If bachelors (Brahmachari) are not impacted by any asaucam (taint), can they perform Perumal Aradhanam?
Vidwan’s reply
As bachelors are not afflicted with asaucam, if they prepare the required prasadam as offerings to Perumal, they can perform Tiruvaradhanam.
Notes
If the bachelors were to intake the food prepared by those who are tainted with asaucam, the bachelors will be afflicted with asaucam.
What is the difference between Bodhayna Amavasai and Amavasai? Whys is amavasai tharpanam not performed on the day of Bodhayana amavasai? Kindly clarify why this differs during certain months.
Vidwan’s reply
Among the followers of Yajur Veda, a section practices the rules of Bodhayana sutram while another section follows the rules of Apasthamba sutram.
The respective followers of these two sutrams must perform amavasai as per the prescribed sutras.
One can identify the sutra they belong to from the lineage. Abhivadana mantra also contains the sutra name for the respective followers.
The amavasai prescribed by Bodhayana is slightly different. It is said even when amavasi presents in the afternoon on a given day, amavasai can be performed on that day. There are many other details involved in the calculation which we can look into this in detail later.
The followers of these two sutras must perform amavasai as per rules prescribed by these two traditions.
Notes
Amavasai tharpanam is also a shraddham. Shraddham must be performed on the day when the major portion of amavasai exists during the afternoon time. Hence, followers of Apastamba tradition (sutra) perform shraddham on the days when amavasai continues to exist during the afternoon period.
The day before Chandra darsana is Bodhayana amavasai
Can a lonely widow whose son is abroad, can donate a cow (Godhanam) on her own? What do the scriptures say?
Vidwan’s reply
Godhanam is a special kind of charity ordained by the scriptures.
Godhanam can be done in two methods, one by taking vow scripturally.
If one has to gift as per scriptural ordain, widows are not allowed to gift cows.
The other mode is the non-scriptural (worldly) way of gifting where widows are allowed to gift cows and it reaps the same fruits and it does not involve any scriptural vows.
If need be it can be done through another person as well.
Adiyen belongs to Vadakalai tradition and has been adorning red-colored Sirchoornam from a young age, based on the practice of my father. My father changed to yellow Srichoornam for some time now. My father said only the Vaidikas wear yellow Srichoornam. Kindly advise the reason why the elders adorn red and yellow colored Sirchoornam. Have noticed the Srichoornam that adorns Vedanta Deskian in the picture is red-colored. Can red Srichoornam be used while adoring twelve Thiruman?
Vidwan’s reply
Elders use only yellow-colored Srichoornam that is not mixed with red and that is correct practice.
Notes
Even in red Srichoornam, turmeric (yellow colour) is mixed and it is not a mistake to adorn red Srichoornam.
Adiyen is 36 years old and trying to follow Ahara niyamam. Work from the home situation has helped to avoid eating out. Due to the grace of Acharayan, it appears that adiyen is gradually gaining knowledge. Due to adiyen’s limited knowledge, unable to comprehend Ahara Niyama, but aidyen is trying. It will be a great help if elders could advise which vegetables can be partaken. Listing the vegetables that adiyen is aware of:
Green leaves (except drumstick leaves and siru keerai).
Okra (Ladies’ Fingers)
Chayote (Chow Chow)
Elephant Yam (Karunai)
Yam (Senai)
Colocasia root (Seppankizhangu)
Plantain
Pumpkin
Yellow Pumpkin
Cucumber
Tomato
If there are any discourses on Ahara Niyama, kindly advise. Pray to forgive aidyen’s ignorance and if aidyen said anything improper.
Vidwan’s reply
Not all vegetables mentioned here are against scriptural orders. In the olden days elders did not accept tomatoes and chayote but these days even these vegetables are accepted. You can use them accordingly.
As a continuation of the previous query, rice cooked from parboiled rice must not be offered to Perumal. Is it proper to use parboiled rice for Idlies?
Vidwan’s reply
As per scriptures, parboiled rice is to be avoided, so it cannot be added to idli or dosa.
Notes
If the raw rice is parboiled at home, it can be included otherwise store-bought rice are to be avoided.
Though adiyen got married into a Smartha family, due to Perumal’s grace adiyen and my daughters were blessed to do Bharanyasam. What is the tradition (the type of attire etc.) that one should adhere to during Shraddham and Amavasai? (this kind of question was raised previously as well)
Vidwan’s reply
This question appears to be worldly; as one is devoted to Perumal and one who is aware of this tradition’s greatness, it is better to wear attire as per this custom.
