top of head with four fingers of both hands

iv) Shi Kvchay Hum (^f&dopk;&gq e&Touching right shoulder with left hand and left shoulder with right hand

v) Va Netrabyam Nmh ( o&us=sH;ka &ue ) Touching both eyes with first and second fingers of right hand Strike left hand palm with first and second finger of right hand

9) Bhu Shuddhi (Hkw &q f/k )

This involves throwing black sesamum seeds (Til ) around performer of Karma to keep away evil spirits with the recitation:

Apasarpantu Te Bhuto Ye Bhuta Bhuvi Samsthitah

Ye Bhuta Vigna Kartaras Te Gacchantu Shivjnaya

viliZUr&rs&Hkw rk&;s&Hkwrk&Hkqfo&lfULFkrk

;s&Hkw rk&fo?u&djrkjLrs&xkpUrq&fok>uk&

(Those evil spirits and ghosts who are in this place and who may disturb my meditations let them go away by the immediate order of the Supreme Lord Shiv).

10)Pranayam (ijk.kk;ke ) It is yogic practice which involves regulated breathing for proper disposition of mind.Inhale and exhale breath 3 times

11) Prokshana (ijks{k.kk ) It involves symbolically purifying body.



33/93


34/93

(Oh, Vasus, make us pure. may this pavitri remove our hundred impurities, which may further remove thousand impurities. May we be free from all ailments and may our progeny be large and happy ).

14) Anulepna (vuq ysiuk

This involves applying tilak paste on performers forehead

and to others who are present and to objects of puja .

Applying tilak (a paste made by rubbing chandan and saffron on a stone) is an important part of ritual.Tilak along with arghya and flowers is applied to:

i) self during puja

ii) to deep ,

iii) to dup or agarbati

iv) to Sun and other deities.

v) to krta

The recitation of mantras for these are as follows:

i)Self

Parmatmne Purushhotmaye, Pnch Bhutatmkay Vishvatmne, Mntr Nathay, Atmne,

Naraynay, Adhar Shktyai, Smalubnm Gndho Nmh, Argo Nmh, Pushpam Nmh.

ijekReus&iq:kskek;&ia p&Hkw rkredk;&fookreus&eU=&ukFk;&vkReus&

ukjk;.kk;&vk/kkj&dR;S&lekyHkua &xU/kks&ue%&vxks Z&ue%&iq ia &ue%&A(I am applying tilak along with argha and flowers with due reverence to Vishnu who is known by various epithets such as Parmatma, Purushotma, Pnch Bhutatmka, Vishvatmn, Mntrnath, Atma, Narayna, Adhar Shakti (primordial

energy) etc).

ii) Applying Tilak arghya & flowers to Deep



35/93

Sv Prakasho Mha Diph, Srvtstimiraph Prasid Mm Govind Dipaym Priklpita .

Lo&izdkks&egk&nhi%&loZrfLrfejkig%&izlhn&ee&xks foUn&nhiks ;a &ifjdfYirk&A

(O Govind, you are self luminous, a great source of light, remover of all darkness, be pleased with me and enlighten me ).

iii) Apply Tilak to Dup Agarbati along with arghya and flowers

Vnspati Rso Divyo Gndhadya Gndhvt Tmh Adhar Sktyai Srv Devanam Dupo Nmh Argo Nmh Pushpm Nmh

ouLifr&jlks&fnO;ks&xU/k


36/93

(May the mantra be efficacious in all respects, may your enemy loose their intelligence, may your friends grow in stature, may you have three gifts of long life,

freedom from illness and enjoyment of life; may you live for one hundred autumns.)

15) Dhup Deeip Snklp Siddhi Prarthna (/kw i&nhi&la dYi&flf)&iz kFkZuk ) (prayer forsuccess in sankalpa )

At the end of Dup Deep , a request is made to deity for the success of Snklpa taken at the beginning of puja . Water from Pranipatr alongwith Vishthur and arghya , held by left hand ,is poured on the fingersof right hand, held over nirmal pot along with recitation:

Ytrasti Mata, Na Pita, Nm Bnduh, Bratapi Na Ytr Suht Jnsh Ch Na Jnayte YtrDinm Na Ratre, Ttratvm Dipm Shrnm Prphye, Atmne Naraynay Adhar Shktyai Dip Dup Snklpat Siddhir Astu, Dipo Nmh,

Dhupo Nmh

;=kfLr&ekrk&u&firk&u&cU/kq%&Hkz krkfi&u&;=&lqgr&tUp&u&Kk;rs&;=&&u&jk =a &r=kre&nhia &j.ka &izig;s&vkReus&ukjk;.kk;&vk/kkj&f;S&nhi&/kw i&la dYikr&lf)j&vLrq&nhi%&ue%&/kwiks%&ue%&

( I do not have the knowledge of my father, mother, brother or friend and even I am not aware of the conditions of day and night i.e. when I am deep in meditation,

then I take refuge under the light of Dipa (Luminous light) which is actually luminious light of Narayana who is Adhar Shakti Primordial Energy. May my

Snklpa resolution of DupDip Puja be propitious).

bb)Pind dan Two types of Pindas are offered :

I) Pind dan with rice pindas II) Pind dan with barley pindas

I) Pind dan with rice pindas:

1) Preparing place for Pinddan (Yagnopavit Upseven )

A small place between the two persons (as stated above) is to be cleaned with water andsmeared with loose earth. It is to be covered with darbha (or green turf grass) on it. While sprinkling water over the place, kriya starts with the following recitation:



37/93

Pitrm Svamium Dshahsu Ett TeVnejnm

( firja &Lokfeua nkglq,rr rsous tue ).(O the deity of 10 days kriya please take proper care of the Pitr ).

