

During the Paksha of Sradha at least for three one days one should follow all rituals and observe all rules.ġ.2. Sradha is to be performed in the Kudaba Kala of Aparahna only. The thidhi is that which occurs in the Kudaba kala in Aparahna i.e after 18 Nazhigai(approximately 8 hours after sun rise).

Sradha should be performed in the souramana month*, on the phase of the moon and on the thidhi when the person dies, annually. īoktha-He who participates in Sradha representing the manes(Pithrus.)ġ.1. Normally every one performs Sradha only to his parents but it should be offered by us to all those to whom we have performed death ceremony, Real parents in case we are adopted, Grandparents, if they die after the death of all their sons and brother of father if he does not have a son, brother if he does not have a son. We are only attempting to offer food and water to them every day. It is believed that when our manes reach the land of the manes(Pithru Loka), our one year is one day for them. Sradha comes from the word Sradha(Trust/loyalty) and indicates the annual ritual performed to offer food to three generations of our ancestors. Reading through it, you would soon come to the conclusion that Sradha according to rules is extremely difficult to perform, due to our pre occupation with modern life. I am summarizing here the rules regarding Sradha as given by Anna in a book called Pithru Pooja and another book called Pithru yagnam which is compiled by Sri.V.Srinivasan. Sradha (that which is done with attention and sincerity) is the term used by Brahmins for the annual death ceremony.