Suppose if the family members object to this type of attire there is nothing wrong in wearing it as per their custom.
Kindly explain about Prayascitta Prapatti and how to perform it?
Vidwan’s reply
After performing Prapatti, one should devotedly seek Perumal’s pardon for sins that we have committed knowingly.
Seeking pardon for our transgressions in itself is a Prayascitta Prapatti.
Notes
We should submit our prayers of atonement to our Acaryan who performs Prayascitta Prapatti on our behalf.
Can we use milk and water for Salagrama thirumanjanam or can we just use pure water alone? Please advise.
Vidwan’s reply
After bathing the Salagrama deities with pure cow milk, the deities can be bathed with clean water.
How should the food be offered to Salagrama deities during aradhanam? Should the deities be ceremonially brought to the kitchen for offering food as the kitchen and Perumal sanctum are separate?
Vidwan’s reply
It is appropriate to offer food to Salagrama Perumal in the sanctum or else Perumal may be carried to the kitchen if the size of the sanctum is small.
Some say that during amavasai tharpanam, if the mother is still alive, it is enough to perform tharpanam for great grandmother and grandmother on the mother side. Is this appropriate? Please clarify.
Vidwan’s reply
If the mother is alive, tharpanam should be performed for the father, paternal grand grandmother, and paternal great grandmother. Cannot be performed for one’s mother. Must be performed starting with father’s mother.
Notes
Hence these groups of women would not fit with the pitru varga, one need not worry.
How to observe Ekadasi vratam and how to complete the vratam during Dwadasi?
Vidwan’s reply
It is best to observe Ekadasi vratam without even partaking water. If it is not possible, one can take liquid food or fruits; even if that is not possible, one can take light tiffin but one must certainly avoid cooked whole rice at any cost.
One should break the fasting next day on Dwadasi by doing Aradhanam for Perumal and Padukas, partake Perumal and Paduka tirtham, offer food to Perumal and partake prasadham during Dvadasi Paranai.
During Paranai one has to do parishesanam to plain cooked rice with ghee (cleansing of cooked rice) and add saltless sundakai fried in ghee, agathi keerai and nellikai to the cooked rice and partake them to complete the vratam.
It is considered superior if these can be consumed raw if not it can be sundried.
Fasting should be completed within the Paranai time.
If the men of the household are not interested in performing Aradhana for Perumal and Salagrama deities, what kind of worship can women do? Are they allowed to perform Aradhana and Harathi for Perumal? Adiyen is only now interested to know more about Srivaishanava tradition.
Vidwan’s reply
If the men are not interested in performing Thiruvaradhanam, women can offer flowers to the pictures and deities of Perumal and worship them.
They can chant Koodaraivalli pasuram to the Salagrama deities and mentally offer food every day; they can submit their prayers devotedly to Perumal to make the men of the household acquire an interest in performing Thiruvaradhanam and by Lord’s grace the prayers shall bear fruit.
(This question is raised by one of my relative, a disciple of Parakala Mutt)
In our house when we light up lamp in the evening, we close the back door and open the entrance door. Which door should be opened first during mornings? Should the entrance door be kept open during Thiruvaradhanam? Can one perform Prathasandhya without bathing? Please clarify.
Vidwan’s reply
In the mornings the back door should be opened first followed by the entrance door.
One should not perform Prathasandhya without taking bath unless one is incapacitated; normally elders perform it only after taking bath.
When elderly relatives attain Paramapadam and while we get to see their physical body, shall we chant Prabandham or Ramanama kirtans and when shall we do so?
Vidwan’s reply
If one is bedridden, if we get to know the final moments, one can chant Vishnu Sahasranama, Divya Prabandham, and Vedas, if one has learned them.
After one has attained Paramapadam, if his or her last time is known, pasurams can be recited during the Sri Choorna Paripalana ritual.
What is the equivalent Srivaishnava term for spluttering (Thalitthal)?
Vidwan’s reply
Our Srivaishnava tradition terms it as Thirumanam Marrudhal which became thirumarudhal over some time.
Can lamps be lit at the entrance every day or should it be lit only during the months like Karthigai, Margazhi?
Vidwan’s reply
Lamps can be lit at the entrance every day; in fact, it is our tradition to do so.
In the past, it was a practice to light up lamps in the entrance. These days electric lights are used.
