Right(-n)ful(l) Rituals

  Let us look at the etymology of the term "shradhdh". In Sanskrit "shr(a)t" means faith, belief, sincerity, devotion.  The "dh" part of the word originates from the verb "dharay" which is to hold. In other words, the term itself means a holding together through sincerity and devotion. 

That spirit of the letters is what I think is important when it comes to the "pitru pandharawada", the fortnight devoted to our ancestors, during the Mahalaya period. Instead of overfeeding the poor recipient, the shradhdh Brahmin, why not give him some 'dakshina', a little money, an amount which he can fruitfully use, and thus bless us happily throughout the following year? 

That is the way we offer our remembrances to our parents at the Mahamryunjay Temple. To begin with, we have instituted prizes in their memory. We offer annual donations every death anniversary, in addition. In other words, they are in the proper formal memorial space, too, beyond the forever intimate memories. 

Well, come to think of it I have offered them both the 'tarpan' via the proper shradhdha mode twice, with the purest 'Gangajal' at the very source at Gangotri, and at the divine Badrinath with the Alaknanda literally splashing my back. 

Actually, come to think of it, both of them were such clean, straightforward, good, genuine, kind people who lived contentedly. They must have attained 'nirvana', I am absolutely sure, happy n fulfilled wherever they are. The 'shradhdha' hence is more a mere memorial ritual right(-n-)fully performed! 

Pratima@ I think of the ritual more as a memorisation born out of grateful memories n immense love for forever prioritising us over their own comforts, their own likes/dislikes, why, their own selves. An eternal 'thank you' full of love marches round my heart hence, beyond any formal shradhdha rituals. 

Quote of the day:                                                         “Nothing (or no one) is ever really lost to us as long as we remember it (and them.)" True, L.M. Montgomery! Hope he would mind my additions (in brackets).

Word of the day: ritual                                               The word refers to an action, ceremony or process which is always done the same way.