Garuda Purana

GARUDA PURANA
Pura-s are considered as the Sacred Scriptures laying down guidelines for
religious and pious living, mostly in the form of stories or verses. The exact
dates of these pura-s remain unknown. Garua Pura is said to be
approximately 700 years old. It is also said that the original pura-s have
undergone changes over a period of time. Generally, only eighteen pura-s
are often discussed and Garua Pura is one among them. Major portion of
this great Scripture is in the form of conversation between Garua, the vhana
(vehicle) of Lord Viu and sage Kayapa.

Garua Pura has three ka-s (sections). They are cra ka, which
generally deals with rituals, dharmastra, etc; dharma ka or preta
(corpse) ka, which deals with death and allied subjects; brahma ka
which deals with the supremacy of Lord Viu, with criticism on my and
avidya.

In this new series, titled Garuda Purana, second section viz. Preta Ka
dealing with death and associated rituals will be discussed briefly

GARUDA PURANA - DARBHA GRASS AND SESAME
SEEDS

Garuda Purana 2
Garua asks several questions to Viu on death and Ka patiently clarifies
all his doubts. This series will deal briefly on the answers provided by Ka.
A corpse should be cleansed with the mixture of water and cow dung and
darbha grass (kua grass) should be spread on the place and the corpse
should be placed on the darbha grass. If this is not done, evil spirits will enter
the corpse. Corpse should be placed only on the ground and not on cots or
elevated platforms. A circle should be drawn around the corpse. On drawing
the circle, Brhm, Viu, Rudra, Goddess Lakm and Agni, the god of fire
enter this circle. If this circle is not drawn, his soul does not get a proper womb
for rebirth and remains as a ghost, which lives in the air for a long time. It
does not receive rddha (rituals to ancestors) and water.
Sesame seeds are used in all rddha rituals. Sesame seeds are considered
as sacred and can destroy evil spirits and can burn all the sins committed by
the deceased. Thirst of the corpse is quenched by offering libation with water
and sesame seeds. Ka says that darbha grass has grown from His hair
and sesame seeds from His perspiration. Brhm is in the root end of darbha,
Viu in the middle and iva in the tip. Darbha grass should be placed in the
hands of a person who is dying. Salt is also effective in removing sins of a
person, as salt has originated from the body of Viu. Gifting (dna) sesame
seeds and salt are considered as more sacred than other gifts. Gift of salt
when a person is dying takes the person directly to the heaven.
Kla, the god of death, also known as Yama detaches the soul from the body
of a person at the appointed time and nobody can prevent this. Klas
assistants push the dying persons breath out of his body and they take out
his soul. At the time of death, the normal balance between five types of
pra-s is disturbed pushing the udna upwards, causing a peaceful
death. Peaceful death happens only for those who are devoted to the Lord
during their lifetime. Those who have always spoken truth, have unstinted
faith in the Lord and always follow the virtuous path also die
peacefully. Those who speak lies, deceitful devotion, preach ignorance,
abuse Vedas die unconsciously. Their mouths become dry and they die
because of suffocation. Their death becomes violent.
The souls of those, who have committed sins during their life time spend their
time in hell and are born again in the earth. Here soul does not mean the
Brahman, but the causal and subtle bodies encasing the Soul. A soul is called
jva when it is covered by causal and subtle bodies. The epic then proceeds
to say the different types of rebirth the jva takes such as plant, animals,
human, etc depending upon the sins committed by them. After their death,
they go to hell.
Garua Pura then proceeds to explain different types of hells and each of
these hells are described horrifically. The jva-s are tortured in these hells,
depending upon the intensity of their sins. All the hells are ruled by the god of
death, Yama. For those who lived virtuous lives, their jva-s are taken to the
heaven. Once their good karmic accounts are exhausted, they are made to
fall from the heaven and are born to noble couples. Love, anger and ego are
described as thieves of the body and mind is their head. Ka says that if the
Self is not realized during ones life time, they are equated with beasts.
GARUDA PURANA - GIFTS

Garua Pura 3
Ka now proceeds to elucidate on atonement of sins committed either
consciously or unconsciously. As an immediate remedy one should take ten
types of baths at least for a period of six years. Ten types of bath include
early morning bath to taking bath in the holy river Ganges. Generally taking
bath before sunrise is advocated. Gifting cow, earth, gingelly seeds (til seeds)
and other grains, gold, silver, ghee, new clothes, sugar and salt are the ten of
gifts one has to give for atoning sins. These gifts should be given only to those
persons who are present at the time of performing atonement
ceremonies. Various guidelines are prescribed for receiving gifts. If sins
committed are enormous, these baths and gifts have no significance. Such
sinners have to cross a river in the hell known as Vaitarai, which is full of pus
and blood. In order to cross this river with a little comfort, one has to donate a
black cow along with its calf. Vaitarai river is a mythical river flowing from
earth to the hell and a soul after death has to cross this mythical river to reach
the gates of the lord of death, Yama, who decides the destiny of the soul
depending on the souls karmic account. Soul here means both the subtle and
causal bodies with the Brahman within. Afflictions caused to these bodies do
not affect the Brahman and He always stand as a witness.
When a person is dying, he should give the following eight as gifts gingelly
seeds, iron, gold cotton, salt, seven grains, earth and cow. Either the person
who is dying can give these gifts of any of his representatives approved by
him can also give these gifts. These gifts should be given only to those who
know Vedas and lead a life as prescribed by stra-s. Apart from this, one
has also to gift umbrella, footwear, clothes, ring, gourd, wooden plank to sit,
vessels and food. These gifts are intended for use by the soul during its
journey from the earth to the other worlds like heaven or hell as the case may
be. It is said that she-buffalo, a hand fan and cloths should also be given to
Vedic scholars. It is also said that these gifts should be given as much as
possible. If any of these gifts are given at the time of his death, his soul does
not reach the hell. Amongst all these gifts, a person gifting a vessel filled with
gingelly seeds or clarified butter (ghee) or the gift of a bed with accessories
will never go to hell, says Garua Pura. Gifting of salt is also considered as
sacred. It is said that if one gifts salt, the gates of heaven is open for his soul
to take a sojourn there. Gifts given by a person during his life time are more
favorable to his soul than gifts given by his sons during his last rites.
Gifting of cow and calf makes his soul as immortal. If one gives the eight gifts
described above, he reaches the world of Gandharva-s, a type of demigods,
who are fond of pleasure and enjoyment. They are capable of astral travel and
can travel from higher planes to lower planes and vice-versa. If one gifts an
umbrella, his soul takes rest under the shade when Yama, the god of death
roasts the souls of sinners in the hell called Raudra. If food and a wooden
plank are offered as gifts, the soul is able to sit and take its food comfortably
on the way to the hell. If he has gifted footwear, his soul is taken on the back
of a horse. The one who has given clothes as gifts, his soul is not tortured by
the servants of Yama.
If a vessel filled with gingelly seeds, is gifted the sins accrued on account of
his body, mind and speech are destroyed. Sins or bad karmas are accrued
only due to these three instruments. Out of the three, mind is capable of
causing worst sins and is the cause for all bad karmas and body is capable of
causing least sins. If a vessel containing ghee is given as gift, he is taken to
Rudraloka after his death and he stays there. If he gifts a bed along with its
accessories, he is taken to Indra loka and stays there for a long time and
enjoys all the pleasures associated with Indra loka. Once his sojourn is over
in Indra loka, he is again born in the earth as a king. It is said that benefits
accruing on account of gifts primarily depends upon according the intention
with which the gift is given. If one gives food as charity with a pure heart, his
soul never feels the hunger. If death takes place in a sacred place, he attains
liberation without further transmigration. If one enters into sannysa
(renouncing worldly life) as prescribed by stra-s, he is bound to attain
liberation. If one dies by undertaking fast unto death, he also attains
liberation. With this Ka concludes His sayings on the necessity of giving
dna or gifts.
Then Ka proceeds to talk about funeral rites.
Garua Pura 4
GARUDA PURANA - LAST RITES

After ascertaining the death of a person, his son should proceed with last rites
to the body. As the first step towards the last rites, the corpse should be
washed with water and its (he or she has now become it) clothes should be
replaced with new ones. In all the annual ceremonies for ancestors,
immediate three ancestors are invoked. For example, during annual
ceremony of ones father, father, fathers father (grandfather) and great
grandfather are invoked. However, while performing the last rites to a corpse,
rites are performed only to the deceased person alone. This rite is called
ekoddia rddha. Then the body is taken to the burning ground.
While carrying a corpse from the place of death to the burning ground,
rddha ceremonies are performed at six places and they are at the place of
death, at the main door, at the cross roads, at the burning ground and finally
on the funeral pyre. The performance of these six ceremonies satisfies six
gods. Goddess earth is satisfied while performing rites at the place where the
corpse is placed at home. The corpse is known as ava at the place of
death. When the corpse is taken through the main doors of a place, it is
called pntha and Vstu god is satisfied when this rite is performed. The
ceremony at the cross roads is called khecara and the god Bhta is satisfied
because of this ceremony. The corpse is known as bhta at the place where
it is placed in the burning ground before placing it on the pyre. By performing
a ceremony here, gods of ten quarters are satisfied (east, west, etc). When
the corpse is placed on the funeral pyre, it is known as sdhaka. When the
body is burnt into ashes, it is called preta. In all these ceremonies, the head
of the corpse should be on the southern side.
Before the actual cremation begins, there is a ceremony called pia
vidhi. Pia is a ball of rice offered to the dead. The departed soul is said to
become a pit (ancestors) by eating pia-s. It is said that if pia-s are not
offered, they become demons (ghosts?). The funeral pyre should be
cleansed and the corpse is placed on the pyre and the fire is lit after
worshipping Kravyda (a type of fire god) who is supposed to consume the
flesh of the corpse with a request to consume the flesh and carry the soul to
the heaven. When the fire is in full flames, oblations are offered with ghee
and sesame seeds (also known as gingelly seeds) in the pyre. After paying
respects to the burning corpse, relatives leave the place, take bath and reach
home only to return again the next day morning.
Next day morning, the remaining ashes are collected and transferred to an
earthen pot and this ritual is called sacayana. Ashes are collected in
earthen pot and the pot is immersed in holy rivers or sea. Then for the next
ten days pia-s are offered to the preta (the corpse is now known as preta)
along with water. This ten day period is called auca (auca mean
impurity). During these ten days a preta body is formed. For example, head
of the preta is formed on the first day, second day pia forms neck and
shoulders and so on. On offering the tenth day pia, the complete preta
body is formed. Preta can be explained as the disembodied spirit. Only when
the preta is properly formed and nourished, transmigration of the soul within
the disembodied spirit is not possible. Garua Pura discusses about preta
elaborately subsequently. Five chapters out of the total of 49 chapters deal
exclusively with preta-s.
If a death is caused due to unnatural conditions, where the body of the dead
could not be found, there is a procedure called Nryaa bali (bali means
offering and Nryaa bali means, offerings to Lord Viu). By performing this
ceremony, the dead gets preta body ready to be born again
Garua Pura 5
GARUDA PURANA - PINDA

Garua Pura, after having discussed about the rituals to be performed on
death, proceeds to discuss about the annual and other ceremonial
rites. When a person dies, the maximum number of days of impurity to the
deceaseds relative is ten and this period is called aauca period.
The aauca period varies on the basis of ones relationship with the
deceased. Aauca period is also applicable at the time of birth of a child. The
only difference between these two aauca-s is for the birth number of
daytime is calculated and for death, number of nighttime is
calculated. During aauca period, one should refrain from eating pungent
food and should shelve all pleasures. Close relatives become purified on the
offering of pia on the tenth day.
Pia is offered everyday during the first ten days along with water, honey,
ghee, sesame seeds, etc. Any rites to ancestors are performed only with
sesame seeds. Pia is a ball of cooked rice. The preta body of dead is
formed only on offering pia-s. For example, on the first day of pia
offering, the head of the preta body becomes pia body, on the second day
of offering neck and shoulders become pia body and so on. On the tenth
day, the entire preta body is converted into pia body or pia arra (arra
means body). The entire pia is not consumed by the preta. A pia is
divided into four parts. One part is offered to the servants of Yama, the god of
death. Two portions are used to convert the preta arra into pia arra and
only the last quarter is consumed by the preta.
On the twelfth day, a special ritual known as sapikaraa is performed. It is
like annual rddha ritual. Though it is said that in rare cases, sapikaraa
can be performed after twelve days, it is said that it is better that it is
performed on the twelfth day itself. Pia-s are also offered on the day of
sapikaraa. On taking this pia, the preta arra becomes a pit and can
reach the world of ancestors. It is said that a deceased person cannot reach
the world of ancestors with preta arra. A preta eats food twice, on eleventh
and twelfth days. If pia-s are not offered daily for the first ten days and if
sapikaraa is not performed on the twelfth day, preta arra, instead of
entering into the world of ancestors, becomes a ghost and suffers. On the
thirteenth day from the date of death, a ceremony is performed known as
ravaakarma. The impurities that prevailed at home due to death are
removed by this ceremony. Once this ceremony is performed, servants of
Yama descend from the world of Yama to take the deads pia arra to
Yama. Now the deads body has become like air due to the pia-s
offered. The journey of the subtle body of the dead now begins to the world of
Yama for his decision and disposal.
Garua Pura 6
GARUDA PURANA - JOURNEY TO THE WORLD OF
YAMA