2) Offering pindas on 10 lap journey

Cooked rice is taken out of the utensil in which it was cooked and placed in a thali .This cooked rice is mixed with sesamum, ghee , honey, milk.It is used for making 10Pindas (rice balls) each about 150 grams. Karta places his left knee touching ground and places these 10 Pindas one by one on the darbha in 2 lines from south to north, starting from south as per recitations and instruction given below:

i) First Pinda lift with right hand and cover it with left hand. Place it on ground with following recitations:

OM Tt St BrhmAdhy Tavt. Month /Paksh/ date/day/ gotra Pitrm/Matrm (father or mother which ever is applicable) Dsahh Su Prthmehni Eshh Te Pindh Aph Upsprshy (put little water over Pinda ).

(rr lr czge v|; rkor ekl@i{k@ frfFk@okj@xks=k- firja @ekrja nkg% lq^^izFkesgfu** , rsfiUMvki%miLi` V).

(On this day of year fortnight date day I (name of performer) of .. gotra am offering pinddhan along with water on the first lap of 10 laps journey).Similarly for nine other Pindas substitute the words Prthmehni (izFkesgfu ) with the words ii) Dvitiyehni ( f}rh;sgfu ) for 2nd Pinda iii) Tritiyehni (rrh;sgfu ) for 3rd Pinda iv) Chturthehni (prqFkZ sgfu ) for 4th Pinda v) Pnchmehni (ia pesgfu ) for 5th Pinda vi) Shhshthehni ( Bsgfu ) for 6th Pinda vii) Sptmehni (lIresgfu ) for 7th Pinda viii) Ashtmehni (v Vesgfu ) for 8 th Pindaix) Nvmehni ( uoesgfu ) for 9th Pinda x) Dshmehni (nesgfu ) for 10th Pinda .



38/93

3) Pind Puja Next Karta places wool, caps of cooked rice, tilak, arg and flowers on these pindas along recitations as given below: (After each action the karta has to wash hands with water).

i) Putting wool over Pindas recite: Ett Te Urn Vash (,rr rs .kokl%).ii) Putting caps recite: Ett Te Virannm (,rr rs ohjkUu a).iii) Applying chandan tika recite : Ett Te Gndoo (,rr rs xUns).iv) Apply flowers, dhoop, arga use words Pushpm (flowers) Dhoopm (Dhup ) and Arghym (arga ) in above. v) Place vegetables by the side. Use words Baksh Bojy Bali (Hk{k Hkks t cfy ).vi) Putting water ( Achman ) use the words Achmaniym (vkpeuh; a).vii) Pouring water over Pindas through right hand (Pitr Tirth ) recite:

Et Te Himpanm Ett Te Khirpanm Ett Te Mdhupanm Ett Te Tilodkm Udk Trpnm ,rr rs fgeikua ,rrs [khjikua ,rrrs e|qikua ,rr rsfryksnda mnd riZe%viii) Place some more flowers on Pindas .

4) Immersion of pindas in River i) Left 1st Pinda , place it in the thali and then throw it in the running water with the recitation : Om Tt St Brhm Adhy TavtTithou Adhye . Month /Paksh/ date/day/ gotra Pitrm/Matrm (father or mother which ever is applicable) Prthmehni Sushuddh Prkrti Shrir Sadnay Gnga Pravahe Aym Pindstu Purk &rr&lr&cz&v/;&rkor&rFkks&v|s.... iFkesgfu lqq) izd` fr&jhja &lk/kuk; xa xk iz okgs&v;a fi.MLrqiw jd).(I am placing this Pinda on. Date in Ganga for obtaining pure body for the

preta .)

Next place some sesamum and water in Thali and throw it in the river as an act of tarpan with the recitation

Pitah/Matah Prthmehni Titodkm Kumb ( firk@ekr izFkesgfu fryksnda dqEHka %).

Repeat above by holding water from river in cupped hands along with sesamum and drop it slowly back into river with the recitation



39/93

Pitah or Matah Prthmehni Tilodkanjlih ( firk@ekr% izFkesgfu fryksnda ktfy%).

ii) Repeat above for the next 9 pindas using the appropriate words as shown above for 2nd to 10th Pinda .

5) Pret Kumb Joining of Preta with Yamadoot . It is carried out in the following manner:

i) Invoking Preta in pitcher and Yma in earthen plate. Place some water, darbha , milk,Vishthur in earthen pitcher (which represent Preta ) and also in an earthen plate (which represents Yama ) and recite:

Shamshananl Dgdhosi Parityktosi Bandhvaih Idm Kshurm Idm Nirm Dshah Su Pret ! Atrsnahi Aph Piv (ekukuy nX/kks fl ifjRDrks fl ckU/koSbna {khja bna uhja nkg% lqizsrv=Lukfg&vki% fio).(Oh Preta move out of Shamshan and accept this milk and water from your dear ones).

ii)Place some honey in the pitcher and then in plate and recite:

For Pret (in pitcher ) Dshah Su Mdhtidhled (is zr nkg% lqe/kq yh


40/93

Pret Ymdut Dshah Su Gur, Shrkr, Phlmulooli Bhunkshv (iszr& ;e/kw r& nkg%& lq&xqM& dZj& Qyew ykfn& Hkq{o).

vii) Place plate over pitcher and cover this plate with another plate upside down., so as to make the pitcher and plates as one

object. Apply kesr, tilak and recite: Preta Ymdutou Eshh Vam Gndh (is zr% ;enw r , oka v/ka ).

