No.I am not talking about performing Srardha in Benares ,Gaya.
I am talking about performing Srardha in your Home or in a common place.
The best option is to perform Srardha at Home, it brings prosperity and Sreyas.
But now people do not prefer to conduct this at Home.
Sastras declare that all auspicious and inauspicious functions,anything is good or bad, marriage, death, Srardha are to be performed only at
Home.
Once one decides to deviate from the Sastras , it is left to one’s inclination.
However, choice are available at various Mutts Gnana vapis.
On careful evaluation, I am posting some information on this.
Before that let me clear some FAQs on Srardham.
1.At what time should Sradham is to be performed.
After 12.00 Noon
Madhyanhikam and Brahmayagna must be performed prior to Srardha, not before.
2.what is the Diet?
Srardha should be performed on an empty stomach.
Food has to be taken only after the Sastris take food.
Wife of the Karta (one who performs the Srardham) must also follow the diet.
At night refreshment made of Rice’ like idly,Dosa,Adai,Aitsi Upma,Arisi Kozhukkattai are to be taken,
Nothing made of anything else must be taken, like Chappati, Poori.
Who should cook ?
Cooking must be done by the Karta’s wife; if wife is not alive,daughter-in-law must cook; else daughter if her father in law is not alive.
if these are not applicable, brother’s wife may perform.
If even this is not possible, then a cook may be engaged.
How many Brahmins are to be invited for food?
Minimum 2 plus the Satrigal.
What is the Menu?
By tradition, the menu is the same as the one prepared on the 10h day ceremony of the departed.
If details are not available, then read my post on Srardha Samayal( Srardha Menu).
What should one wear for the Srardha?
Pancha kachcha for men and Madisar for women(read my posts/video on this).
How much should I pay for Sastri and Brahmins?
Depends on your city.
Who should take the Pitr Sesha(balance of Srardha food including the snacks)
Only those who are born to the departed, daughter in law,Grandsons( sons born of Sons), Brothers, brother’s wives, their male issues.
There is controversy regarding daughters ans son in-laws taking the Pitr Sesha.
On no account the Pitr Sesha is to be thrown away are given to others mentioned above, including throwing away and feeding the dogs.
Now there is the practice of maintaining a Dog at Home, parent might be possibly be in an old Age Home or in some fancy titled Home for the Destitute.
If out of necessity one can not perform the Srardha at Home, I recommend the Sringeri Shankara Mutt, where the rates are really reasonable and most importantly the Performance of the Srardha is detailed and they do not allow you flout rules to suit your whims.
One point on Vishnu Ilai( Platter for Vishnu)
This is practiced by certain families by tradition.
if being practiced, go ahead, do not introduce a new custom as sentiments are involved.
I have leant now that for Vishnu Ilai, the Kula Deavatha is to be invited to partake the Food, the term Visnu Ilai is symbolic as Lord Vishnu is the Devata for Para Loka(after death).
Shankara Mutt.
Shankar Mutt Road, Sankarapuram, Basavanagudi, Bangalore, KA 560004
080 2661 3365.
Google for other cities.
http://ramanisblog.in/tag/srardham/
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