It is said that the distance between the earth and the world of Yama is 86,000
yojans. One yojana approximately measures nine miles. The servants of
Yama dragging the subtle body of the dead cover this distance in 48 days.
The path of this journey is not the same for everyone. Yamas servants inflict
tremendous amount of torture on the subtle body of the sinners. The intensity
of the torture depends upon the sins committed by the dead when he was
alive. In the world of Yama, there are sixteen cities. The subtle body of the
dead passes either through all these cities or select cities depending upon his
sins and survives only on the pia-s offered by his sons. His subtle body
covers all the cities in twelve months. It is said that in order to satiate the
hunger of the dead, pia-s are offered every month for one year. But
whatever is offered to the dead in the first 48 days is consumed by the dead
and reduces the suffering during its travel from the earth to Yamas place. The
hunger and thirst of the dead will be at their peak during eleventh and twelfth
months which can be satiated only upon the food offered to Vedic scholars
during these two monthly raddha-s. It is also said that monthly ceremonies
during the first year are important, as the dead derive their energy only on the
offerings made by his relatives.
At the end of one year his sons perform first year raddha rituals and the dead
is allowed to eat pia offered during the ritual. At the end of the first year,
the subtle body after undergoing untold miseries in the hands of Yamas
servants attains a body depending upon his karmas. This body is nothing but
the sum total of his karmas. This karmic body is taken to the place where
Yama is seated. There are fourteen gates to the place of Yama and each
gate is guarded by a door keeper. The gate keepers allow the karmic body of
the dead inside Yamas place depending upon rites performed by his
relatives. These gate keepers are able to weigh the karmas done by the
dead. Depending upon his karmas, his karmic body is allowed to enter
through a particular door to meet Yama directly. Yama directs his servants to
take the karmic body to be sent to good or bad states, depending upon ones
karmas, performed during his life time.
Yama changes his face on seeing every karmic body. On seeing the sinners,
he becomes terrifying and on seeing the good ones, he becomes
composed. A person cannot make a living without committing a sin, either
knowingly or unknowingly. The only ritual that can keep Yama happy is the
ritual of votsarga. It is a ritual when a bull is let loose on the eleventh day
from the day of death. Along with the bull a she calf should also be released.
The details of the rituals are available in dharma stra-s. It is believed that
the entire sins of the dead will be nullified if votsarga ritual is performed.
GARUDA PURANA - GHOSTS

Garua Pura 7

Garua Pura then proceeds to explain how ghosts are formed. rddha-s are
performed for the departed souls once in a year. This annual rite is performed with
pia offerings to ancestors. Among many aspects of this ritual, the important ones
are offering pia-s and feeding the priests who partake in the ritual. Garua Pura
discusses about 17 types of ghosts and some of them narrate the incidents, because of
which they have become ghosts. Formation of five types of ghosts is discussed below.
1. Eating the prepared food before serving the food to the priests and offering to the
ancestors by means of pia-s. The yajamna (the performer of the ritual) became a
ghost.
2. Stealing the ornaments of a woman and his son. The boy was taking water from the
jar nearby, and the thief forcefully took away the water jar from the boy and finished
drinking the entire water. The boy died due to dehydration. On seeing his sons
death, the woman fell into a well and ended her life. The thief became a ghost.
3. Two friends were doing business and incurred heavy loss. One of them was rich,
but greedy. Their business ended up in loss and they left the place in a boat. The
friend of the rich man threw him out of the boat while he was sleeping and took away
whatever he had. The dead mans wife on knowing her husbands death committed
suicide. The killer of the rich man became a ghost.
4. There was a rich person. He lived with his parents and a younger brother. The two
brothers loved each other. Someone created problems amongst them and the elder
brother sent away his younger brother from his family and he was also ill treated. The
younger brother suffered even for food, clothes and shelter. His parents helped their
younger son without the knowledge of their first son. Their first son somehow came
to know of this. He tied his parents by iron chains and left them in a deserted temple.
Unable to bear the humiliation and pain, they consumed poison and died. His younger
brother also died due to malnutrition. The elder brother became a ghost.
5. A priest has stolen gold ornaments that adored the idols of gods. The king who
came to know of this ordered the killing of the thief. The king was not aware that the
priest had stolen the jewels. In the dead of a night, the priest killed the king and took
away all his jewels and hidden himself in a deep forest. He was killed by a tiger and
he became a ghost.
Ghosts said that they choose the following places for their living:
1. Where people do not follow the precepts of Vedas.
2. The places where falsehood and ignominy exist.
3. Where there is no faith in any religion, no dharma, no forgiveness, no forbearance
and no spiritual knowledge.
4. When people do not perform rddha-s for ancestors.
All these details are provided as conversation between a knower of Vedas and ghosts.
At that time, Viu appeared before them. On seeing their Lord before them, the
ghosts wanted to speak, but they could not. Knower of Vedas paid obeisance to the
Lord. As soon as he paid obeisance to Him, there appeared six celestial chariots. The
knower of Vedas had boarded one of the celestial chariots and the five ghosts boarded
the rest of the chariots. The ghosts reached the heavens simply because of their
association with the knower of the Vedas. The knower of the Vedas subsequently
became the famous gaa (attendant) known as Vivaksena.
Modern theory: Latest theories differentiate between ghosts and spirits. It is said that
a ghost is only a fragment of the total energy of the dead. Ghosts are said to be not
harmful. However, the essence of the energy of the dead (which is often referred to as
the subtle body) reach the world of spirits, to be born again. Spirit is the subtle body
that leaves its gross body at the time of death. When the subtle body leaves the gross
body, the subtle body remains in a semi-conscious state for some time, possibly
twelve days till the day of sapiikaraa, as said in Garua Pura. Wherever the
ghosts exist, there will be negative energy causing negativities in every act performed
in that place.
Irrespective of all these discussions, either Garua Pura or modern theory on ghosts
and spirits, nothing will affect a true believer of god. Even if one is religious, such
negative energies can never hurt him.
(to be continued)
GARUDA PURANA - THE ESCAPE OF SOUL

Garua Pura 8
Garua Pura now proceeds to discuss about the persons who are
authorized to perform last rites and its methods. Funeral rites can be
performed by the deceaseds son, grandson, great grandson, brother and
brothers progeny. In the absence of male progeny, it is said that women can
perform these rites. Annual ceremonies should also be performed to the
deceased. When funeral rites and annual ceremonies are performed, all gods
are satisfied and they bestow on the family of the performer health, wealth
and happiness. Suppose, one does not have relatives, he should perform
these rituals when he is alive. This ritual which is spread over a month is
known jvatrddha.
The Lord begins to speak about the necessity of performing rddha-s to the
departed souls. A departed soul has many possible destinations. It can
become one with the Brahman, not to be born again. It may be born as a
demigod, animal, plant, etc. Irrespective of the nature of the souls
transmigration, the pia-s offered in rddha ceremonies reach the
transmigrated body of the soul. For example, the soul transmigrates as a god,
the offered pia becomes nectar, if he becomes a gandharva, the pia
becomes an object of enjoyment; grass to animals; meat to demons; blood to
ghosts; and pulses and grains in case of humans. It is also said that it is
important to offer food during such ceremonies to Vedic scholars. The pia-s
offered to them become nectar to the soul. It is also said that it is important to
uphold ones traditions as declared in ruti-s than enquiring into the
reasoning.
It is said that there is a class of manes by name agnivtta pit-s. They take
charge of the remains of a body that was cremated. The agnivtta pit-s carry
the offerings, if made as prescribed in stra-s to the departed ones and give
the offerings to them during their long journey to the world of Yama. The
offerings are in the form of three pia-s during funeral rites or annual
rddha ceremonies. Irrespective of the shapes and forms, the departed soul
has attained during transmigrations, the pia offerings somehow reach
them. When these manes become happy about the way in which a rddha
ritual is performed for a departed soul, they in turn carry the food offered to
the transmigrated soul, to whom a rddha ritual is performed. At the time of
rddha ritual, these manes arrive at the place where the ritual is performed
and remain afloat in the atmosphere. They enter the bodies of pandits in
whom the departed souls are invoked and consume the food offered to them.
There are special mantras and rituals for invoking the departed souls in the
body of pandits. It is also said that the lord of death, Yama sends eleven
ghosts to consume the offerings made in a rddha ritual. Particular reference
has been made about the preparation of milk, rice and sugar to be cooked
and served on the day of ritual.
It is also said that such rituals should be performed only within ones means.
Pomp, vanity and spending beyond ones means are considered as sins and
will invite curse from the ancestors and gods alike. If one wants to avoid
transmigrations, he has to realize the Brahman and become one with Him, as
declared by all the Upaniad-s. The soul of a deceased escapes through nine
holes in a body and they are pair of eyes, pair of ears, pair of nostrils and
mouth in the upper portion of the body and the organs of procreation and
excretion in the lower portion of the body. stra-s always consider navel as
the centre of the body. If one has accrued good karmas, it is said that his soul
will leave the body through any of the openings in the upper region of the
body. If one has accrued bad karmas, his soul will leave through either of the
two openings in the lower region of the body. A soul with good karma enters
another human body and will enjoy the benefits of its good karmas. If one is
able to win over his senses, mind and speech, he wins over my and is not
likely to be reborn. It is also said that if one spends away both good and bad
karmas, he is not reborn. When the fruits of all actions are surrendered to the
Brahman, he does not accrue karmas at all.
(to be continued)
6 comments:
1.
PrabhakarApril 17, 2013 at 5:17 PM
Anaayaasena Maranam Vinaa dainyena Jeevanam
Dehaanthe thava saaujyam Dehimey Parvathi pathe.

By chanting this shloka and doing good karmas will a person get a
smooth take off from this earth? Its immaterial if any of his kith and kin
or Son performs shraadhas or not.
Reply
Replies
1.
MANBLUNDERApril 17, 2013 at 9:18 PM
Thanks for posting this. This is the meaning:

anysena maraa vindainyena jvana |
dehi me kripaya ambho tvayi bhakti acancala ||

Meaning: Give me a life without poverty. (If you cant, then please)
Give me death which should be without pain and without being
neglected.
Reply
2.
AnonymousApril 18, 2013 at 8:29 AM
Ravi - I can't believe it - Prabhakar is asking all the questions for me.
Please let me know where he and you got those verses.
Reply
Replies
1.
MANBLUNDERApril 18, 2013 at 9:01 AM
I have this verse in Tamil version. After Prabhakar's comment, I
posted the meaning. This should be in Mahbhrata, but I am not
sure.
2.
PrabhakarApril 21, 2013 at 11:48 AM
Ravi sir, Thank you for providing the correct verses of the mantra.
One more thing I would like to ask you. Amongst the
Sahasranamas, Lalitha sahsranama is considered as equal to all
the vedas. There is a saying that if a devotee with full faith
worships the Divine mother, he will not take janmas or there will
be no rebirth. At the end will the soul merge with the universal
mother. In the phala shruthi of the sahasranama it is mentioned
that a person gets an inclination to learn this sahasranama if it
was his last birth on this earth.
3.
The question is what is devotion and full faith. These two are only
a minuscule when we being to love Her. How do we ascertain that
we love Her? When we recite Lalita Sahasranama or any other
verses, you should have tears rolling down your cheeks. This is
the only explicit symptom of love for Her. If one is able to enter
this stage, this will surely be his last birth.
GARUDA PURANA - KARMA AND REBIRTH