viii)Apply arga and recite: Preta Ymdutou Eshh Vam Gndh Arga (is zr% ;enw r , oka v/k Z).

ix)Apply flowers and recite Preta Ymdutou Eshh Vam Gndh Pushpm (is zr% ;enw r , oka iq i a).

x)While showing dhup symbolically and recite:

Preta Ymdutou Eshh Vam Gndh Duph (is zr% ;enw r , oka /kw i ).Show deep to the pot and recite: Preta Ymdutou Eshh Vam Gndh Diph (is zr% ;enw r , oka nhi ).385xi) Place white cloth on ground and then put red cloth over it and tie both together around the pitcher and plates with cover and recite:

Ett Vam Vash (,srr% oka okl ).

xii) Put flower garland around this pitcher and plate covered

with cloth and recite: Ett Vam Malym (,rr oka eky; a).

xiii) Tie one twig to pitcher/pot combination and recite: Ett Vam Dndm (,rr oka n.Me ).

ivx) Put Yagnopavit aroud pitcher and recite:

Nmh Pitr Bhyh Pretebyo Ymay Jatvedse Shhtrisht . ( ue% fi= Hk; fi=H;ksizrHk;ks;ek;stkrosnL; fzr).

6) Brhmn Bhojn Draw a square/rectangle with flour oh ground in front of krta.

Place a taku( erthen plate) in it along with a small cup called Pranit patr . Put some water and a vishthur / two pieces of



41/93

dharba/or just a flower in pranitpatr. Sprinkle water from pranitpatr on taku and recite:

a) Brhmn devtabhyo Jivdanam Pariklpyami Nmh thonku ifjdYi;kfe ue%( Bramn Devta please be present to receive oblations). b)Snklp / Archam Recite with handful of flowers in hand:

Om Tat Sat Brahma Adhy Tavat Tithou Adye ____(State lunar month) Masey _______( state Krishna or Shukla) Pakshey ______(State day of Paksha)Tithou ( ___ Varey (e.g.Ravivasrey for Sunday Shanshcharvasrey for Saturday ) PrataKale ___ Gotrey ( gotra e.g. datattrey gotrey , if gotra is not known use the word Amuk ,); ahm _____( performers name) Pind dan Karm

Karishye

Brahman Pujnm Archamhe Krishye Om Kurushv

&rr&lr&cz&v/;&rkor&rFkks&v|s& _____ ekls& ___ i{ks _____ frFkkS _ ____ okjs _____ dkys ___ xks=s( vga _____ czguea Hkks t;kfe deZ&dfj ;sAczgku iq tu vkjpegs djh; dqjq A

c)Aasan Put 2 pieces of darbha (or flowers) in the above square. Recite: Pith Ett Te Asnm ( fir% ,rr rsvklu a).( please be seated )

d ) Invitation to Brahman for Bhojan. Recite

Pith Ett Te Brhmnam Tvam Bhojyami . ( fir% ,rr rsczguea roea Hkks t;kfe ).

e) Padym (Washing feet with water). Put a small quantity of water over plate and recite:

Ett Te Padyarthm Udkm Nmh (,rr rs ik|kFkZ eqnd ue%).

f) Put laja, tilak , milk, curd, rice, barley in Pranitpatr . Sprinkle water with vishthur from it it in the square. Recite:

i) (Gndh ) Pith/Mata Chturthehni Eshh Te Gndh ( fir%@ekrprqFks Z*gfu , rsxU/k%).



42/93


43/93

dkys ___ xks=s( vga _____ deZ&dfj ;sA fir% , rsfi.M%).

3) Puja Place water, wool, arga, dup dip , vegetables (Phlmul ), til, honey etc. over these pindas as was done during cooked rice Pind dan and recite same words

cc) Vpn (Shaving of head by the mourners :

Put water in the cupped hand and recite: Atmnh Shuddhi Kamste Pitu/Matu Vaikunbh Hetve Vpnm Karyishyami vkReu q f)dkekLrqfir%@ekr% oSdq.B gsrosoiua dkjf; ;kfe

(For the sake of purification of myself and assuring place in heaven for my father/mother I am undertakin head shave).

Next the barber should shave the head of Krta and other sons.

IV)Immersion of Kumb in the river water

Next the Krta should have a dip in the river water with yagnopavit in svena . After bath he should change Yagnopavit in upseva position (Yognopavit in left shoulder), place a vishthur /two pieces of dharba/ or flower petals on the top of his right shoulder over which he should then hold Pret Kumbe (see item 4 above) and recite:

If Preta is father: Idm Purushh Shardul Vimlm Divym Ultmm Pret Lokeshhu Paniym Mdttmuptishthtu bna iq: knw yZfoeya fnO;a mkee iz sr yksdsqikuh;a eqke mifr Br). Push back this pot into the running water without looking at it. If Preta is mother Substitue the words Idm Purushh Shardu l ( bna iq: knw yZ) with Idm Svditi Klyani ( bna Lofnfr dY;kf.k ).387After this the Karta with put yagnopavit in Svena position should have another bath for purification in river.( If it is not possible to have bath in river, one can take this bath under a tap or with a bucket of water) Next he will put on new clothes with cap or towel covering his head. The performing priest should put a tilak on his forehead.



