Hiranya Shraddham

Hiranya Shraddham appear to be quite different. Shradham constitute ‘a debt of the dead’ which ought to be repaid assuming the dead ones as being alive and living with us. During this period called pitru paksha, the lord of death, Yama raja enables all who shed their mortal frames to come back to earth and receive offerings from their descendants. For ages, it has been associated with such offerings being made to the dead christened pretas (spirits) and pitrus (forfathers).

It is believed that one owes three main debts. First its Devarina (debt to the gods), second is Rishi rina (debt to the guru) and the last but, not the least is the Pitra rina (debt to the forefathers). It is ordained that one must pay off these debts with utmost humility and respect. It is an alternative way to perform a Parvana shraddham easily by providing Dakshina, Rice, Daal, Raw Banana & Jaggery to the two or more brahmins.

What is Hiranya Shraddham?

The standard way to do the same is to do a ritualistic fire and a process of feeding brahmins called Shraddham. Due to various circumstances the concerned blood relation of the departed soul is hard pressed for time in his worldly duties that he is forced to do a simple ritual the same is called Hiranya Shradham. Under Hiranya sraddham food materials and Dakshinai (Money) is offered to the priest who conducts the ceremony.

How to perform Hiranya Sradham?

In hiranya srardham procedure hindu priest comes with two brahmins priests. One of them represent the viswedeva and the other is pitru. Hiranya srardham procedure starts with Sankalpam, Invoking Viswedeva and Pitru, Offering respects to them by chanting hiranya shraddham mantras with Sandal paste, Tulasi leaves and other items. Offering food is optional as we already offering the Rice, Raw banana & Dhaal instead of cooked food (hiranya srardham samayal) . The entire procedure would take about 15 – 20 mins.

When to do Hiranya Srardham?

Hiranya shraddam should be performed as per tithi of departed soul. Approach a Learned Hindu priest for Hiranya shraddham Thithi if you’re not sure when the tithi falls.