Garua Pura 9
Garua Pura says that there are 8,400,000 types of species in existence
broadly divided into four categories. They are aaja (born out of eggs like
snakes, birds, fish, etc), svedaja (born of sweat like insects), udbhijja (born out
of seeds plant kingdom) and jaryuja (viviparous). Out of these four
categories, aaja is the lowest and jaryuja is the highest. It is extremely
difficult for the lower categories to attain a human form, which is considered
as the highest. Among men, the one who deliberates on Vedic topics is the
best. Gods, demigods, saints, sages and ancestors are always present in
those places where virtues and dharma are upheld. Man is generally
avaricious and longs for more and more. A man wants to become a demigod,
a demigod wants to become a god and a god wants to become the
Brahman. Their desires are endless. Men with avaricious desires fall into the
hell and those without any desire comfortably reach the heaven. During
childhood, one is attached to his parents; during adulthood, he is obsessed
with his spouse and in his old age, he becomes obsessed with his
grandchildren. Unfortunately, none is attached the Brahman, the Self. It is
easier to get a person released from rope chains but a person who is bound
by attachment to his spouse, children and grandchildren can never be freed.
Death is unavoidable. Man dies to be born again. He is born alone and dies
alone. None accompanies him both in birth and death. He alone creates his
karmas and he alone uses his karmas. If he has created good karmas, he
enjoys his life and if he has accrued bad karmas, he suffers in life. His karmas
transmigrate along with his soul. Once the physical body is burnt or buried,
his association with the material world is over. The status of a man purely
depends upon his previous deeds (karmas). One has to spend his wealth on
virtuous deeds and actions. Any rite without complete faith does not yield
results at all, either in this birth or in future births. A rite performed without
faith does not accrue good karmas at all nor is he benefited in the present
birth.
It is said that a man cannot attain heaven without begetting a son. Funeral
rites performed by his son is more beneficial than the rites performed by other
than his own son. Gifts given during his life time have more value and
become more effective later. In the same way, sumptuous foods prepared
and given by his own hands protect his soul (the subtle body) after his death.
Any gifts (dna) given at the time of ones needs protects his soul. (Dna
should be given to those who really need it. If dna is given to the one who
already owns the article of dna does not serve any purpose at all. If a dna is
given to the same person repeatedly, it is considered as a sin. The primary
criteria of dna is the choice of the person to whom the dna is offered. If the
receiver of dna is rich and still receives dna to accumulate more wealth for
him, it causes the accrual of potent sin both to the receiver and the giver.) It is
also said that one can perform rituals only when his body hale and healthy. If
his body does not permit him to perform rituals, no sin accrues to him. If
someone urges him to perform rituals in spite of his fragile health, he can
safely ignore the advice.
If funeral rites are not performed properly, the departed soul roams about in
the atmosphere for some time and will be born again as worms and insects. It
is difficult to get a human form, but it is very easy for a man to be born as
insects and animals due to his bad karmas. It must be remembered that
liberation is possible only through the human form. Therefore, as long as his
health permits, one should perform virtuous acts and provide gifts to the
needy, to attain a human form again in order to get liberation.
GARUDA PURANA - RELEASING A BULL

Garua Pura 10
Garua, the bird now seeks answers for the following questions from the Lord.
1. The difference between offering gifts directly and through others. 2. The
difference between offering gifts when one is healthy and after becoming
sick. 3. Gifts offered after one becomes unconscious, causing the violation of
scriptural dictums.
The Lord begins to answer. A cow offered as a gift when one is hale and
healthy, fully conscious, without any doubt on merits accruing on giving this
gift, is the best choice. The place and the recipient of the gift is also important
and to be considered very carefully. The gift should be given only according to
the dictums of dharma stra-s. Gifting hundreds of cows at the time of
death, or when someone is gifting when the donor himself is unconscious, or
after his death does not yield any results. Proxy or power of attorney does not
hold good as far as gifts are concerned. Good karma multiplies by giving a
gift to a deserving person. If such gifts are given during ones younger age,
the good karmas go on multiplying forever. Gifts should be given out of ones
own earnings. The gifts should never be offered by borrowing. Pomp and
vanity should never be practiced while giving gifts. By giving such gifts, sins
of the donor gradually get wiped out. Receiving a gift from a pious person
does not affect the receiver of the gift. However, it is very important that gift
should never be given to the underserved. If gifts are given to the undeserving
people, it causes the downfall of both the donor and the beneficiary and their
respective families. It is also said that such wrongful gifts affect twenty one
generations of both the donor and donee.
It is said that everyone should offer something as a gift daily, particularly on
special occasions. The gifts should be offered directly and not through
someone else. If one does not have a son, he should perform the funeral rites
for his wife and himself. The same principle also applies, if one aims for
liberation. Fire rituals should not be performed in an expensive way. What is
required in a fire ritual are a few logs, ghee for oblations and the mantras.
Gifting of a bed with accessories, gifting of a cow and gifting a virgin in
marriage are considered as very precious gifts and if sold or shared by the
donee seriously affect his family and his next seven generations. Nobody
knows the time of his death. As long as one is alive, one should continue to
give gifts to the deserving, however small the gift may be. Such gifts help his
subtle body after death to travel in a comfortable path to the world of
ancestors. Even if one has a son to perform his last rites, it is better to
perform rituals like votsarga (letting lose a bull calf), commonly known as
votsarjanam, held on the eleventh day from the date of death.
This ritual should be performed as follows during ones lifetime. This rite
should be performed on suns northern transit, known as uttaryaa,
preferably in the month of krttika (October-November), on the twelfth lunar
day (dvdai) of both waxing and waning moon, in conjunction with an
auspicious star, at an auspicious time, in a clean and sanctified place. He has
to perform japa and homa (oblations in the fire) through a priest, who is well
versed in this ritual. After completing japa and homa rituals, the bull calf is
sanctified with water kept in a pot. The calf is then decorated with flowers and
ornaments. Then in the left ear of the calf, certain mantras are recited and the
bull calf is set free. Then regular rddha is performed.
After completing this ritual, the following gifts are also made. Minimum three
pairs of footwear, minimum three pots containing gingelly seeds, a cow with
its calf, an idol of Viu, a boat made up of sugarcane leaves, ghee with a
brass vessel, etc. These gifts are symbolic in nature and are believed to help
the departed soul while travelling all the way to the world of Yama. With all the
gifts, gift in cash should also be given. Those who offer all these gifts are
blessed by Brahm, Viu and iva. They are worthy of worship. When they
die, they reach the heaven and take a long sojourn to be born again as a
human. Depending upon his karmas, he finally gets liberated, not to be born
again.
The Lord then speaks about rituals immediately after death.
Further reading: Garua Pura mentions about several gifts. Those days,
men were leaning Vedas full time. They do not undertake any other job
except learning Vedas. The entire Vedas cannot be learnt in ones life time.
Learning Vedas does not mean memorizing the verses of Vedas. The rituals
prescribed by Vedas are also important. Yajur Veda discusses at length,
even about the construction of a fire altar. The construction of a fire altar is
done by reciting several mantras. Several measurements and several sizes
have been prescribed. In order to encourage men to know Vedas, they are
provided with gifts both in cash and kind. For example, a gifted cow is used to
nurture the family of the donee. Such donees make their sons to learn and
study Vedas. Vedas were practiced hereditarily. Such knower of Vedas are
worshipped and always come to the rescue of those who suffer. They pray for
the general wellbeing of everyone. However, the situation is different today.
Everything is commercialized.

Of late, one can find those men providing people with several valuable
gifts. For example, educating the poor, providing shelter to the homeless,
donating to orphanages and old age homes are some of the common
charitable works undertaken by many. One should make the act of giving
such gifts in person a practice. One should personally go to an orphanage
and serve them in person. It is not enough that mere cash donation is made.
The smile that blossoms forth in the faces of those orphans is several times
more powerful than all these gifts.
In the same way, one is duty bound to maintain his/her aged parents. If they
are ignored during their old age by sending them to old age homes is a huge
sin. Money cannot buy everything. Rebirths happen not due to ones wealth.
The cause of rebirth is only ones own accrued karmas. One may pay for his
parents expenses, but it is important to keep his parents with him. If this is
not done, any amount of charity will be of no use.
5 comments:
1.
Ravi Sir, Can you let me know are there any stotras for pithru devatas,
when chanted with utmost faith we may get their blessings.
Reply
Replies
1.
I have written a series on Vedas and ancestors and following is
the link
http://www.manblunder.com/2012/09/vedas-and-ancestors-part-
1.html

There are a few Vedic verses, but they are related to cremation.
To my knowledge, there are no specific mantras to appease
ancestors. If I recollect one, I will post that here.
Reply
2.
Ravi Sir, I would like to inform you that there is one stotra in
Markandeya puranam, and one more in Bruhad dharma Puranam. In a
Kannada astrology magazine once they had given a very big pithru
sthuthi. Please can you check the Bruhad dharma puranam and know
your comments. It starts like this - Yehi Pithre Janma daathre sarva
deva mayayacha, Sukhaaya Sukhadaay swargeeya parameshtine.....
Reply
Replies
1.
I have only Markandeya Puranam. If you have any reference in
this, please let me know. However, I will find out whether Bruhad
dharma Puranam is available elsewhere.
Reply
3.
Ravi Sir, I will let you know the entire stothra.

Om Namaha Pithre Janma Dhaathre Sarva Devamayaayacha
Sukhadaaya Prasannaya Supreethaaya Mahathmane

Sarva Yagna swaroopaaya Swargeeya Parameshtine
Sarvatheerthavalokaaya karunaasaagarayacha

Namah sadaa Ashuthoshaaya Shivaroopayathe namo namaha
Sadaa Aparaadhakshamine sukhaaya sukhadaayacha

Durlabham Maanushamidam Yena labdam mayaa vaphu
Sambhavaneeyam dharmaarthe thasmai pithre namo namaha

Theertha snaana thapo japaadhi yasya darshanam
Mahagureshcha guruve thasmai pithre namo namaha

Yasya pranama sthavaantha koteesha pithru tharpanam
Ashwamedha shathaisthulyam thasmai pithre namo namaha

Phalashruthi.

Idham sthothram pithru punyam yah pateth prayatho naraha
Prathyaaham praatharuthaaya pithru shraadha dinopi cha

Swajanma divase saakshaath pithuraage sthithopivaa
Nathasya durlabham kinchith sarvagnaathadi vanchitham

Naanaa apakarma kruthwabhi ya sthouthi pitharamsutha
Sa dhruvam pravidhaayaiva prayaschitham sukhee bhavedh

Pithru preethi karoi nithyam saravakarmaan yadharhathi

Ithi Bruhad Dharma purane Pithru Stothram sampoornam.
GARUDA PURANA - RITUALS AFTER DEATH

Garua Pura 11
Garua asks the Lord to explain Yamas kingdom. The Lord not only begins
to describe Yamas kingdom, but also begins to describe the procedure to be
followed immediately after death.
The distance between the earth and Yamas world is 1,032,000 Kilometers
(approximately 641,255 miles. (Distance between the earth and the moon is
384,000 KMs and the distance between the earth and the sun is 149,598,000
KMs). Due to the effect of karma, a man falls sick causing his death. The
mode of ones death also depends upon ones karma. When a man is dead,
his body should be kept on the ground after purificatory rituals discussed
earlier. lagrma (sacred stone) should be placed near the body. Tulas
leaves (basil) should be placed in both the hands of the body and also on its
neck. Pieces of gold should also be kept in the nine apertures of the body.
The body should be covered with two sheets of clothing. The body should be
carried through the back door. Sons and other relatives should carry the body
on their shoulders. While placing the body on the pyre, head should be facing
north. His son should perform ceremonies facing the eastern side.
When the subtle body is leaving the gross body, which is known as death, the
messengers of Yama arrive on the scene. When the subtle body finally comes
out of the gross body, causing death of the gross body, the subtle body is still
able to see the entire universe. The departed soul could see the messengers
of Yama and the attendants of Lord Viu. This means that the soul can see
both good and bad and the departed soul begins its journey according to its
karma. A subtle body which has a bad karmic account feels for its sins at this
stage.
A soul has to travel the entire distance to reach the world of Yama. The path
becomes rough for the sinners and the path becomes comfortable for
virtuous. Lord begins to describe Yama. He has four arms holding a conch, a
discus, a bow and a staff. He treats the virtuous with respect and sinners with
rudeness. He hits the sinners with iron rod and club. He sits on a buffalo
(Yama is called mahia vhana; mahia means buffalo and vhana means
vehicle). His body appears dreadful to sinners and radiant to virtuous. The
soul is in the size of ones thumb (it means the subtle body. Soul and the
subtle body always travel together. The subtle body is pushed out of the
gross body by air. The subtle body cries out when it comes out of the gross
body).
It is said that one should not boast of his body as it is liable to death and
decay. The purpose of acquiring wealth is charity; purpose of speech is to say
the truth; purpose of a body is spirituality. The subtle bodies of those who do
not follow the virtuous path are tortured by the messengers of Yama on the
way to Yamas place.
The Lord proceeds to explain the purpose of six pia-s. The first one is
offered at the doorway where the departed soul is called as pntha (pntha
means wandering). The pia offered here satisfies those deities that dwell at
the entrance door. (It is believed that some deities reside at the main
entrance door of a house. It is always ideal to offer incense sticks at the
entrance door. A conch with anti clock wise lines tied on a yellow cloth above
the main door frame is said to ward off evil spirits entering through the main
door). In the courtyard of the building lives Khecara, a gandharva. Third pia
should be offered to Bhta at the resting place. Bhta is considered as one of
the demigods. Fourth pia is offered to pica-s (pica is said to be a flesh
eating demon), rkasa-s (rkasa means an evil demon) and yaka-s (yaka
means a supernatural being and said to be the attendants of Kubera). These
three said to preserve the sanctity of the dead body till it is completely burnt.
The fifth pia is offered at the side of the pyre where the dead body is
placed. The dead body is now known as preta. Because of these five pia-s,
the preta attains purity to be placed on the fire. Fire is considered as very
sacred. Vedas worship Agni (fire) more than any other gods. By satisfying
the above referred non-human characters, preta attains purity to offer it to the
fire.
The funeral pyre should be lit from the eastern side. Once the body is
completely burnt, the remains of the bones are collected and during this time
the sixth pia is offered. The ashes are then immersed in sea or river. At
the southern part of the house, a pit is made and for the next ten days, pia-
s are offered here daily, along with milk and water. There is no specific mantra
or any specific rites while offering these pia-s. The pia offered during the
ten day period is divided into four parts. Two parts build up a new body for
the dead. The third part goes to Yamas servants and the fourth is consumed
by the preta. The subtle body gets a proper shape in three days and three
nights and on the tenth day, the subtle body develops hunger. Irrespective of
other offerings made to the preta (the subtle body of the dead is always called
preta), it gets satisfied only by offering flesh (normally, a piece of banana is
offered instead of flesh). During eleventh day and twelfth day ceremonies, the
preta eats as much as possible. On the thirteenth day, the souls journey
begins to the world of Yama dragged by the servants of Yama. During it
journey, the soul regrets for every evil action it had done during the past birth.
Further reading: Soul is nothing but the Brahman Himself. Sins committed by
a person do not affect the Soul within. The suffering is only to the gross body
when life exists in a body and to the subtle body, when the subtle body leaves
the gross body at the time of death. Depending upon ones karma, the subtle
body also undergoes sufferings and pains or happiness and pleasures. Ones
karmic account is embedded in his subtle body. Apart from karmic
embedment, subtle body also has the impressions of his subconscious mind.
Karma affects, both the subtle body and the gross body independently.
Subtle body undergoes pains or pleasures in the hell or heaven as the case
may be and the gross body undergoes pains or pleasures in the earth. For s
single evil action, there are two types of sufferings, one for the subtle body
and another for the gross body. When the gross body suffers, the subtle body
within does not suffer. Based on these believes, it is said that thoughts are
more powerful than actions. Impressions of thoughts get embedded in the
subconscious mind, which always goes along with the subtle body and has
the capacity to manifest in subsequent births.
For further details on the types of bodies, use search in manblunder at the top
of this site.
97 comments:
1.
AnonymousMarch 22, 2013 at 2:58 PM
Ravi, nowadays in the western world, lets be realistic - what if you have
no-one to do any prayers. What happens when all that is done is the
dead body is cremeated? Is it okay to throw the ashes in the water? - if
you are lucky to have someone to do it.
Can such a person say or do any prayers before death?
Please give Yama gayatri, mantra, stotra, etc.
Thank You!
Reply
Replies
1.
MANBLUNDERMarch 22, 2013 at 4:35 PM
There is a lot difference between what Vedas say and what other
Scriptures say. Vedas stop with some verses that worship preta,
or the dead body. It is the normal respect all of us give to a dead
body. Shatra-s are later versions, compiled for convenience. The
moment the death happens, the Self within goes away along with
sub-conscious mind, either to be born again or for a sojourn in
Cosmos or merger with Brahman. If we consider Soul as God
Himself, to whom we offer these rituals? To God? Obviously not.
How we can do karma for God? Is it right in the first place?
Suppose we do karma for the subconscious mind of the departed,
do we have enough power to modify his karmic account. Even
God does not do this.
Reply
2.
What sort of karmas a person should do if he wants to get a peaceful
death and a safe journey to the other world.
Reply
Replies
1.
There are three types of karmas. Let us understand like this. Sum
total of all our karmas is the store house of all our karmas,
accrued over several births. A part of it is carved out and is given
to us in this birth. Suppose the sum total of karmas is 100 and let
us assume that we are given 20 to experience in this birth.
Balance 80 is still there in the store house. Either we spend entire
20 or increase it to 30 is in our hands. If we think bad about others
and perform actions that hurt others, 20 is bound to become 30.