44/93

dd) Invoking Preta in a human body Aachur

There is practice among Kashmiri Pandits to invoke Preta in a human body on this day. A brahman traditionally called Achur (or Panyuch ) is invited to be present at river bank for this act. He is symbolically

received by Karta .He washes his feet with water. He is smeared with tilak, offered a glass of milk with all dry fruits in it and then at the end presented with the clothes of the dead person tocarry home for himself (or his wife if the dead person was a lady). Besides the clothes the package contains essentials of living such as some cash, chapels or shoes, mirror, knife, needle, thread, soap, comb, dry fruits, a walking stick, kangri and even cigarettes with matches or snuf . Achur is then requested to leave. While he leaves some one from the audience throws a small stone at his back (this symbolises to keep him away from such happenings in the family in future) After this all leave the place and reassemble at home.

ee) Reception of krta at home and bidding goodby to assemblage When karta reaches home, some one from family will perform his Aalat (Welcome) ) (vkyr)A small quantity of water is held in the palm of left hand along with few grains of rice. It is then rotated in clockwise direction three times over the head of person . Rice is then picked up by the tarjani finger and angusth of right hand and thrown away over the left shoulder of performer. Following recitation is made:

Grhnntu Bhgvt Bhkta Bhutah Prasad Brhmnh Pnch Bhutash Ch Ye Bhutastesham Anuchrashchye, Te Trpyntu Voushht

xg.kUrqHkxor&HkDrk Hkw rk% izlkn czgeu% iUpHkw rk p ;s Hkw rk Lrske vuqpjkp;srsrI;UrqokSV A(Oh, God, please accept the offerings of your devout and be satisfied with it).

An thin iron rod (salay ) and stone pestle has already been placed at the door. Krtahas to push the iron rod inside door with right foot and pestle out side door with left foot.

After this he has to come out of home and move between the standing mourners on both sideswithout talking to anyone and then come back. The mourners then disperse. This ends the mourming period by thefamily. (In the changed situations this part of the ritual is now performed at river bank itself to enable participants to leave for their homes). Tenth day function symbolises the end of mourning.



45/93


46/93

28) Dry Wood 10 kg 29) Ganga Jal Small quantity 30) Milk 250 grams 31) Curd 250 grams 32) Krphur (Camphor) 1 pkt

33) Safron 1 gram

Kriya The kriya gven below is the one which needs professional priests . Parts of this kriya are common in other non Kashmiri traditions as well.This Kriya has six Parts:

aa) Kalash Sthapna bb) Gayatri Vyahrties home cc) Vaishvadev Bali dd) Shraddha

aa)Kalash Sthapna : (dy@dw Ec@o:.k iw tk ) It is a very important anga in all homas and pujas . It is also called Kumb because water is held in a pot(Kumb ). Varuna god of water bodies, is invoked in this puja and hence it is also called Varuna Puja also. Kalash is considered to be witness (Heruk = secret agent) during performance of a karma . As per Kashmiri tradition before Kalash puja recitations of Vedic hymns (Svstivachan ) in praise of Vedas and other deities Ganesh, Vishnu, Rudra, Gayatri is carried out. Ganesh is usually invoked in the lower part of Kalash* At times Kumar, Lakshmi, Vishvakarma are also invoked at specified places in the Kalash diagram on which Kalash is placed (see diagram). A note worthy tradition among Kashmiri Pandits is the importance they attach to Kshterpals (also called Bhutpnch ). Thye are always invoked in Kalash Puja, be it on an auspicious occasions like marriage or Shivratri Puja or an inauspicious occasions like antyeshti (death ritual). * In other traditions Lord Ganesh is invoked separately at the beginning of ritual.

Preparatory (see Diagram ) i) Draw Kalash diagram in the NE corner (called Ishan Kon). There are two types of diagram both having an eight petalled lotus in the central part called Ashtdal on which Kalash pot isplace. The two

variants of Kalash diagrams are: a) Inder Kalash (see diagram alongwith). b) Brhm Kalash (see diagram alongwith). Inder Kalash is used on auspicious occasions while Brhm Kalash is used on inauspicious occasions.

ii) An oil lamp (deep ) and 2 small bowls (representing Kshterpals ) are placed in the SE corner (called Agney Kon) see Figure.



47/93


48/93

281

*5) Visvedeva No Adya Svastaye Vashvanaro Vasuragnih Svastaye Deva Avantvrbhavah Svastaye Svasti No Rudrah Patvamhasah || 5 | |

foosns okuksv|k LoLr;soSokujks olqjfXu% LoLr;s ns ok voURo`Hko% LoLr;sLofLr uks:nz% ikRoa gl% AA 5 AA

*6) Svasti Mitra Varuna Svasti Pathye Revati Svasti Na Indrashchagnish Ch Svasti No Adite Krdhi || 6 | |LofLr fe=ko:.kk LofLr iF;sjs ofrLofLr u bUnz pifXup LofLr uksvfnrsd` f/k AA 6 AA

*7) Svasti Panthamanu Charema Surya Chandram Saviv Punar Daddtaghnta Janta Sm Gamemahi || 7 ||



49/93

LofLr iUFkkeuqpjeslw ;kZpUnz elkfooiq unZnrk/urk tkurk la xes efg AA 7 AA

*8) Aum Svasti Na Indro Vrddhashravah Svasti Nah Pushha Vishvavedah Svasti Nastarksyo Arishhtanemih Svasti No Brhaspatirdadhatu || 8 | | LofLr u bUnz kso)Jok% LofLr u% iw k fooosnk% ALofLr uLrk{;ks Z vfj Vusfe% LofLr ukscgLifrnZ/kkrqAA 8 AA

*) Translation of hymns 38 These are prayers offered to various Vedic Gods such as Indra, Ashvani Mitra , Varun, Vaishvanaro, Vasus, Agni, Rudra, Reviti, Pushna Dyayoprithvi, Vishvadevas, Brahaspati etc.

