Some person had remarked in one Iyer group that if a person is unable to perform due to illness, he could get the rituals performed by proxy through Brahmins. A “wise” person had interjected sarcastically that he was not sure whether Shastras authorised or permitted such action by proxy.
Someone had t post was tagged to me too. However, I am not interested in joining discussions in that group at any time.
However, I found answer to this query, with an authoritative extract from Smriti Mukthaaphalam of Vaidyanatha Deekshita, where the matter is set at rest by quoting Sage Parashara. (Parashara is one the most revered rishis and lawmakers of Sanatana Dharma. His grandfather is Sage Vasishta, His father sage Shakti, His son Vyasa the Krishna Dvaipayana and his grandson Sage Shukabrahmam.
I am giving below the excerpt with my own free translation.
I think Smritis permit the power of attorney action.
आपत्काले व्रतं स्वयं कर्तुं यदशक्तः चेत् तदा ब्राह्मणैः कारयेदित्याह॥पराशरः॥ व्याधिव्यसनिनि श्रान्ते दुर्भिक्षे डामरे तथा॥ उपवासो व्रतो होमो द्विजैः सम्पादितानिवा
āpatkāle vrataṁ svayaṁ kartuṁ yadaśaktaḥ cet tadā brāhmaṇaiḥ kārayedityāha|parāśaraḥ|| vyādhivyasanini śrānte durbhikṣe ḍāmare tathā|| upavāso vrato homo dvijaiḥ sampāditānivā
Parashara says . “If in times of grave danger if one person is not able to perform the ritual himself, then it should be done through Brahmans. The aapad kaalaas, diseases, depression and sorrow due to bad habits, actions etc (Vyasana), due to tiredness making one immobile, when there is famine, when there is warlike condition with attacks from enemies all around--In such situations, fasting, vows, fire oblations and such activities can be done through the twice born or dwija.”
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