Experiencing karmas sometimes may be good and many times it
is bad. That is many times we suffer mentally, or physically or
both. The best way to accumulate good karmas is to think good
for others. As you know, mind is very powerful than our actions.
Hence our thoughts are more powerful than our actions. It is
enough if we think good for others. If we still want to do in the
form of actions, helping the needy both financially and physically
will accrue good karmas. On the contrary, if anyone spends
money by performing homa and other rituals for personal gains,
such actions cause huge amount of bad karmas. It is enough if we
keep God in our mind, as He is omnipresent. We are in no way
going to satisfy Him, by resorting to unwanted rituals.
Reply
3.
Thank you so much for your reply Sir, The main belief of giving birth to a
male child in the family is that he will do the pithru karyas so that the
departed souls of the family will get mukti or any sort of relief.
Nowerdays I see many are not doing any shraddha karmas even though
they have taken birth in a family which has all the hindu culture. Due to
various reasons I have seen in my own family they are not interested in
doing these pithru karmas. After the 13th day ceremony they straight
away do the yearly ceremony and later on forget that also. This is really
pity. In these conditions what will be the condition of the departed soul
do you think it has to suffer?
Reply
Replies
1.
It is always a ticklish situation and cannot be explained
unilaterally. There are two kinds of people. First group comprises
of spiritually advanced persons and the second group comprises
of rituals oriented. Former believe God is within and the later has
not matured enough to look for the God within. They continue to
live in the world duality (dvaita). They also will transform one day
either in this birth or in future births.

Therefore, this needs to be explained from the points of view of
both. For ritual oriented persons, all the rituals, prescribed in
dharma stra-s, they have to necessarily carry out all the rituals
for the first 13 days. If they do not, their conscience will hurt them.
But monthly rituals are only later developments and need not be
done, as these rituals for the whole year are done during the first
13 days. Obviously, these people have to do yearly ceremonies.

But the perception of realized souls are totally different. This is
based not only on truth revealed by Upaniad-s, but also on logic.
First question, who are you? You are the Self, you are Brahman.
They confidently know they are Brahman. They also know that no
power in the universe can do away their accrued karmas; their
karmas are to be experienced only by them. For the Self within,
no body can do ceremonies. It is like undermining God Himself.
Therefore, absolutely there is no need to perform any ceremonies
for the dead. Vedas too never ask anyone to perform ceremonies
either at the time of death or later. There are some Vedic mantras,
about which I have explained already in this site.

Further, one f the thriving businesses is performing last rites.
Priests ruthlessly demand huge money and if money is paid, they
do perform anything in order and skip many mantras. By giving
money to someone who is worthless, the giver also accrues bad
karmas. For such people, these ceremonies have no
significance.

I do not perform any of these ceremonies. But, I served my
parents during their old age and always ensured that they spend
their old age happily and gracefully. Both of them died
instantaneously, in my presence. I have the satisfaction of serving
my parents and there can be no happiness than this. There is no
need for me to perform any rituals to them. I know very well, they
will bless me. Why should I waste money and accrue bad karmas
too by paying to someone, who is not worthy of it.

It is always better to go with your conscience and spiritual
intellect.
Reply
4.
I have one more questsion. According to our vedic mantras we have a
particular form for each God or Goddess. Where as in case of pithru
devatas, say Vasu Rudra and Adithya - do they have a form or they are
formless?
Reply
Replies
1.
Any god is formless. When Brahman Himself is formless, how can
there be forms to gods? For this answer, there is a natural
question. Then why we have forms, when you say that Brahman
is formless?

One should understand the basic difference between Brahman
and gods. Brahman is Supreme and from Him alone everything
originate. For example, there is the Self within my body and my
body misrepresents Brahman within, by wrongly projection me as
Ravi, a person with a form. But what is the reality? My body is
only a sheath that covers Brahman within and everyone calls me
Ravi due to
my. But for a realized person, I am also Brahman, as he sees
beyond three types of bodies, gross, subtle and causal.

Gods and goddesses that we speak of are energy levels created
by Brahman to sustain the universe. How do we know that a
departed soul moves from the earth to the heaven or hell, if they
are there. How do we know that the soul moves from Vasu to
Rudra and Rudra to Adithya. We will never know this. When the
soul leaves the body, it carries with it, the impressions of
subconscious mind, where karmas are stored. When the karma is
ripe enough, the subconscious mind enters into another body.
Soul acts only as a propeller, as without soul, the subconscious
mind cannot move. Based on these factors, we say that soul
merely remains as a witness. I have written in detail about this in
several places in this site.
Reply
5.
AnonymousApril 17, 2013 at 2:49 PM
Ravi - I had wanted some more info after your response to my post.
Here it is plus your point of view. God does work in mysterious ways!
Reply
6.
When a person dies it is only the mortal body or the cloak which has
fallen. But the persons atma is still there. At this juncture is it correct to
chant the name of the God, say like Vishnu Sahasranama continously
till the dead body is taken for the last rites.
Reply
Replies
1.
Krishna says that one should die by fixing his consciousness
between his eyebrows and thinking about Him. In the instant
case, there is nothing wrong in reciting Vishnu Sahasranama, etc
as Self is omnipresent. What has left his body is also the Self.
Reply
7.
Ravi Sir, Please let me know why people say that we should not give
tarpanam till the first year death ceremoney is completed.? Pithru
tharpanam is a thanks giving done during certain days like amavasyas
and pithru paksha is my understanding correct?
Reply
Replies
1.
Because the so called "soul" takes one year to reach the world of
ancestors. Unless on joins with his or her ancestors, tarpana
cannot be done.

This is my personal unshakable opinion. When we accept karmic
theory, this tarpana, yearly rituals, etc cannot be accepted. When
everything is the Self, how can we perform tarpana to the Self?
Most of the people do not agree to my point of view, but this is the
reality. Right, if someone says, he is not performing ceremonies
for the Self, but the subtle body, this also cannot be accepted, as
the subtle body cannot exist separately without the Self. By
performing monthly ceremonies after death, how we can change
the direction of the departed person's karmic account? When God
Himself goes by the Law of Karma, who are we to manipulate
one's karma and whether it is possible for us to manipulate by
performing rituals? Here we are not accepting non-dualism or
Advaita. This is an extremely sensitive as well as complicated
issue.
2.
TGG MangaloreMay 25, 2013 at 12:18 PM
Dear Sir,

I recently lost my mother and was very keen to perform all the
rites and rituals as per the advice of the acharyas. I was particular
that I dont use any shortcuts, but follow the shastras as far as
possible. But I must also admit that neither have I fully understood
the meaning of these rituals, nor have I understood the 'spiritual'
aspects behind concepts like Brahman, Self, Atma etc.
Nevertheless, I was keen to learn more about the meaning of the
rituals and also the spiritual concepts behind it if any, so I have
been searching the net and saw your blog. Here , you have posed
the question 'who are we doing these rituals for' ? , my answer is,
it is for 'myself'. The first few days after the bereavement of a dear
one is the most difficult, during that time, if our mind is engaged in
organisng for the last rites and various rituals, our mind does not
get choked with grief. Similarly for the first 13 days, then for one
year if we regularly perform the rituals (which if one can believe
has been performed for centuries)is a good way of handling grief
and channeling one's energy into action. After performing a ritual,
I did get a momentary sense of satisfaction of having successfully
completed an activity. Thus, I feel the last rites, first year and
yearly rituals for our ancestors/others are for the benefit
of'oneself/person performing the karma', as it gives them a formal
structure to confront grief and accept it, so that life can go on.
3.
MANBLUNDERMay 25, 2013 at 1:13 PM
At the end of the day, it is our satisfaction that alone counts. I see
a valid reasoning in your views here. Let us pray that her soul rest
in peace.
4.
SriramrlJune 18, 2013 at 5:50 PM
Question : The pitru rituals are not done for the persons who has
deceased. because his soul will not wait for the rituals we do or
will not come and get the thila tharpana. it is going to sail in the
way of its karma. if it is a realized soul, it will directly reach
ParaBrahmam and become unseparable. if the soul is with good
karmas going to enjoy its karmic palan in higher worlds(aabramha
bhuvanaan lokaan - bhagavath geetha) if the soul is with bad
karmas, will our offerings would sheild the karmic effects? never...
Burning of one's Karmic effects is possible only thro a
sadhaachaarya samandham. if the departed soul has a
sadhaachaarya samandam, thee is no question of bad karmas
itself. then why to perform somany rituals? 13 days premlinary
rituals, then monthy maasyams and sodhakumbams, then 6th
month ona masyams and a first year ceremonies ?

Answer:
I got a answer for my question from a learned person. Just placing
it for the welfare of others.
When shastras formulate a ritual for a person, it becomes the duty
of the person to follow. sri krishna says, "Shruthi, Smrithi mayai
vaakya". it becomes the command of sri krishna. he says those
who not follow them, they become the people not in his good
books. "aagnya chedhi mama drohi". the act of not following the
regulations of shruthi and smrithi is again a bad karma loaded on
the person who supposed to do it. Sri krishna also adds
"Mathbhakthobhi na vaishnava:".

so what will be effect of this bad karma earned by not performing
the rights? for this astrologers say, this will affect the generations
of the person who earned this karma. they show a dozen of
examples that in many families, due to pitru dosha, a child with lot
of physical illness is born. The person with this bad karma has to
see his generations is suffering from huge illness.