9) Payah Prthivyam Paya Ohhsadhishhu Payo Divyantarikse Payo Dhah Payasvatih Pradishah Santu Mahyam || 9 ||

i;% i` fFkO;ka i; vks/khqi;ksfnO;Urfj{ks i;ks/kk% i;Lorh% iz fn% lUrqee~ AA 9 AA( May the herbs of three lokas Prithvi, Dyouh and Antariksh be beneficial to us.)

10) Vishhno Raratamasi Vishhnoh Shnaptre Stho Vishhnoh Syuurasi Vishhnordhuvo si Vaishhnavamasi Vishhnave Tva || 10 ||282

fo .kks jjkVefl fo .kks% uI=s LFkksfo .kksL;wjfl fo .kks/kq Z oksfl oS .koefl fo .kosRok AA 10 AA

(Oh Vishnu , you are omnipresent (Vishnve ), mighty (Rratm ) son of Shni Dev , Surya and Dua .)

11) Agnirdevta Vato Devata Suryo Devata Candrama Devata Vasavo Devata Rudra Devataditya Devata Maruto Devata Vishvedeva Devata Brhaspatirdevatendro Devata Varuno Devata |

vfXuns ork okrksns ork lw ;ks Zns ork pUnz ek nsork oloksns ork :nz k ns orkfnR;k ns ork e:rksns ork foosns ok nsork cgLifrns Z orsUnz ksns ork o:.kksns ork AA 11 AA(It is an invocation of Vedic gods such as Agni, Vato, Surya, Chandrma, Vasvo, Rudra, Aditya, Maruta, Vishvedeva, Brahspati, Inder and Varun .)



50/93

12) Dyauh Shantirantariksam Shantih Prthivi Shantirapah Shantirosadhayah Shantih Vanaspatayah Shantirvishvedevah Shantirbrahma Shantih Sarvam Shantih Shantirdeva Shantih Sa Ma Shantiredhi Shanti Shanti Shanti || 12 ||

|kS% kfUrjUrfj{k~ kfUr% i` fFkoh kfUrjki% kfUrjks/k;%kfUr% ouLir;% kfUrfoZosns ok% kfUrcz kfUr% loZ ~ a kfUr% kfUrns okfUr lkek% kfUrjs/kh kfUr% kfUr% kfUr% AA

(May there be peace in the sky and in space. May there be peace on earth and in waters. May herbs and food bring peace. May all the personification of god bring peace. May there be peace through world. May the peace be peaceful. May God give me such peace. May there be Peace, Peace, Peace.)

13) Vishvanideva Savitarduritani Parasuva Yadbhadram Tanna Asuva || 13 ||

fokfu ns o lfornq Z fjrkuh ijklq o A ;nza rUu vklq o AA 13 AA( All creating lord, please keep far from us all evils and let us attain whatever be beneficial to us.)

14) Bhdrm Pshyim, Prchrem Bhdrm, Bhdrm Vdem,ShrunuyamBhdrm, Tnno Mitra Varuna Ma Mhntam,AditihSindhuh,Prithvi Ut dhouh

Hknz a % i;s e izpjs e Hknz a Hknz a ons e Jq.kq ;ke Hknz a % ArUuksfe=k o:.kk ek% egure% vkfnrhflU/kq% i` fFoh mr/kkSAA 13 AA

(Let my eyes see all that what is good and harmonious.Let my paths be right one. Let me speak what is good. Let me hear what is good. Mitra and Varuna you are the custodian of Surya , Oceans, Earth and Heaven.)

15) Om Tat Vishnoh Permm Padm, Sda Pashyanti Surya Diviiv Chkshr, Aattm Tt Vipraso Vipnyo Jagr Vamsh Smndhita Vishnor Yt Permm Pdm

rr fo .kksije in~e lnk i;fUr lw ;kZ fnOo; pdj vkRe rr% foijlksfoiu;kstkXj lEufgrk fo .kksj ;r% ije ine AA283(The learned ones always worship the sacred feet of Lord Vishnu and are eager to have His vision in the Svrga Loka. We pray to Him to take seat here for our welfare and happiness.)

b) Gayatri Mantra (recite 3 times)



51/93

Om Bhur Bhuvh Svh Tt Svitur Vrinym Bhrgo Devsy Dhimhi Dhiyo Yo Nh Prochodyat Hkw Hkq Z o% Lo% r~ r lforqjojs.;a Hkxks Zns oL; /khefg f/k;ks ;ksu% izpksn;kr AA(May we mediate on that eternal god, our creator, independent reality who manifests through Sun propitiated by the highest gods, one who bestows wisdom,

bliss and

even

lasting

life;

may

our

intellect

be

illumined

by

that

light

of

god).

c) Kshetrpal Puja Offer argya without flowers to 20 Kshterpal Kshtrapals are protectors of fields and are beneficial to mankind. . There are 49 Kshtrpals who are worshiped on major Samskaras along with Kalash . Generally two small pots mark their presence. In earlier time every Kashmiri Pandit family used to keep two small pots (called Saniwari ) in the kitchen by the side of the hearth. The lady of the house would place cooked rice in these two pots before serving to the family members.