During Sunset, the front entrance door must be kept open and lit with an oil lamp or electric lamp.
During the Brahmamuhurta period can lamps be lit at Perumal sanctum and Thulasi maadam?
Vidwan’s reply
Lamps can be lit at Brahmamuhurtam in front of the Perumal sanctum after one had already brushed teeth and even if one has not taken bath.
Our elders assert that salvation is assured for those who perform Prapatti; they have also advised that children are also Bhagavatas (devotees) and they should not be hurt with deeds or words. Instead of being virtuous and obeying Acarya’s words, few of them behave otherwise by belittling the younger generation and taunting them with harsh words. Will they still get salvation? Such behavior causes slight disbelief in Prapatti. Kindly show the right way.
Vidwan’s reply
Without a doubt, salvation is assured for those who have performed Prapatti.
Perumal forgives the offense that one commits un-intentionally.
If we commit an offense intentionally then we have to do Prayaschita Prapatti or undergo the Lord’s punishment. The elders who had done Prapatti talk sternly to channelize the person properly and their intention is not to hurt others. So, it cannot be deemed as an offense.
Adiyen’s husband attained Acaryan thiruvadi three months ago, should adiyen’s sons perform Ammavasai tharpanam from now or after one year?
Vidwan’s reply
Amavasai tharpanam can be performed starting with Sapindikaranam and no need to wait till the Abdikam (annual ceremony).
After the conclusion of Sapindikaranam, whichever tharpanam occurs first, whether it be amavasai or masa pirappu tharpanam, one must start with that and one must mandatorily perform all tharpanams. Some perform masa pirappu tharpanam for 4 months only while other might perform all the 12 months.
Can one learn Thiruvaimohzi through Sandhai? Are Samasrayanam and Bharanyasam a must to learn them? Can it be taught to children? Are there any rules for this?
Vidwan’s reply
It appears, in the past, children have been taught by elders even without them undergoing Samasrayanam and Bharanyasam. We follow the path shown by our elders.
Notes
To learn the meaning of Thiruvaimozhi one must have performed Samasrayanam and Bharanyasam.
Salutations Swami. Can one wear a new dress during Vrata, Pitrukarya, Amavasai, and Masa pirappu days?
Vidwan’s reply
Normally a new dress is not worn on such days. But if festival days like Deepavali or Pongal are exempted and one can wear a new dress. It is a must to wear a new dress during Deepavali. Certain households follow the custom of wearing a new dress on Pongal.
Can one half of the coconut be used for preparing the offerings for Perumal on one and can the other half of the coconut be used subsequently in cooking the next day and can it be offered to Perumal?
Vidwan’s reply
It is not a practice to use one half of coconut one day and the other half the next day to prepare offerings for Perumal. If we break a coconut, the entire coconut must be used on that day itself. If it cannot be used wholly, it can be used in other dishes after it has been offered to Perumal.
Notes
Certain households use one half of a coconut one day and the other half the next day and offer it to Perumal as one half is a separate coconut only. It is better to follow one’s household practice.
Sri Vangipuratthu Nambi in his Virodhi Pariharam Grantham says that when one thinks that “Piratti’s Saraveshvaratvam” and “Brahmikka lakshanamana karanatvam” , that thought itself will act as an obstacle for moksham. If so, are Vishnu and Piratti are different souls (Atamas)? Or are they two forms/incarnations of a single Atama? Similarly, are Sridevi, Bhumidevi and Neeladevi are three different souls or incarnations of a single atma? Pray kindly explain, adiyen Ramanuja dasan. [Here is Vangipurathu Nambi’s Virodhi Pariharangal in Telugu script: https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.396199 And here is the specific page: https://imgur.com/a/c0NUyY1″]
Vidwan’s reply
As the preceptors such as Swami Desikan, et al, have not quoted Virodhi Pariharam of Sri Vangipuratthu Nambi, we do not know the details.
Swami Desikan in the Catus Sloki Bhashyam has explained in detail that Piratti and Perumal are two different Souls; and that Sridevi, Bhumidevi, and Neeladevi are three different souls. One must learn these from a preceptor through kalakshepam.
Notes
Based on several authoritative evidentiary statements and texts, Swami Desikan in his granthams has said that the trait of almightiness (Sarveshvaratvam) can be attributed to Piratti. Further, since Swami Desikan himself says that “Tarka pandityatinaale edaiyum saadika vallomaay irukka, naam pramaana saranaraay korugiruom” and that since Swami Desikan is our pramaanam, following his path, let us get clarity that Piratti does possess almightiness.