Here am not supposed to comment on the realized sould who
have come out of rituals. for them the rule is different. for the
people who are still in normal level should perform the rituals as
prescribed.

there is no other shaastrams is so easy to follow than our Hindu
dharma shaastram. it prescribes many alternatives if the kartha is
not capable of running a bull, it asks to roll a coconut, if kartha not
capable of giving Bhoodhaana, it prescribe to give the fibre of
coconut, if not capable of giving Gold, prescribes to give seeds
like wise it gives lot of alternatives but the palan is same. But
provided if the person is capable of doing the beter should not
choose a lesser one.
Reply
8.
There are various versions which our elders speak of regarding
sapindikarana also.
Actually they say the sapindikarana should be done only in the 12th
month. Not on the 12th day ceremoney. Please let me know your
comments. Further the Vaikunta samaradhane which done at the end of
the 12th month is the authenic one and not the one which is done on
13th day after the death. This is what the priest told me when my father
passed away last year.
Reply
Replies
1.
As you said there are different versions. Garuapura says that
it should be done on the day of first anniversary. But according to
stra-s sapiikaraa should be performed on 12th day and for
any reason, it is not performed, it should be performed on 13, 14,
15, 16, 23, 35 days. There is another injunction. If sapiikaraa
is not performed on the 12th day, no auspicious functions should
be performed in the family, including marriages. Probably this
could be the reason for performing sapiikaraa on the 12th day.
Vaikuha samrdhana should be performed only at the end of
first year. What is performed on 13th day is purely a purification
rite.
2.
SriramrlJune 18, 2013 at 5:14 PM
there is also one more reason for doing the sapindikarana on 12th
day itself, if the kartha of the rituals also die before performing the
sapindikarana ritual, the departed soul cannot join the pithrus of
the family. To avoild the loss, the ritual is performed on the 12th
day itself without taking risk, waiting for a year.

This was told by our prohithar, during my grandfather's
ceremoney.
3.
PrabhakarFebruary 2, 2014 at 10:12 PM
Namaskar Sir, My question is.... How far is pithru loka from Bhoo
loka. Within what time the soul reaches pithru loka. How is the
time calculated in Pithru loka. As we say our one year is equal to
one day to them. is that correct. What will be the nature of life.
How do pithrus look like.
4.
MANBLUNDERFebruary 2, 2014 at 10:37 PM
If we look at these lokas (worlds), they are related to different
cosmic planes. Pit loka is the place where our subconscious
mind which is attached to a soul sojourn to be born again. If there
are no karmic imprints in a subconscious mind, the soul is
liberated as there are no karmic imprints to be experienced.
Based on this, it can be explained that Self-realization is different
from Liberation. Only if one attains Liberation, he or she is not
reborn. Even Self-realized persons are also reborn, till they are
liberated in subsequent births.
Reply
9.
Thank you very much for your reply Sir. When we read the Garuda
Purana, only at the year end they will be reaching the yamaloka and
later on the judgement etc., takes place then the decision is made
whether to move the soul to Pithru loka or any other place or once again
back to earth for further janma. So the correct sapindikarana would be
at the end of the 12th month. This is what I feel.
Reply
10.
Sir, Can you please let me know whether a person can perform
Brahmopadesham (Upanayanam)of his son after he has completed the
last rites of his mother in law just a month back. For this question some
say yes and some say no. What is the correct procedure to be followed?
Reply
Replies
1.
Strictly speaking, performing upanayanam within one year from
mother's death is not advisable. But in exceptional circumstances,
it can be performed after second namsika (45 days).
Authoritative Scripture on these issues is Sakepa Dharma
stram ( ).
Reply
11.
Here in this case it is the death of the mother-in-law. Even in this case
the same rule apply?
Reply
Replies
1.
It is not mentioned in the Scripture. To my knowledge this rule is
not applicable to mother-in-law, as gotra (lineage) is different.
Reply
12.
AnonymousMay 11, 2013 at 5:12 PM
what will happen to the subtile who doesnt have kids and how this body
will be liberated to reach brahman? if he had done good deeds in this
life time.
Reply
Replies
1.
Body will not be liberated. Liberation is to the subconscious mind
which is made mobile by the Self within. For merging with
Brahman only criteria is that he should not have any karmic
imprints. All his or her karmic imprints should have been
experienced by him. When there is no left over karma, his soul is
liberated and merges with Brahman. He is now freed from the
pains of transmigration.
Reply
13.
My Name is Rajaram

Per my view this world is considered as karma bhoomi, a life enter this
world due to karma good or bad, i would say good atma are born with
golden spoon and have a wonderful life with joy and here, he also
acculmalates karma in this world and sinful atma are also born to this
same world and expereince life per his karma and he also accumatles
and it becomes a endless task falling in to the ocean of samsara. only
with the divine grace one can get rid of it. Can you please guide me if an
total surrender to the lotus feet of the divine will remove us from all
karma whether good and bad and end this indefinte ocean of birth and
rebirth cycle? please also guide us how to identify that we do not have
karmic imprints before the last breath of this life?
Reply
Replies
1.
You are absolutely right till ....ocean of samsara. The next part
needs further explanation.

Trika philosophy says that when Divine Grace descends, all the
karmic imprints are annihilated. But Advaita looks at this from
different angle. It says all the karmas are necessarily to be
experienced. Karmic imprints will not be annihilated by Divine. By
constantly thinking about Divine, further accrual of karmas will be
stopped. This is called surrender. After we surrender to the Divine
through our minds, we acts only on His behalf as at the time of
surrender, it is the ego that gets annihilated. There is no 'this' or 'I
am'. It is all about That (Divine).

It is difficult to say whether we have exhausted all our karmas.
The only possible symptom is frequent experience of Bliss. When
you think about Divine, emotions will pervade you and tears will
roll down, without your knowledge. One can experience Bliss only
if traces of karmic impressions remain. In certain instances, one
will experience immense pain and miseries. This means that he is
about to exhaust his karmic account and attain liberation.
Reply
14.
Thank you very much for the wonderful explanation. In bhaghavat
geetha, 8th chapter Lord krishna says that the soul which leaves the
body during the northern hemisphere of sun (uttarayana punayakalam
will attain brahman and will not have rebirth at all)and during the
dakshinayanan the same will subside in the moon and will be back to
the earth again. kindly explain this in details for our understanding.
Thank you
Reply
Replies
1.
MANBLUNDERMay 13, 2013 at 12:27 AM
This is explained in Prana Upaniad in a subtle manner.
According to this Upaniad (I.9), uttaryaa means those who
follow the spiritual path. Spiritual path is the path of knowledge to
attain the Lord. Therefore, uttaryaa means the path of
knowledge leading to Self-realization and consequent liberation.
When a soul is liberated, it is not reborn and this is what Ka
meant Bhagavad Gt VIII. The other path is dakiyana, the
path of rituals. According to this Upaniad those who perform
Vedic rites and rituals with some desire in their minds (material
desires) go to the ancestors (the moon) only to reborn again. But,
this concept is often misunderstood and misinterpreted. After all,
death cannot be predetermined by anyone. What matters is
whether one follows the spiritual path or the ritual path; former
leads to liberation and later leads to transmigration. Presently I
am discussing this aspect in the series on Brahma Stra.
2.
Mohan RamOctober 11, 2013 at 2:35 PM
If what you said it correct, in Mahabharath why Bhishma who had
the Vara of Ichcha Mrithyu waited for the Uththarayana to come
and then only passed away. Was he not aware the concept that
you have mentioned. Could you quote some document to
substantiate your views.
- - - P.Mohan Ram
3.
MANBLUNDEROctober 11, 2013 at 2:52 PM
There is no way we can draw a comparison to Bhisma. What I
have said here is related to normal human beings. Further, there
are bound to be differences between any two Sacred Scriptures
on the explanation, though, the essence of their revelations
remain the same.

The views expressed are not mine, but that of Sacred
Upanishads. Normal human beings surely cannot decide their
death, whereas great sages and saints can decide their death.
Reply
15.
Per rishi manthanga words sabari got moksha by reciting only rama
nama which took her directly to bramha loka. Purana says chanting of
rama nama itself will liberate the person from the entire karma. whether
by chanting rama nama on through the entire life in kaliyugu will liberate
a person from entire karma? to reach the divine without any rebirth?
please provide your valuabe comments ?
Reply
Replies
1.
Sabari never thought about anything or anyone except Rama.
Chanting any God's name will take us to Brhamaloka or even
higher lokas, provided we chant with utmost love for that God. But
chanting God's name will not remove karma, as karma is to be
experienced. Therefore, our first step is to surrender to God and if
the surrender is done through a cleansed mind, from that point
onwards, karmas cease to accrue. But the existing karma has to
be experienced. This is the reason, many spiritually advanced
persons suffer in their lives. They are known as jvanmukta-s. This
means that they are liberated, but continue to have their gross
body to experience the remaining traces of karmas. Once all the
karmas exhausted, he leaves his body (death) and merge with
God.
2.
AnonymousMay 20, 2013 at 12:51 AM
Raviji....Just one word Amazing!You just shared the secret to
Moksha in the simplest way as possible.Many so-called masters
and Gurus are giving long speech and taking huge money from
disciples,but none of them is being able to connect people to
God.Your reply is like Lord Shiva himself telling the secret of self-
realization in the simplest.Anyone who will follow what you just
said WILL surely get Moskha....

Pranam to Your Holy Self

rakesh
3.
MANBLUNDERMay 20, 2013 at 8:30 AM
Your words are too strong and I don't I am worthy of it. But I fully
agree with you when you people spend of too much of money,
many times beyond their capacities to get mantras initiated. When
mantra initiation is done, it should be done with compassion and
love for the aspirant with prayers to Her to make the aspirant a
Self realized person in due course. But this procedure is not
followed. While initiating there are lot of mental procedures are
involved. Once initiated, Guru has to constantly follow up with the
initiated to ascertain his or her status and monitor his progress.
Unfortunately, other considerations override this important factor.
My only wish is that the one who gets initiated should understand
that Divine Grace cannot be purchased and can be attained only
through sadhana with the able guidance of a Guru. Ultimate aim is
not anything else but only liberation.

Thanks for your good words.
Reply
16.
Raviji Thank you for your wounderful comments, per my understanding
ultimate surrender means that giving up everthing to thy lotus feet and
thereafter witnessing the happenings, in such a case i do not exist there
and that i had been merged with the brahman and are only witness the
happenning. nothing to do thereafter divine will take up, accept as it is
and be with it. The will of the divine shall move us forward ?

one day i happened to hear the kathakalashepham of Sabri Moksham
and rama namam this was a turning point in self.

Thanks a lot raviji for this woderful explanation.

pranams to thy lotus feet Raviji

Rajaram
Reply
Replies
1.
I am extremely thankful for your good words. But, kindly do not
compare my human feet to Lotus Feet of "Brahman". I am only
trying to do my bit and in the process, I also learn from other. The
whole exercise is a sort of interactive forum. Once again, I thank
you for your appreciative words.
2.
PrabhakarJune 18, 2013 at 7:36 PM
Ravi Sir, While doing Amavasya tharpanam, should we give the
tharpanam to the departed Father and Mother or can we give
tharpanam to our other kith and kin like uncle aunt cousin or any
other close relative who has left this world. Is there any issue if do
this in our house?
3.
MANBLUNDERJune 18, 2013 at 8:53 PM
Amvsya tarpaa is meant for the following: If father is not alive,
for father, father's father (if not alive) and great grandfather.
Similarly, for mother (if not alive), father's mother (if not alive)and
father's mother. In the same manner it is done for mother's
lineage - mother's father, mother's grandfather and her great
grandfather. Mother's mother, mother's grandmother and mother's
great grandmother.

Apart from this tarpaa is also given to our unknown ancestors.
Beyond this, no other tarpaa is given. Uncles, cousins, etc are
covered under unknown ancestors. Amvsya tarpaa can be
done at home. There is no issue at all.

I have read somewhere that ancestors are fond of smell while
roasting sesame seeds. It would be ideal to make small balls of
fried black sesame seeds mixed with jaggery.
Reply
17.
Ravi Sir, To whom should we give this roasted sesame seed balls
mixed with jaggery.

One more question sir, If start doing pithru tharpanam on Amavasya
days, we should continue to them on all amavasyas. But if we miss any
one of the amavasya will that be a problem or is there any alternative
day we can complete this tarpanam.
Reply
Replies
1.
We can eat them. It is a sort of prasda for us. If you miss out an
amvsya, you can't compensate this by performing tarpaa on
any other day. If you are not able to perform ritualistically, you can
mentally pay your respects to the ancestors.
Reply
18.
Can you please let us know the procedure and the mantras for pithru
tharpanam or where we can get the book which can give this details.
Reply
Replies
1.
There are books available in various Indian languages. May be
you have to buy this in a book store.
Reply
19.
Ravi Sir, One more question. The instance DEATH is an experience.
The Atma or the soul comes out of the body. Now it will not have any
aadhaara to quench its thirst or hunger. The mind still exists still giving
the pain. Nower days the priest who will guide the last rites will say you
can start all the karyas from fifth day or seventh day or on the ninth day,
People now will act according to their convenience stating that the will
start from the ninth day, so from the third day till eigth day the atma
without body should under go all sorts of hunger and thirst. is this
correct? As per Garuda Purana, they say that each day when the do the
pinda pradhanam one organ is formed for the departed soul. Finally on
the 12th day it will have a delicate body of one's palm size. Please let
me know your opinion about this.
Reply
Replies
1.
During death, soul along with subconscious mind leaves the body.
After death, mind does not exist. Mind is the subtle body, which
also leaves during death. It is in the subconscious mind, our
karmic imprints are embedded. When there is no subtle body,
there is no question of mind and hence no question of pain for the
departed soul. There is no need for support for the soul as the
soul alone gives support to the causal, subtle and gross bodies.