The invocation of 20 prominent Kshtrapals is as under: Om Bhur Bhuvh Svah Kshetradipalye Nmh Hkw Hkq Z o% Lo% {ksrk` fnifr;sue%While applying arga pushpam ( mixed rice and loose flowers) to khetrpals recite their names as under:1) Om Drshtre Nmh ( nzVsue%)2) Updrshtre Nmh ( minzVsue%)3) Khyatre Nmh ( [;k=sue%)4) Upkhyatre Nmh ( vi[;k=s ue%)

5) Anukhyatre

Shastre

Nmh ( vuq[;krskL=sue%)6) Shr nvte Nmh ( J` .orsue%)

7) Upshr nvte Nmh ( viJ.ors ue%)8) Ste Nmh ( lrs ue%)9) Aste Nmh ( vlrs ue%)10) Jatay Nmh ( tkrk; ue%)11) Janishymany Nmh ( tfu ;ek.k; ue%)12) Bhutey Nmh ( Hkw rk; ue%)13) Bhvishyte Nmh ( Hkfo;rsue%)14) Chkshushhe Nmh ( p{kqsue%)15) Shrotray Nmh ( Jks=k; ue%)16) Mnse Nmh ( euls ue%)17) Vache Nmh ( okpsue%)18) Brhmne Nmh ( czge.ksue%)19) Shantay Nmh ( kUrk;sue%)



52/93

20) Tpse Nmh ( rils ue%)

315 Puja

It has three parts: I)Purva Bhaga II) Pradhan Bhaga III)Uttra Bhaga

I)Purva Bhaga It has threeparts a)Avahan(welcoming deities ) b)Raksha prayers c)Purifying materials

a) Aavahan (Welcoming Deities) (vkokgu)

1) Kalash Devtas

It is a part of the ritual to welcome deities to be present during the performance of a karma to receive oblations. Two pieces of darbha or a flower are held in right hand and avahan recitation then starts as follows:

Avahi Bhagwn Kalash Devtabhyo Bhktanugrh Kark, Asmat Dyanurdhen Snnidhanum Kuru Prbhu (repeat 3 times

(vkokfg&Hkxou &dy&ns oksH;ks&Hkdrkuq&xzg&dkjd&vlekr&n;kuq&jks/ks u&lfUu /kkue& dq:& izHk w ).

(Oh Kalsh Devtas you are the one who blesses devotees with anugraha divine grace. Please be merciful and remain present here).

Sprinkle water from Pranitpatr kept by the side of Kalash to Kalash and Kshetrpal

2)Ganesha Avahan

Apply Tilak in the lower part of Kalash pot for Ganesha and recite:



53/93


54/93


55/93

(All deities of southern quarters who are watched by Yama , please save me and accept my salutations. May you b happy).

ii) Throw away some arga to the west and recite:

Ya Devah Pschchat Sdo Marut Netra Rkshohnste Nh Pantu Te NoVntu Tebyh Svaha

;a ns ok% ipkr lnkse:r us=k j{kkg.kLrsu% ikUrqrsuksoUrqrsH;% Lokgk %(All the deities of the western quarters who are under the watchful eyes of Marut please protect me and accept my salutation. May you be happy.)

iii)Repeat above action towards north of Kalash and recite:

Ye Devah Uttrat Sda Mitr Varuna Netra Rkshohnste Nh Pantu Te NoVntu Tebyh Svaha

;a ns ok% mkjkr lnksfe=k o:.k us=k j{kkg.kLrsu% ikUrqrsuksoUrqrsH;%Lokgk (All the deities of the northern quarters who are under the watchful eyes of Mitra Varuna please protect me and accept my salutations. May you be happy.)

iv)Repeat by throwing arga in east direction and recite:

Ye Devah Purh Sdogni Netra Rkshohnste Nh Pantu Te NoVntu Tebyh Svaha

;a nsok% iqj% lnks fXu us=k j{kksg.kLrsu% ikUrqrsuksoUrqrsH;% Lokgk % AA(All the deities of the eastern quarters, who are under the watchful eyes of Agni , please protect me and accept my salutations. May you be happy.)

v)Repeat above action by throwing arga in the upper direction above Kalash and recite:

Ye Devah Uprishhdh Somnetra Av Svdnto Rkshohnste Nh Pantu Te NoVntu Tebyh Svaha

;a ns ok% mifjn% lks eus=k vo LonUrksj{kksgj.kLrsu% ikUrqrsuksoUrqrsH;%Lokgk (All the deities who reside in the upper regions under the watchful eyes of Soma , please protect me and accept my salutations. May you be happy.)

c) Purifying Materials Sprinkle water over Puja materials, kept nearby, with Vshthur kept in Pranitpatr and recite:



56/93

Apo Histha Myobuv Stan Urje Ddhatn Mhe Rnay Chkshse Yo Vh Shivh Tmo Rsstsy Bhaj Yte H. Nh Ushhtir Iv Matrh Tsma Arng Mam Vo Ysy Kshyay Jinvth Apo Jn Ytha S Nh

vkiksfg Bk e;ksHkq o&Lrku&mts Zn/kkru egsj.kk; p{kls;kso% fo% reksjlLrL; Hkkt&;rs&g&u% Amrhj&bo ekrj% rLek&vjax&ekeoks;L; {k;k; ftUoFk vkikstu ;Fkk lu% A

(Oh water deity, please be beneficial to me/us. You are revered for Your soothing effect, brilliance and help in growing, food, etc. Please bestow on us the sap that is beneficial for growth just like the mothers milk, which helps children to grow. We adore You for Your help in the growth of herbs which are beneficial to us. Please bless us with progeny.)