As Srivaishnavas must not worship other demi-gods, why do we worship Hanuman? Is he a Prapanna or Bhakti yogi or a Mumukshu?
Vidwan’s reply
Hanuman is not a demi-god; he is called Siriya Tiruvadi. As he is always with Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana, while we worship them, we must worship Hanuman as well. Hanuman as one who lives long (Chiranjeevi), even now resides at mount Gandhamadana.
In which text is the Narasimha Charama slokam “sathyam bravi:mi manuja:ha svayamu:rdhva bahuhu yo: ma:m muku:nda narasimha jana:rdane:thi | ji:van japathynu dinam marane: runi:va pa:sha:na ka:shta sadru:sa:ya dada:mi mukthim” is included?
Vidwan’s reply
We shall deal with a response for this sometime in the future.
Does Ahobila Mutt alone have the tradition of preaching Srimantra mantropadesam during Pancasamaskaram? Or is it practiced by other mutts of Vadakalai tradition?
Vidwan’s reply
Srimantra can be learned by supplicating to any preceptor at any time and not necessarily only during Samashrayanam.
Apart from Kshatrabhandu, Muchukundan, Vibhishana, Katvanga, are there others who have performed Prapatti on their own volition (svanishtai)? Is there any reference on this in Ithihasas and Puranas?
Vidwan’s reply
Even Swami Desikan describes those who have performed svanishtai in the Adaikkalapatthu pasuram “kaagam iraakadan mannar kaadali kattirabandhu”. Puranas refers to many such as Gajendra, Devas, Vibhishana, etc. To know more details on this question, listen to the discourse available through this link
If the Vedas are said to be of divine origin (did not come from any ordinary being), why does the Rig Veda say this “asmA idu stomaM saM hinomi rathaM na taSTeva” – “Similar to how a carpenter constructs a chariot, so have I created this for him”? How to interpret this?
Vidwan’s reply
The Veda itself says in many instances that it has created the Vedas. It means that it has illuminated the Vedas that already exist.
When one says that a carpenter makes a chariot, it does not mean that the carpenter created the tree/wood. He machines the wood that already exists and makes an object. Similarly, Permal has given the Vedas that already exist in a proper format.
Notes
The Vedas that were in a certain format during a previous kalpam are presented in the same format during the next kalpam by Bhagavan.
At the time of universal dissolution (Pralaya kalam) when only the Bhagavan exists and everything else is destroyed, Bhagavan preaches the Vedas during the kalpa that follows in the same format that the Vedas were in during the previous kalpa. That is why the Vedas are called Apaurusheyam, of divine origin.
Is America Jambudvipa or Kraunchadvipa? What dvipa to use during sankalpam?
Vidwan’s reply
If we scrutinize it from Purnas’ angle, America may be under Jambudvipa but it cannot be Bharatavarsha.
As per “Jambudvipe Bharatavarshe Bharatakande”, the whole earth that is surrounded by salt sea is called as Jambudvipa, so America may be called as Jambudvipa.
Adiyen has undergone both Samasrayanam and Bharanyasam; should adiyen also apply twelve thiruman like men?
Vidwan’s reply
It is not customary for Sumangalis to adorn twelve thirumann, but widowed women of ancient days used to apply smaller urdva pundram and few follow that now.
Notes
During Samasrayanam, the Acharya emblazons us with 12 urdva pundrams along with its relevant thirunamas. Later women should apply thirumann on their forehead and back of the neck every day.
There is Pillaiyar temple near adiyen’s home which adiyen use to frequent, we also celebrate pillaiyar Chaturthi; should adiyen not visit that temple after Bharanayasam? Please clarify
Vidwan’s reply
One must not go to Pillaiyar temple after Bharanyasam.
The absolute things one must avoid after Bharanyasam are
Worshipping other gods and demigods
Offending Bhagavatas
There is no need to despair if you do not celebrate Pillaiyar chaturthi as no harm shall befall. Emperuman is the Lord of all gods. We performed Bharanyasam by having total faith that he will protect us. Bharanyasam is like upholding the virtue of being a chaste wife so one should be devoted to Emperuman alone.
It was stated in the previous issue of Sudarshanam that women should not chant Vishnu Sahasranama, are there any scriptural proof or any reference by our ancient preceptors?