For the rest, I do not want to give my opinion.
Reply
20.
AnonymousJune 19, 2013 at 10:11 PM
i am the beginning,the middle and the end,krishna says
Reply
21.
PrabhakarJuly 27, 2013 at 2:27 AM
Ravi Sir, Recently one of my family friend an ardent devotee of
Lalithambika, due to her own personal problems she was little
depressed for some time and later on she committed suicide by hanging
herself on June 24th 2013. Is there any way in our shastras to move her
out of the pretha janma. What will be the fate of suicide atmas and how
long will they take to incarnate once again. The above mentioned lady
had been initiated into panchadasi also by one of her relatives and she
had done lots of Pujas and Havans relating to Devi in her house. How
come none of her punya did not come to her rescue when she was
heart broken?
Reply
Replies
1.
MANBLUNDERJuly 27, 2013 at 9:56 AM
It is very unfortunate that she ended her life unnaturally.
According to stra-s the only for redemption is to perform is
Nryaa bali and this is explained in Garua Pura and
methods of performing Nryaa bali is also explained (Garua
Pura II.4.115 161). But there is a reference in Mahbhrata
about this and I am looking for the reference. It is said that entire
Mahbhrata should be recited (preferable) or heard in seven
days and there are certain procedures for doing this. Once I get
this, I will publish this here.

For your other questions, there are no specific answers as they
are covered by the theory of karma.

More than anything else, you can be rest assured that she would
have merged with Lalitmbik and Lalitmbik never allows Her
ardent and sincere devotees who always think about Her to suffer
under any circumstances. At the same time, She does not
absolves us from our karmic imprints, which have to be
experienced. Signs of waning karmas are visible when one begins
to pursue spiritual path, which leads to Bliss and ultimate
liberation. How one is liberated is not in our hands. The lady
under reference could have been liberated this way.
2.
MANBLUNDERJuly 27, 2013 at 11:35 AM
Further reading is available in this link

srilagourgovindaswami.org
3.
MANBLUNDERJuly 27, 2013 at 2:26 PM
In future, please mail these types of questions to me directly. A
few of our readers do not like to see such topics here. Thanks for
understanding.
4.
AnonymousJuly 30, 2013 at 7:11 AM
Ravi - this information though quite sad is still reality. I am sure
the majority of readers find it educational and as such I feel we
should not be denied this opportunity to learn.
Individuals are liberated according to their karma and devotion.
Reply
22.
N A KrishnanAugust 2, 2013 at 11:00 PM
Sir,
The Day my father died in Oct 2009 at 5 am . It was around 2 am I
dreamt of Garuda hovering over my place, and a black cat was seen
walking in the terrace of my place of stay. In the morning at 5 am i had a
call from home stating he passed away . Is this Garuda coming in the
dream a good one for the departed soul ?
Reply
Replies
1.
MANBLUNDERAugust 2, 2013 at 11:10 PM
Garuda is certainly good. The whole Garuda Purana is based on
Garuda's questions. According to me, this dream means that your
father should have been liberated.
Reply
23.
unknown2August 19, 2013 at 2:37 PM
IS GARUD PURAN SERMAN DURING FIRST TEN DAYS AFTER
DAITH WILL HELP THE SUBTLE BODY FOR MOKSHA.
Reply
Replies
1.
MANBLUNDERAugust 19, 2013 at 5:21 PM
This a complicated question to answer without ambiguity. We
depend upon pura-s to come to certain conclusions. On the
contrary, Upaniad-s say that everything is Brahman. Where to
draw the line is based on one's personal spiritual evolution. When
we go with pura-s, karmic theory becomes questionable. So,
the final decision is made only by our mind.
Reply
24.
SrinivasSeptember 25, 2013 at 7:12 AM
My father died on the 18th of September this year. I am his only son and
performed his last rites. I am a Telugu Niyogi Brahmin. His last rites
rituals will be completed on the 29th of September which will be the 12th
day of his passing away. My question is this:.
My son's wedding has been planned for the 12 of December and his
Upanayanam for the 9th of December. Can I continue to perform these
two rituals for my son?
Reply
Replies
1.
MANBLUNDERSeptember 25, 2013 at 8:45 AM
Yes, they can be performed after performing 13th day function
comprising of udakanti and navagraha-homa.
Reply
25.
PriyanOctober 13, 2013 at 1:02 AM
My wife passed away at the age of 32. Even till her last breath she
wanted to live her life with me, she fought death to the extent she could.
The relationship of husband and wife is only for one janma or I can
expect to fulfill her wishes in the next janma as husband and wife again
?
Reply
Replies
1.
MANBLUNDEROctober 13, 2013 at 9:15 AM
Pained to know this. But birth and death depends upon karmic
account. No body knows how one is reborn, where, etc. If karma
of both of you permits, this is possible.
Reply
26.
Kuppi TatsatOctober 30, 2013 at 1:11 AM
Too good... Sir thank you.... Kindly enlighten us about time of death... At
what time if a person dies he goes to heaven or hell, sir my second
question is at what time one should have an intercourse to have a divine
child...there are some information based on time of intercourse one can
get male or female child.... Thank you
Reply
Replies
1.
Thank you for your kind words.

Time of death is not in our hands and is considered as Divine
Secret.

There are ancient and authentic texts where time for conjugation
is prescribed. The time is based on the presence of Moon in
different stars, lunar days. During such times, lagna should not be
occupied by any planets. Lunar days to be avoided are full moon
day, new moon day and 8th lunar day. Getting a male or female
child are explained in some other ancient texts. Mostly these
revelations are made by Siddhas.
Reply
27.
GovindOctober 31, 2013 at 9:23 AM
Sir

Will souls continue to accrue karma when they are in hell or higher
lokas? For example,we have seen many stories where Devas are
cursed by Sages and they are born in earth. How is that possible?
Reply
Replies
1.
A soul is nothing but Brahman. Brahman on His own cannot act
and will not act. To accrue karma, soul needs a body to act.
Hence, when a soul is in higher realms, it will neither accrue
karma nor will experience karma. Devas are considered as bodies
who live in higher planes and it is believed that they live with
bodies with a particular form or shape. When they have bodies,
they are bound to accrue and experience karmas. Sages curse
those devas only if they slip from the dictums of dharma. Be it
gods or humans, when they slip from the path of dharma, they
have to accrue karma and experience the karma at a later period
of time.
2.
GovindOctober 31, 2013 at 10:04 AM
Ok.In that case, Will souls in higher lokas like Tapa,Gnana lokas
also has bodies and accrue karmas?

In that case,Will Navagrahas control them also?
3.
It depends upon one's faith and spiritual evolution. Therefore,
these questions can always be answered in two ways. If we ask a
jni, he will simply smile at us and walk away. On the other
hand, if you ask a scholar, he will answer thus.

No, they will not. Because those lokas are much higher than lokas
of gods. There is no prakti in those lokas. Gods lime Indra have
huge desires and such gods are far inferior to realized souls like
great sages and saints. For realized souls, there is no question of
any planetary influences. Nothing can control them once they
realize the Self.
4.
In the second para second line, please read 'Gods lime Indra' as
'Gods like Indra'. I am sorry for this typo error.
Reply
28.
GovindOctober 31, 2013 at 1:04 PM
Ok.So those Pitru loka and Svarga loka will continue to accrue karma.

Thanks for explanation
Reply
Replies
1.
No, they will not accrue further karma, but will continue to remain
with the accrued karma. Karma can be accrued only through mind
and senses. A soul in isolation will not accrue karmas because it
cannot act and without action, karma is not accrued.
2.
GovindOctober 31, 2013 at 2:44 PM
I didnt Understand this. If Devas like Indra are greed and do some
bad thing and are born in earth due to this ,it is actually adding
new karma.I suppose doing bad thing is an act originated in their
mind.

Please clarify.
3.
That is why, I differentiated between gods and realized souls like
Sages and Saints.
Reply
29.
sasanka kashyapOctober 31, 2013 at 7:22 PM
I am an Assamese Brahmin. My father expired on 9th June 2010. we
have completed our rituals as per Assamese norms. only the Asthi
Visharjan is remaining till date.
please guide us where Asthi Visharjan can be done / which is the beast
place as per Hindu norms / Puranas?
Reply
Replies
1.
River Ganges and any sea. These are the best places to perform
this.
Reply
30.
GovindNovember 1, 2013 at 3:51 PM
Sir

One more query.I have seen in many stories where Asuras torture
Devas, Indras and others will go to Vaikunda or Kailash requesting Lord
Vishnu or Siva to destroy the asuras.Is that mean, Indras and other
Devas in lower worlds have power to see Lord Vishnu and Siva and visit
their worlds whenever they want.
Reply
31.
MANBLUNDERNovember 1, 2013 at 5:25 PM
If we read Upanishads, such queries will never come to our mind. There
is lot of difference between the conveyances of Upanishads and
Purnanas. .
Reply
32.
Venkatesh RamaswamyNovember 25, 2013 at 4:44 PM
Dear Sir,

I have a query. recently my mother passed away and we have
conducted the rituals as advised. As per our shastras, the eldest son
only can be the kartha for any rituals.

My elder brother had already done karma for my fathers Aunt, even
when both my parents were alive. Here again he has done the rituals for
my mother.

As per the shastras, the eldest son is not supposed to conduct any
rituals for any one, while the parents are alive. But I didn't want to
interfere as this may disturb the family relationship.

kindly advise, if the rituals conducted will be accepted by the soul, or
should any remedial rituals has to be done. If so, I can organise for the
same at my end.

Reply
Replies
1.
As per our stra-s, the eldest son is not supposed to do any
funeral rites for others as long his parents are alive. This is to be
strictly followed. There are various references in stra-s on this.
As long as rituals are performed by those who were dear to the
departed soul, such rituals will be 'accepted' by the soul. There is
no remedial measure needed for this point. At this point of time, it
would be better not to disturb the peace prevailing in the family,
which is a hard commodity to get today. Your thinking and logic
on this count is absolutely correct.
Reply
33.
UnknownDecember 5, 2013 at 3:52 PM
Sir, My mother passed away on 28nov2013 at 2:30 pm. I always keep
looking the reason/purpose of my birth. Pl tell me
Reply
Replies
1.
MANBLUNDERDecember 5, 2013 at 6:51 PM
Only God knows what is the purpose of your life.
Reply
34.
Oga TatsumiDecember 8, 2013 at 2:00 PM
Guruji,I had lost my brother he commited suicide ,my father Refused to
do the final ritual , hence i did all antim kriya ,rite from agni sanskaar to
everything till disposing the ashes in ganga.
Recently someone brought to my notice tht ,if someone committs a
suicide tht person should not be cremated as per the rituals instead the
body should be fed to the animals or birds .
And whoever performs the last ritual for the suicidee will never get
moksh and will have to live a life like hell .
I also notice my life is going in to complete destruction.
Please advice guruji.
Reply
Replies
1.
What you have done is not a ritual but a mahyaj. What is said
about throwing the body to animals, etc is wrong. On the contrary,
you are bound to be liberated for the simple reason that you have
done his last rites without any expectoration. Please do not take
into your mind what others say. If you allow these wrong advises
to percolate into your mind, these impressions are bound to affect
you.

What you have done is perfectly right and you have upheld
dharma. Your life will never become miserable.
Reply
35.
Oga TatsumiDecember 8, 2013 at 2:13 PM
Thank you Guruji, your words means a lot to me .
Reply
Replies
1.
Venkatesh RamaswamyDecember 10, 2013 at 6:42 PM
Dear Friend..
To my knowledge doing the last rites, is always a good thing as
you are trying to get moksha for a soul. I stand by Guruji's words
Reply
36.
AnonymousDecember 22, 2013 at 12:25 PM
Dear Sir

My husband passed away last month and we don't have any sons. only
5 year old daughters. I don't have anyone to do all the rituals.( upto 10th
day ritual was done by my husband's father). all i could do was pray to
God and i was next to him reading thiruvasakam and mahamrityunjaya
sloka minutes before his death. is there anything i can do for his soul's
peace. Also, in my grieving process i regularly talk to my husband in my
mind and ask him to help me in the mess i find myself in. Is this
something that will affect his soul's peace and prevent him from
attaining moksha. should i stop calling out to him to help me . will my
calling out increase the burden on the soul
Confused
Reply
Replies
1.
I am extremely sorry to hear this. All those, who read this will
certainly offer their prayers so that your husband's soul becomes
one with Shiva. What you have read and done just before his soul
left his body will ensure that he is not reborn. There shastra-s
interpret differently, I can confidently say that you need not do any
further rituals for him. Where is the question of doing any rituals,
when his soul has already merged with Shiva?