II Pradhan Bhaga1) Apo Prashana/ Aachman (Purification of water ) (vkiksizkuk )

This is an act by which water is symbolically purified for further use of Achman , washing of deities feet(Padyo ) and his hands face etc. ( Arghyam ). Water held in Pranipatr (pot) is poured into the right hand and purified by recitation of following mantra three times and then put back into pranipatr for further use:

Sham No Devirabhishtaya Apo Bhavanti Pityay Shanyorabhi Srvantu Nah

a uksns ohfHkZ V; vkiksHkoUrq ihr;sa ;ksjfHk lz oUrqu% A(Oh water god (Varun ) you wash our sins and you have made us happy. Heal our body from sickness and drive away all sickness from us. May we use the sanctified water for drinking and sacrificial purposes. Shower upon us your grace through these waters).

2) Pran Pratishtha (Bringing idols to life for Puja ) (iz k.k iz frzBk ) This is a symbolic act by which idols of worship are made live to receive oblations. A small quantity of water is placed in panchpatra (or metal cup) which has vishthur or 2 pices of darbha or a flower in it for sprinkling water on idols. The ritual has three parts: a) Prayer to Lord to listen to your request. b) Prayer to gods for brining idols to life to receive oblations. c) Naming the particular idol, that is sough to be brought to life for receiving oblations or worship.



57/93

a) Three mantras as given below are recited and at the end of each recitation a few flower petals are put in the pranipatr (cup).

Smvh Srjami Hrdym, Smsrshht Mnoastu Vh, Smh

Srshtastnvh Sntu Vh Sm Srshht Prano Astu Vh, Smyavh Priyh Tnvh Smpriya Hrdyani Vh Atma Vo Astu Sm Priya Sm Priyh Tnvomm

la o% l` tkfe n;a la l` V euksvLrqo% A la % l` VLrUo% lUrqo% la l` V%iz.kksvLrqo% la ;ko% fiz ;k% rUo% A la fiz;k% n;kfuo% AvkRek oksvLrqla fiz ;% la fiz ;% rUoks ee AA(I place you in the garland of my heart for continued union with my mind and prana . You are the Atma residing inmy body please continue to stay with me).

b) After above prayers to Lord, Kalashdevta is brought to life by sprinkling water over the pots with the help of Vishthur (or darbha or flower) by the recitation of following words:

Ashivnoh Pranstau Te Pranm Dttan Ten Jiv. Mitravarunyoh Pranstau Te Pran Dttan Ten Jiv Brhspteh Pranstau Te Pran Dttan Ten Jiv

vfouksizk.kLrkS rsiz k.k rsiz k.k nrka rs u tho A fe=ko:.k;kSiz k.kLrSrsiz k.k nrka rs u tho AczgLirs% iz k.kLrkSrsiz k.k nra k rs u tho AA(This is request to Vedic deities Ashvini, Mitra Varuna and Brhaspati to bring idols to life).

c) At the end of above two acts, one concludes with the following recitation:

Avahyami Bhagwav Kalash Devtbhya Herukadibhyh Vatukadibhyh Bhktanugrh Kark, Asmat Dyanurdhen

Snnidhanum Kuru

Prbhu

JivdhanmPariklpyami

Nmh

(vkokfg Hkxou dy nsorkH;% gsjdkfnH;% oVqdkfnH;%Hkdrkuq&xzg dkjd vlekr n;kuq&jks/ks u lfUu/kkue dq: izHk w ).

thonku ifjdYi;kfe ue%(Please bring to life Kalash devta and other devtas ).



58/93

Note If water from Ganga or any sacred place s available add a little quantity

3)Padya ( Washing deities feet )

Washing of deitys feet symbolically is one of the symbolic acts of puja . Water already purified by Apo Prashana (See 1 above) mixed with Panchamrita , (milk, curd, honey, ghee and gur) is sprinkled over deity byVishthur along with recitation of following mantra :

Gngadi Srv Tirtha byo Anitm Toym Uttmm ! Padyarthm Smpradasami Grhnntu Prmeshvrh Kalashdevtabyo Padyo Padym Smrpyami

xkfn loZrhFkZH; vkuhre( rks ;eqkee Aik/kkFkZ a lEiznkL;kfe x`gUrqijesJjk Ady ns orkH;% ikn;ksik|a leiZ ;kfe A(I am using this sacred water from Ganges and other sacred rivers for washing your feet. Please accept it)

4) Arghym (Washing deities hands and face) (v/kZ ; a)Water held in Pranipatr , already purified by Apo Prashana (iii above). Eight ingredients called Ashtang (water,milk,curd,ghee,rice,barley, yellow mustard oi seeds called sarshap,vishthur) is poured over kalash along with recitation of following mantra :

Gnd Pushpakshtlair Yuktm Gryni Sampaditm Mya Grhnntv Argym Prasanashch Bhvntu Me Srvda Kalashdevtabyo Argyam Samarpiyamey Nmh

xU/kiq ik{krS ;q ZDre/;Z a lEikfnra e;k AxURo/;Z a izlUukp HkoUrqes a loZnk A

dy ns orkH;% v/kZ ;a leiZ ;kfe ue%(Oh Gods so and so please accept offerings of Gndh (tika ) flowers, aksht (unbroken rice) along with other ingredients for washing you face and hands, please be happy with me/us always.).

5) Aachman (Purification of deity) (ns o vkpeu )This is an act of pouring pure water over deity to purify it of any sticking materials used in oblations.This type of achman



59/93

is performed almost after every oblations. Sometimes some scents (and or camphor)is added to water as an aroma .Recitation of following words is done:

Krpuren Sughndhn Vasitm Svad Shitlm Toym Achmanyrthm

Grhnuntu Prmeshvrh. diZ w js.k lq?kU?ks u okflra Lokn hrye rks ;ekpeuh;kFkZ a xguUrqijesJoj% A(Oh Prmeshvr please accept this achman purification with cold, tasty water scented with camphor and other scents).

