Those who have followed the procedures in Homas,Sacrificial 🔥 Fires Ceremonies conducted would have noticed terms like Acharya,Hotar and Rikvik.While people can identify Acharya, not many people know about Ritvik.
Ritvik
The Vedic priest who officiates Vedic sacrifices or rituals known as Yajnas is known as Ritvik . Qualification as below.
Qualification
Well-versed in the Vedas.
Should have gained his knowledge the guru, in the guru-shishya tradition of learning.
Of good lineage.
He should have been leading a pure life.
Types of Rikviks
Hotar representing the Rig Veda
Adhvarya representing the Yajur Veda
Udgatar representing the Sama Veda
Brahma representing the Atharva Veda
Each one of these Ritviks has three assistants . Details.
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.
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).
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