Your thoughts cannot prevent a soul from attaining liberation.
Before the Grace of Shiva, our thoughts are nothing and our
thoughts have no power to change the destination of the soul.
Over a period of time, your mind will get set to the reality. Thinking
about him in no way will affect your karma. Over a period of time,
move on to spiritual path. If you need any further assistance
please email me at ravi@manblunder.com.
Reply
37.
AnonymousDecember 22, 2013 at 12:51 PM
Dear Sir
Thanks for the quick response. It gives me immense peace of mind to
know that my husband's soul is one with Almighty Shiva. I hope he and
Almighty God guide me to raise his daughters well. Thank you for your
help Sir

Regards
Reply
38.
Bibudhendra RathJanuary 19, 2014 at 8:41 AM
Dear Sir,
Can any solution for the work it has been done by me past.But now i re-
grate and want to be free from these punishments.Is there any way to
be free from these.?
Reply
Replies
1.
MANBLUNDERJanuary 19, 2014 at 8:56 AM
Ultimately, it is the mind that alone counts. If you regret for your
mistakes of the past and shed a few drops of tears, you will be
absolved of any possible punishments. Remove all those
impressions in your mind that cause pain by getting into silence.
When you realize your mistakes, you will not be punished.
2.
Bibudhendra RathJanuary 19, 2014 at 9:22 AM
Thnks for your kind reply Sir.Sir can i ask youan important ques.
that i unable to get out of this.Sir since 3 years i'm trying to get out
of the 5 evil said by lord in Shreemad Bhagabatgita.But the one
KAMA ......that i still cant get out of this.Please sir tell me some
way.
3.
MANBLUNDERJanuary 19, 2014 at 9:26 AM
Please write to me directly at ravi@manblunder.com.
4.
AnonymousJanuary 27, 2014 at 4:01 PM
Just to be more clear - I heard from many that reading Garuda
Puranam is not good at normal days and that needs to read only
within 10 days from one's death. Is it true? If yes, no one will
come to know about do and don't in real life. I had a chance to
read few things, then realized even a small sin makes one's family
miserable.
5.
MANBLUNDERJanuary 27, 2014 at 4:53 PM
Many people say this and unfortunately it is not true? One can
definitely read this at home and there are no restrictions on this. It
is not about death alone. It also deals with the ways and means of
our lives and sets ethical and moral standards.
6.
AnonymousJanuary 27, 2014 at 5:06 PM
Thanks for clear reply. Having heard from few that Garuda
Puranam should read only in the untoward home within ten days, I
was so upset, Your reply brings peace......
Reply
39.
AnonymousFebruary 27, 2014 at 10:16 AM
sir i got dream that i am giving tharpanam to some one. what is the
interpretation ,bad or good ?
Reply
Replies
1.
MANBLUNDERFebruary 27, 2014 at 10:18 AM
Dream is only a dream.
GARUDA PURANA - THE WORLD OF YAMA

Garua Pura 12
Garua Pura now proceeds to explain how the subtle bodies of sinners are
tortured by the messengers of Yama. On the eighteenth day from the date of
death, the subtle body, dragged by the messengers of Yama reaches the
kingdom of Yama. The subtle body (subtle body is often referred as
soul. Soul is the Brahman. Soul is not put to any suffering. None can hurt
Soul. For the sake of convenience, the subtle body is called soul) on reaching
the land of Yama is able to see other subtle bodies there. Immediately, on
reaching the kingdom of Yama, the subtle body is advised to take a rest. A
subtle body can remember its past actions, as the subtle body includes the
impressions of the subconscious mind. While taking rest, the subtle body
thinks over its past actions. It recollects how it was so attached to his spouse,
wealth and other relatives. It feels for having failed to spend at least a part of
his wealth for the needy. Messengers of Yama tell him that he alone is
responsible for his pathetic state.
The subtle body lives only on the pia-s offered by his sons every
month. Up to three fortnights, the subtle body is able to eat whatever is
offered by his relatives in the earth. The kingdom of Yama consists of several
cities and each such city is ruled by different kings. The subtle body has to
pass through all these cities. The subtle body survives only on the pia-s
and water offered by his or her son every month. He is dragged by the
messengers of Yama from one city to another city. Only at the end of the
sixth month, when the sixth month pia is offered, the subtle body is allowed
to take rest. While undergoing torture, the subtle body realizes and repents
for all its mistakes. It is said that unless a cow and its calf are gifted by his
son, the subtle body finds very difficult to cross a river called Vaitrara in the
world of Yama. The cow and calf should be gifted only to a Vedic scholar,
who also pursues a virtuous life. While crossing the river Vaitrara, the
subtle body realizes the need for benevolent deed when he was alive in the
earth. It also realizes its mistake for having not followed a true religious path.
The messengers of Yama treat the subtle body with anger. They beat the
subtle body for not carrying out any good deeds while he was alive. Unable to
bear the extreme pain and extremities of climate, the subtle body cries for
help. Messengers tell the body loudly that only his own good deeds can save
him and that nobody will come to his rescue. The subtle body curses its
fate. Fate is nothing but ones net karma. Finally, just before the end of one
year, the subtle body reaches the place where Yama lives. Yama is also
known as the king of dharma-s. He never fails from his duty and never
punishes anyone without valid reasons. In the place of Yama, there are
celestial musicians and heavenly nymphs. There several subtle bodies live
either in human or divine forms. The place of Yama has thirteen main gates
and each one of them is heavily guarded. Within this place live eight
ravaa-s, sons of Lord Brahm. They have the ability to move at their own
will. They travel between the heaven, the earth and the hell. They have the
ability to know all the details of a person and their actions. They also have the
ability to know the thoughts of a person. One seeing the subtle body of a
person at the place of Yama, they report to Citragupta, Yamas assistant who
records a mans good and bad deeds. The net karma of a person at the end
of his/her life cycle is determined by Citragupta. When a person is alive, he or
she should worship these ravaa-s. If they are worshipped, they make the
process of death easier.
Further reading: Even a person is alive, pleasure or pain is realised only
through his mind. Mind is a subtle component of a human body and
distinguishes men from animals and birds. A man has three types of
bodies. Gross body or the external body; the subtle body consisting
of antakaraa or the inner psychic organs; and the causal body comprising
of tanmtra-s; and the Self is posited inside the causal body. Self is the cause
for all the three bodies. At the time of death, the subtle and causal bodies
with the Self still inside the causal body is pushed out of the gross
body. Garua Pura talks about the journey of the subtle body along with
the causal body and the Self. The Self always remains as the Self and
whatever the torture inflicted on the subtle body does not affect the Brahman
within. If the Brahman, often called as the Self or the Soul or soul is not there,
even the subtle and causal bodies cannot exist.
If one has good thoughts and performs good actions, he accumulates good
karmic account. On account of good karmic account, his subtle body does not
undergo torture in the hands Yamas messengers and on the contrary, they
are treated with dignity and respect. When they are born again, they are born
in a wealthy and religious family and enjoy the fruits of his actions in his
previous life. If he commits more sins, not only his subtle body undergoes
untold miseries in the hands of the messengers of Yama, but also suffers
physically during their next birth.
The only remedy available is to think good and act without
selfishness. Thoughts are more powerful than actions. A bad thought is
capable of doing irreparable damage than bad actions. Going by the
narrations of Garua Pura, for good deeds both subtle body and gross body
enjoy and for misdeeds, both the subtle body and the gross body suffer.
GARUDA PURANA - CURSE BY ANCESTORS
Garua Pura 13

The subtle body of dead now arrives in front of Citragupta who listens
carefully to ravaa-s. Then Citragupta explains to the subtle body, its good
and bad actions during its life in the earth. The subtle body is not going to
reap the benefits of its good or bad deeds performed in the earth.
Garua Pura proceeds to discuss about some more gifts. The path that the
subtle body takes to reach the world of Yama is very dark. An illuminated
earthen lamp should be lit and kept in the place where death took place for
fourteen days. This lamp should burn continuously. This lamp is supposed to
illuminate the dark path. Another earthen lamp should also be gifted. An
earthen jar filled with water should be gifted on the fourteenth day or in the
month of krttika. The gift of an earthen jar quenches the thirst of the
servants of Yama.
A subtle body becomes impure after leaving the gross body at the time of
death. It attains purity only on the eleventh day. Whatever the gifts given on
behalf of the deceased helps the subtle body of the deceased to traverse the
path to Yamas world with slight ease. (After death, the subtle body of a
person is recognized only on his karmic account and not on account of their
wealth or intelligence. It should be remembered that spiritual intelligence is
different from materialistic knowledge. Spiritual knowledge is considered as
the Supreme.)
Gifts of seven items umbrella, footwear, clothes, ring, water jar, chair and a
vessel are called pada-s. These seven items are helpful to the subtle body of
the deceased while it traverses from the earth to the abode of Yama. Gifting a
copper jar filled with water is considered as the best. The gifts offered on
behalf of the deceased are taken by god Varua and handed over to Viu,
who in turn hands them over to the sun. The sun gives these gifts to the
deceased.
The one who has committed sins are sent to hell and stay there until all his
sins are exhausted. Once his period in the hell is over, the subtle body is
allowed to see the different kinds of hells. The number of hells is described as
8,400,000, out of which 21 are described as the horrifying ones. If one does
not have any descendents and none has made any gifts on their behalf
continue to stay in these hells for a very long time and finally become the
messengers of Yama (If one continues to live among criminals, over a period
of time, he also becomes a criminal. Bad habits are easily acquired than good
habits. When the subtle bodies are tortured for a long time in hells, the subtle
bodies become the embodiments of torture. Based on this theory,
messengers of Yama are said to be horrifying. If one goes to an ashram, he
is guided by a holy man. On the contrary, if one goes to a den, he is guided
by a criminal).
It is also said that at the time of death, the length of the subtle body is an
arms length. After undergoing torture in different hells, it is taken to appear
before Yama. At that time, the subtle body becomes the size of a thumb,
often described in Upaniad-s. This body is called airy body. (At the time of
conception, sperm is moved towards ova only through the air and at the time
of death also. It is only the air, that pushes the subtle body out of the gross
body, causing death.) His airy body moves along with Yama. This place is
called Vaivasvatapura and have both virtuous and sinners. Their hunger is
satisfied only through gifts of iron, salt, cotton and vessel containing gingelly
seeds by their relatives. Their main work is to maintain Vaivasvatapura. The
residents of Vaivasvatapura inform their gate keeper Dharmadvaja about the
receipt of seven gifts (pada) by them, described earlier. On confirming the
gifts, Dharmadvaja tells the residents about their noble and sinful acts.
Yama finally decides where the subtle body has to go. If one has done a lot of
dharmas, he is made to reborn as a human. The sinners are made to be born
as worms, insects, animals, plants, etc., or they are made to go back to hells
again to undergo further sufferings. All this depends on the amount of noble
acts done by a person when he was alive. Some of the sinners are made to
be born as ghosts. Having born as ghosts, they torture their kin for not having
performed rddha rituals and for not having offered pia-s to them. It is
also said that if rddha-s are not performed as prescribed by stra-s, the
preta-s curse their family for having made them to wander as ghosts and
make them to suffer. This can be explicitly known and understood. Their
crops do not grow, their wealth is destroyed, diseases set in, do not have
progeny, early loss of children, etc. Their sufferings could be in many ways.
This is generally called pitpa or the curse by ancestors. (The only way to
alienate pitpa is to keep ones parents happy during their old age. There is
no point in performing any amount of ceremonies or giving any amount of gifts
if one neglects parents at their old age. Neglecting parents is considered as
the worst sin.)
4 comments:
1.
Ravi Sir, Can you please let me know whether an initiation is necessary
for chanting Mruthyunjaya japa. This is for warding off the un-natural or
untimely death due to accident. If not can we think that lord Shiva
himself as guru and start the manthra japa.
Reply
Replies
1.
For this initiation is not necessary. We can always consider Shiva
as our GURU and in fact, HE is all the time.
Reply
2.
praba kasthuriNovember 4, 2013 at 3:19 PM
sir I dreamt that i died. I was passing a vacuum before that i saw my
sons. Only one was by myside. the elder one is somewhere safe. I was
sad over the young one as i am going to leave him . Then a light of
thousand brilliance came and i was very sad to leave my son. Within
seconds i merged into the light and some explainable joy came over me
no more sadness. I woke up. Is this what people say dead.
Reply
Replies
1.
As this is a dream and therefore to be interpreted carefully.
Almost all the texts exactly describe this state at the time of death.
These cases were studied based on certain resurrections. The
only significant difference which you have noticed is your merger
with Divine Light. This means liberation with no further
transmigration. This dream is also related to your evolved spiritual
status.
GARUDA PURANA - RELEASING GHOSTS

