the spirit of Mahalya Sraddham

Mahalaya Sraaddham

The rituals and mantrams are discussed by all..

The punyam that can accrue from observing the rituals on this day and the fortnight preceding are discussed by one and all..

Every other person now is a priest, a guru, in social media..

But just was pondering over the nobility and affection the innocent Hindu had that prompted the ritual..

The tarpanams or the idea of offering water and til to the departed parents and grandparents is really a matter of love..

Ultimately our anxiety is that they do not go hungry and thirsty even after they are death.

( Often we are foolish and even cruel when we do not pay sufficient attention to ensure that they do not starve either for food or love when they are alive.. mostly it is not cruelty.. but ignorance and disorganization of thoughs and emotions)

During this fortnight we go steps further..

Our attempt is to ensure that food and water are offered in remembrance of all those kin who departed..

We offer oblations to departed teachers, kings, friends and to anyone we love.

It is a gesture that we care..

It is a declaration that after all we are not that selfish..

I think if we can think of all who were or are part of our lives with affection and gratitude, we are adding something divine to the silly lives of ours..

Instead of debating over whether we should wear tuft or panchakatcham, or whether we should provide selfies or pot shots of the ritual, let us ponder over the basic state of mind that makes him feel warmth to the departed fellow human beings.