Vidwan’s reply
Proof lies in the practise of our virtuous elders. It has been approximately 5000 years since the birth of Vishnu Sahasranama, our elders have paved a practise from then and till now, so we follow their way.
Adiyen a Srivaishnava who does not belong to the Brahmin community; our family deity is Thiruvallur Veeragahava Perumal. My grandfather did his embossing of mudras at Sriperumbudur and he lived a life of a Srivaishanava in his village. The tradition stopped with him. We only visit the temple during festival time and became unaware of our tradition. Adiyen desires to lead a life of a Srivaishnava like my grandfather, but we do not know who our Acharyan is and how to proceed in following the Srivaishnava way of life. Should adiyen also do sandhyavandanam and other rituals as well?
Vidwan’s reply
As you are not aware of your grandfather’s Acharyan, you can seek any Acharyan of your preference.
If you feel that a particular Acharyan will transform you, you shall seek Him and pray to Him for Samashrayanam and Bharanyasam.
Many preceptors, starting from Ahobila Mutt and so forth. Whomever that you are devoted to, you can submit your request to that Preceptor.
Notes
Kshatriyas and Vaishyas are ordained to do sandhyavandanam like Brahmins and it is not ordained for the rest. One can take bath and apply the dwadasa urdva pundram and worship the Acarya thaniyan in the morning and continue to do other routines.
Though the likes of Indran and Ahalya have committed unpardonable transgressions, why does Perumal favours Indra by having him in the position of Devendra?
Vidwan’s reply
Ahalya is not tainted as Perumal had relieved her of her sins and this is indicated in Ramayanam. If we even think that they are tainted, the thought itself will beget our sin.
We should take this as an example as to what kind of taints are been mercifully absolved by Perumal, asserts Swami Desikan in many verses of Paduka Sahasram.
They are divine beings; these are instances for us to learn good morals.
Notes
Even today, we see that those who have erred are held in high esteem unlike those who have not erred. Bhagavan grants the relevant rewards or punishment accordingly so we need not worry about it.
Moreover, it is a sin if we think badly of those who have atoned for their sins, so one must be careful in these matters.
What are the topics under Grantha Chatustya kalakshepam that women are allowed to attend?
Vidwan’s reply
Women can attend Srimad Rahasyatrayasaram, Bhagavat Vishayam along with recitation. One can learn those Sri Suktis and then attend the kalakshepam.
As Sri Bashyam and Gita Bashyam contain many lines from Veda, women cannot recite them directly. One can simply listen to them from the back row of Kalakshepa goshti. As it is difficult to read the Grantham, our preceptors like Navalpakkam Sri U Ve Vasudevachar had mercifully provided lucid exposition in Tamil for us to learn and understand them.
Can women pluck Thulasi? During Nammazhvar moksha utsavam in our temple, Andal goshti plucks Thulasi. Is this appropriate?
Vidwan’s reply
Women are not allowed to pluck Thulasi for Emperuman’s Thiruvaradhanam and there are certain rules and mantras for plucking Thulasi that men should abide by to pluck at appropriate times.
Can one do tharpanam during full moon (Purnima)? During pitru paksham should one do tharpanam first or should one do thiruvaradhanam first?
Vidwan’s reply
There is no connection to tharpanam on full moon day.
If a new month or eclipse occurs on a new moon day, tharpanam should be performed because it is done during those occurrences and not on full moon day.
Notes
Tharpanam should be done during a punya kalam based on the birth of a new month; if the new month begins in the morning one has to do tharpanam first and followed by thiruvaradhanam. If the new month begins after ijjya kalam, one has to complete ijjayaradhanam and proceed to do tharpanam.
As darsha shrarddham is done during the afternoon, our elders take bath in the afternoon to do thiruvaradhanam first followed by darsha shrarddham/ amavasai tharpanam.
What is the connection between rice and Ekadasi? Why should we avoid whole rice and if need be, consume items made of broken rice?
Vidwan’s reply
Rice is a complete food for us, unlike milk and fruits.
One has to observe fasting during Ekadasi and those who cannot fast avoid such food so rice is prohibited.
Notes
As per Purana, Rukma Charitra state that on Ekadasi the evil spirit Mohini enters the whole rice and into whoever consumes whole rice, the evil spirit enters into them; when the rice is broken, she flees from it and broken rice is considered half food, so one has to avoid partaking whole rice on this day.