6) Dev Snan / Abhesheikh (Bathing of deity ) (nso Luku @ vfHksd)

Snan of deities is carried out very eloberately by giving

panchdash snan. Panchdashang snan ingredients:water,milk,curd,ghee,honey,shaker(raw sugar),sarshap(yellow oil seeds)laja(baked paddy),sarvaushadi ( a mixture of herbs usually available from puja shops only), chandan or saffron tika, gold/silver,jewel( just a symbolic dip of gold/silver ring with stone in the water ), flowers and vashthur )for shortage of any item add flowers.

While pouring water with above ingredients recite: Kalash Devtabhyo Panchdash Snanm Smrpyami Nmh

Hkxou &dy&ns oksH;ksipa n Luku leZi;kfe ue%)7) Pad Sparsh (ikn li kZ) (Touching feet of deity after bath as an act of

respect.) Pad Sparch is a formal way of offering respects to a deity or an elder or a guest. In puja , deitys feet or seat is touched by right hand while bowing down and then touching the hand to performers forehead. The wordsCharnam Sparshyami Nama (pukZ e liZ ;kfe ue%) are recited along with respectful adoration of god. (I bow to Lord by touching His/Her feet ).

8 ) Asan Prathistha (vklu iz frzBk (Placing deity at designated place) Place flowers at the base of kalash and recite:

Asnaye Nmh, Pdm Asnayeh Nmh Jnan Asnaye Nmh



60/93

vkluk;sue% ine vkluk;sue% Kku vkluk;sue% Avkluk;sue% ine vkluk;sue% Kku vkluk;sue% A(I bow to the seat of deity which is like lotus and full of wisdom).

9) Vstr Grhn ( oL= xzgu ) and Ygnopavit grhn Placing garments and yagnopavit on deities. It has two parts: i) Vastra Grhan (Putting on clothes of deity) ( oLrxgu )Put garlands and loose flowers on all deities along with recitation

Vstrm Samarpyamii Nmh oL=a LejI;kfe ue% A(Please accept clothes with my full reverence). ii) Yagnopavit Grhn ( ;Kksiohr xgu ) (Offering Yagnyopavit to

deity for

wearing)

Yagnopavit of the deity (except Durga ) is placed by offering flowers. The name of the deity along with the recitation : Yagnopvitm Samarpyamii Nmh

;Kksiohre LejI;kfe ue% A(Please accept Yagnopavit ). (Almighty god, seated on His/Her divine seat, please accept this Gndh (tika ) for your beautification with my full reverence ).

10)Dev Anulepna (ns o vuq ysiuk ) (Smearing deities with tilak ) Recite following words: Srveshvr Jgt Vindya Divyasnm Susmsthita Gndh Grhan Devesh Divgndop Shobitm los ZJoj txr oU/k fnO;klu lqla fLFkr AxU/k x`gk.k ns os fnO;xU/kksi ksfHkre AAApply tilk and silver leaves, if available to deities. Apply sindur tika to pots and saffron tika to Vtknath with the closing words: Smalbnm Gndo Nmh lekyHkusxU/kksue% A (Almighty god, seated on His/Her divine seat, please accept this Gndh (tika ) for your beautification with my full

Marpayami Namhreverence ).

11)Chamer/Arti (Recitation of bajans etc) (pkej@vkjrh)While moving chamer /ratandeep in front of kalash recite:

Kalash Devtabhyo Chamram Samarpayami Nmh Hkxou&dy&ns oksH;ks& pkeje LejI;kfe ue%A



61/93

12) Naivedyam/ Prepyun ( uS os/;e ) It is an offering of Bhog (eatable

items) to deity .Offer some fruit to Kalash as Prasad(bhog) with the recitation:

Bhagwan Kalash Devta Bhyo Navedhym Samarpayami Nmh

Hkxou&dy&ns oksH;ksuS os/;e LejI;kfe ue% 13) Chaterum / Adarshnam/ Parikrama ( N=e@vknZue ifjek )

( covering with umbrella , showing mirror, and circumambulating around deity)

i)Chtrum Cover Kalash pot with flowers as chatra with the recitation :

Chtrum, Samarpyami Nmh ( N=e LejI;kfe ue%

ii)Adarshnam . Show mirror to Kalash and recite:

Adarsham Pariklpyami Nmh vk/kZ ue ifjdyI;kesue%

iii) Parikrama. It is an act of mentally circumambulating around deity as a mark of respectwith the recitation

Yani Kani Ch Poapani Jnmantr Kritani Ch Tani Srvani Nshyntu Pradikshnm Pde Pde

;kfu dkfu p ikikfu tUekUrj d`rkfuprkfu lokZ f.k u;Urqiznf{k.ka insins AA(Oh, Lord whatever sins I have committed during my life time so far, please destroy all of them while I am making a circumambulation).

13) Pushpanjali Arpnm (Offering flowers as an act of submission) (iq ika tfy viZ u )At the end of puja loose flowers held in a cupped hand are offered to deities as an act of final submission with the words: Pushpanjalim Smarpyami Nmh (iq qika tfy leiZ ;kfe ue%)

(I am submitting myself with the offering of Palmful of flowers)

All the participants offer flowers to deities

Uttra Bgaga ( concluding prayers )



62/93


63/93


64/93

5) Pavitra Samiskara two darbhas are cut properly to the specified length, having a sharp tip, dipped into water and wiped from root to tip with water. Now this becomes purified and can act as purifier.

6) Proksha

antyeshti shraddha death rituals

Documents