Adiyen first submit adiyen’s gratitude for responding to adiyen’s query (related to tharpanam and a Jeevan that has attained Paramapadam as a Sumangali) in the previous issue of Sudarshanam. Still, aidyen is not able to comprehend. While performing the karmas, we do it to satisfy Bhavagan (Bhagavad preethyartham) and have no doubt the benefits of the karmas are offered to him. During tharpanam we mention the names of mother, mother’s father, mother’s paternal grandfather and great-grandfather (mAtA, mAtAmaha, mAtru pitAmaha, matru prapitAmaha) and offer arghyam (offering of ceremonial water). But, until the son of the soul that had attained Parampadam s a Sumangali is qualified to perform tharpanam, what is the status of the soul that has attained Paramapadam?
Vidwan’s reply
The soul that has attained Paramapadam is in an exalted position. That does not expect our tharpanam at all. That soul eternally experiences divine Supreme bliss. The Vedas are very lucid about this as can be seen from Chandogya Upanishad.
Notes
We perform tharpanam for them because this is ordained by the dharma shastras and the Vedas. They are not going to be satisfied by our tharpanam. If we do not follow the duties prescribed by the dharma shastras and the Vedas, we beget sin. Instead of being concerned about the souls that have attained Paramapadam, we must be concerned about our status and must perform as ordered by the scriptures and to satisfy the Paramatma who is the antaryAmi in the departed souls.
As scriptures are the cause for actions and inactions, it is sufficient we follow its rules, and the departed souls and Perumal are not deprived of anything.
For example, if we stop doing tiruvaradhanam for our household Perumal, He does not lose anything.
If we continue to do trivaradhanam, it is us who benefit and not Him. This explanation is applicable for this query as well.
When should we chant the Ashtakshara mantra?
Vidwan’s reply
Our elders follow the practice of chanting Ashtaksharam immediately after performing sandhyavandhanam. As Swami Desikan has shown this in Sri Pancharathra Agama Raksha based on authoritative statements from Mahabharata, our elders follow this practice. Chanting Ashtaksharam at this time cleanses the soul to worship Him.
Generally, only those who have undergone Samashrayanam are allowed to chant. One has to chant the thaniyan (invocatory verse) of the Samashrayana Acharyan and the lineage of Acharya and then one has to recite the sloka ‘Asmad Desikam Asmadiya Pracharyan’ and ‘enuyir thandalithavanai’ sloka as per the tradition.
To know about how to do pranayamam, sankalpam and about the Mahabharata verse please click the following YouTube link
What is an omen?
Vidwan’s reply
It’s been in practice by our elders for a long time to look out for omen. When two Brahmins come together while we go out, it is considered a good omen.
There is something called nimittam; when a bell chimes before we proceed to do a work, it is considered good sign and the work shall be successful. A neran is one that happens at that time for e.g., when someone unintentionally utters negative words at the time we proceed to do something, the work we intend to do may not have the desired result.
Dreams also have positive and negative results accordingly. Ramayana is filled with many omens. Astrology also deals with such omens. For details on scientific explanation, please click this link
Should we not light lamps made up of rice flour(mavilakku) during Purattasi Brahmotsvam at Thirumala until the Dwajarohanam?
Vidwan’s reply
Since we light up mavilakku for Thiruvenkatavan during Saturdays, as we have to participate in the utsavams we may be advised not to light up lamps during festival time.
Particularly those who stay at Thriumala will not do so as they like to participate in the temple festival. Generally, during utsava time people shorten the thiruvaradhanam for Perumal at home. They postpone the functions like weddings, upanayanam until the conclusion of the temple festival as the festivals are given prime importance.
One can try to participate in Thirumala utsavam and there is no harm in lighting mavilakku at that time. Act as per the advice of the elders of the house.
When we perform srartham and tharpanam for father after his demise though mother is alive why don’t we perform srartham srartham and tharpanam for mother after her demise even though father is alive. She also needs to be fed water and thil after she reach pitthru log. This is taunting me for long because she is the one who gave us birth and sacrificed a lot for our present status. Is it not differential treatment met to that noble soul? Adiyen
Adiyen, please note Vidwan’s reply below:
“We perform sraddham to mother every year after her demise. Only sraddhanga tarpanam is not done. That is because we get the eligibility (yogyata) for tarpanam only after the demise of father. Till that time that soul is given water by other jnatis of that soul who are eligible to do tarpanam. Jnata ajnata pitrubyah…”