Garua Pura 14
If one has committed innumerable sins, after his death his preta body does
not transform into an airy body. Pretas get released from Yamas kingdom
and enter the earth as ghosts. A list of sins is enumerated is said to cause
preta bodies. They are stealing, indulgence in adultery, betrayal, etc. The
pretas suffer from hunger and thirst that cannot be satiated as they cannot eat
through their mouth (Elsewhere it is said that ancestors who continue to
remain as subtle bodies can smell the roasting of sesame seeds. They make
all out attempts to seize the pia-s offered to other ancestors, though they
cannot eat. They come back to the home where they lived and watch their kin.
Since their kin cannot notice them (as they do not have any visible bodies),
they get angry with their kin and even attempt to kill them (not directly but
indirectly). They also cause diseases in their family (It should be understood
that attachment is only for the gross body. When they were alive, they would
have felt sad if their kin are affected by disease and when they are dead, even
though they know the repercussions, still they cause the diseases).
These pretas become ghosts and cause serious afflictions to his family
members. However, the ghosts are incapable casting their spell when one
worships Rudra, or regular worshippers of other gods and goddesses, who
follow the path of dharma, shares food with guests and those who always
speak the truth. Pretas can cause the following miseries. Childlessness to
couples, death of children at young age, loss of wealth, unexpected
sufferings, tension at home, damage to crop, causing disrepute, loss of
properties due to fire or floods, incurable disease, abortions, etc. and the list is
quite long. In general, ghosts can cause any damage that is not enumerated
here. They are said to be responsible for accidental deaths.
If one comes to know about the existence of ghosts, he has to perform
remedial measures to pacify the ghost and release the ghost from its preta-
hood. Symptoms of presence of the ghosts are also explained. Appearance
of holy plants, mango tree with fruits, a knower of Vedas, a bull or his own
image in dreams signify the presence of ghosts. In spite of his best efforts,
one is not able to complete his pilgrimage it also signifies the presence of
ghosts. The ghosts become harmful if funeral rites are not performed as
prescribed.
Once, rituals to get alleviate the ghost-hood are properly performed, ghost will
be permanently satisfied and leave the place after blessing its kin. Even the
most dreadful ghosts go to the place of Yama and after undergoing necessary
punishments, are born again. Even if there are no symptoms like dreams, etc.,
and if one continues to suffer due to unknown reasons, propitiating rites to
Lord Viu should be performed. If japa, homa and gifts are done properly,
one will be able to get rid of his miseries caused by unknown ghosts.
There are other methods of alleviating the ghosts. Repeated recital of Gyatri
mantra, performance of Nryaa bali and votsarga (release of bull
discussed in earlier chapters) are the rites that are to be performed to release
a ghost from its preta-hood.
Further reading: There are modern theories that confirm the presence of
ghosts. Ghosts are said to be mono dimensional in nature and generally
appear exactly at a particular time in the night. It is said that not all the ghosts
are harmful. Many ghosts have come into existence due to sudden accidents,
and they are, by and large, remain un-harmful. Ghosts can be released if one
is conversant with kualini meditation. They can, by keeping their attention
on the third eye visualize the release of ghosts. Lavender is said to be the
best remedy to eliminate all evil spirits. A drop of lavender oil mixed with
water can be kept in a corner of a house. More often than not, ones
unfounded fear is the cause for illusionary appearance of ghosts. Total
surrender to God, performing charity within his means, respect to parents
when they are alive, not hurting anyone either with words or with strength,
leading a pious life, helping others in times of need are the qualities that can
ward off evil effects of all the ghosts put together. Unfounded fear begins to
torment a person only if he had done any misdeeds. As long as one is living a
virtuous life, nothing can harm him, as God personally takes care of him and
protects him all the time.
GARUDA PURANA - PREMATURE DEATH

Garua Pura 15
Garua Pura proceeds to discuss the reasons for the subtle bodies to
become ghosts. Because of the sins committed in previous births, men
become ghosts after death. The sins that cause ghosthood are desecrating
wells, tanks, lakes, parks, temples, water bodies, trees and any such holy and
natural places. Those persons who commit these sins always remain as
ghosts without any relief. Persons who have committed the above sins are
killed by cla-s (cla a person who commits only sinful acts and
hence considered as the worst among men), serpents, animals, death in
water, lightning and all such unnatural deaths cause ghosthood. Habitual
sinners are made to commit suicides, or burnt alive, or death occurs due to
incurable ailments, death at the hands of thieves or any other unnatural
means of death. Those who do not perform proper sacrificial rites for
ancestors also become ghosts. Those who shirk their duties of taking care of
his parents, spouse, children, sons-in-law and daughters-in-law attain
ghosthood. Cheating ones brother, murdering knowers of Vedas, slaughtering
cows, consuming intoxicating liquor also become ghosts after death. The one
who deviates from family and cultural traditions also become a ghost.
Ghosts feel the hunger and thirst, but these cannot be satiated. They cannot
speak and are unconscious. They live in the places that are unclean. They
haunt those who keep their bodies unclean. They also haunt those places
where mantras are not recited and where religious rites are not performed.
For driving away the ghosts, one should take a bath either at his home or in
holy places and offer water oblations to a deity at the root of a fig (pipul) tree.
One has also to give black pepper as a gift, perform religious worships,
including fire oblations. At the end of these rituals, gifts should be offered to
Vedic pandits. A discourse about the Lord should be made. At the end of all
these rituals, ghosts leave the place for good.
Garua then asks the Lord certain interesting questions that are relevant even
today. The questions are: 1. Though stra-s say that no pious person dies a
premature death, still pious men die at young age. Why? 2. Vedic scholars
and great kings also have the premature death. Why? 3. Though Vedas say
that a man lives for 100 years, almost everyone dies well before 100
years. Why?
Lord Viu begins His reply to Garua. A mans full life is 100 years. Vedas
are right. However, it is due to the accumulated sins of a person, his life span
is cut short. Not studying Vedas, not following the Scriptural dictums, laziness
and consequent non-performance of ones prescribed duties, eating food in all
the houses they visit (as per stra-s, one can take food only if cooked by his
wife, mother or his own cooking), meddling with others spouses, etc. cause
premature deaths. Forsaking religious practices also cause sins and as a
result, his life span is reduced.
{According to Rig Veda, full life span of a human is 100 years. It says
(VII.66.16),
tac cakur devahita ukramuccarat |
payema arada ata jvema arada atam ||

Meaning of this verse is: That God-ordained bight eye of the universe rises:
may we behold it for a full hundred autumns and may we live a hundred
autumns.}
Sins are described as three fold. Sins begin to unfold in a person only if he is
born as a human being. When he is deposited in a human womb, after having
existed as birds, animals, etc., he recollects all his past actions and repents
for his sinful actions. Once he is born, he again forgets all his past
actions. The moment he is born, his soul is engulfed by ignorance. His
physical growth now begins. He begins to suffer at different stages of his life,
depending upon the velocity of his sins. If he had committed serious crimes in
his previous life, he dies after his fifth year. Both his good deeds and bad
deeds decide the quality of his life.
If one dies as a child of less than five years, he should be buried. His
relatives should distribute milk to the children in the neighborhood to appease
his soul. If the child is above five years, all the prescribed rituals should be
performed including consuming his mortal remains to the fire.
GARUDA PURANA - SAPINDIKARANA

Garua Pura 16
There is a ritual called sapikaraa performed on the twelfth day from the date of death. Originally,
this was performed along with the first year ceremonial rites. Nowadays it has become part of funeral
rites. By performing this rite, the preta body of the dead enters the world of ancestors known as
pitloka. The subtle body of the dead is called preta till sapikaraa is performed. Till sapikaraa is
performed, no auspicious functions should be held in the family of the deceased.Garua Pura says
that sapikaraa can be performed on the twelfth day. If this is not possible, it can be performed at
the end of 45
th
day or six months or at the end of one year. During the first year after death, sixteen
rddha-s (ceremonies performed in honour of the dead) are to be performed. If these sixteen rddha-
s along with sapikaraa are performed, preta body of the dead loses its identity and becomes a pit
or ancestor. Till then, the subtle body continues to suffer and some of them become ghosts. Sixteen
rddha-s are 1. at the place of death, 2. at halfway to the cremation ground, 3. at the pyre, 4. in the
hand of corpse, 5. to the spirits living in the cremation ground, 6. at the time of collecting ashes and 7
16. during the first ten days after death. There is another method to reckon this. Twelve monthly
ceremonies and four ceremonies one at the end of 45 days, 90 days, 180 days and 360
days. Sapikaraa can be performed only by the son. If the deceased has no son, it can be performed
by his wife, brothers, brothers son or other close relatives. For a woman, only her son, husband or
husbands brother alone can perform sapikaraa. After performing sapikaraa, nnd rddha
should be performed. Nnd rddha is a ceremony performed to seek the blessings of ancestors while
performing any auspicious ceremonies such as marriage. After performing sapikaraa, no further
individual rite should be performed. In case individual rites are performed after sapikaraa,
sapikaraa is to be performed again. If sapikaraa is performed, the dead becomes a pit or
ancestor and ceremonial rites should be performed for three generations the dead, his father and his
grandfather. If individual rddha-s are performed after sapikaraa, the performer tortures the
subtle body of the dead. Sapikaraa should not be performed if the deceaseds father is alive and in
the case of a woman, if her husband is alive.
It is said that if rddha-s are not performed for a departed soul, its subtle body becomes a ghost. If it
attains ghost hood, it cannot reach the world of ancestors. Apart from non-performance of rddha
rites, one can become ghost if he steals from women, children and temples. Those who steal conch
shells also become ghosts. The only way to get rid of ghost hood is to perform Nryaa bali. Bali means
offering oblations. This rite purifies the preta body of the dead. Only preta body is capable of becoming
a ghost.
There is reference to a remedy to eradicate repeated obstacles or sufferings to a person. One has to
make a jar, preferably in gold and fill it up with milk or ghee. After worshipping Brahm, Viu and iva
and the eight cardinal deities, the jar is to be gifted to a knower of Vedas. If this ritual is performed, all
the obstacles are removed.
8 comments:
1.
Yenoley YSeptember 6, 2013 at 12:29 AM
Respected Sir,
Our priest performed the Sapindikarana Shraddha at our own house, when my father
passed away recently. Is that in accordance with the shastras or is it against the dictates of
vedas / smritis ?

As we are not doing the monthly shraddhas, we are giving Swayampaka (Gifts to One
Brahmin person), will that be acceptable or not as per the rules ?

I Request you to Kindly enlighten me in this regard and oblige.

Thank You
Reply
Replies
1.
MANBLUNDERSeptember 6, 2013 at 8:51 AM
Sapindikarana can be performed at home. Except a homa for Yama on 11th day,
all other rituals can be performed at home. Theoretically speaking, monthly
ceremonies need not be done, as these are initially done. Gifts to knower of Vedas
is acceptable.
2.
Yenoley YSeptember 7, 2013 at 5:41 PM
Thank You Sir, I am now feeling pacified after reading your answers.
Reply
2.
Vanessa UmraoNovember 3, 2013 at 11:48 AM
Guruji,

My grandfather 's brother died this year, should we celebrate Diwali? I researched about
it online but got no good answer. I am confused, I read that I can celebrate but my elders
say different? Please help me.
Reply
3.
Your elder's are right and they go by stra-s. If you personally know him, then it is
advisable not to celebrate. If you do not know him, then you can celebrate, which is
however against stra-s.

If you ask me personally, mentally seek his blessings and celebrate.

I have not gone into the details now, as today is Diwali.
Reply
4.
Vanessa UmraoNovember 6, 2013 at 5:09 AM
Thank you
Reply
5.
Ullas LakshminarayanaFebruary 13, 2014 at 7:01 PM
Guruji,

My Father is thinking to perform Sapindikarana Shraddha to cover all his departed elders.
His Father & Mother have passed away in 1994 & 1997 respectively. Now, a known
Priest has suggested his to perform this Sapindikarana Shraddha & Thila home to help
departed souls to find mukthi & indirectly we will get relief from our Problems (Health,
Finance, Shatru Kata, Etc).

I read in your above article that once Sapindikarana is performed, he sould not perform
individual rites again. What is the meaning of this sentence ?

Does it mean that he can not perform Yearly Ceremony of his Mother & Father ?

Kindly advise.
Reply
Replies
1.
MANBLUNDERFebruary 13, 2014 at 7:31 PM
I am not Guruji!!! My name is Ravi.

Sapikaraa is performed only on the 12th day after death.
What I meant was that no other apara rites for that departed soul
should be performed after performing Sapikaraa. After
sapikaraa, next day (13th day) auspicious functions are
performed. However, monthly rites, etc can be done as prescribed
in stra-s.
GARUDA PURANA - SACRED FIVE

Garua Pura 17

There is no salvation if one does not have a son. Even if salvation is not
possible, one needs to have a son to avoid going to hell. Cremation rites can
be performed only by a son. Immediately after death, the place is to be
cleansed, smeared with gingelly seeds and darbha grass. If one happens to
know that someone is going to die shortly, he/she should be placed on the
bed of darbha grass. If he dies on the bed of darbha grass, a portion of his
sins will be eliminated. Before performing rddha rites, the place where the
ritual is going to be performed, should be cleansed. Lord says that gingelly
seeds originate from His sweat and hence considered sacred. There is a
reference to a mystic diagram. The epic says that no rddha rite should be
performed without drawing this mystic diagram. The importance of gingelly
seeds is repeatedly emphasized throughout Garua Pura. Similarly, the
Lord says that darbha grass originates from His hair. It is also said that
performing these rites, one should wear sacred thread, without which, rituals
will not confer any benefits. When the sacred thread is on the left shoulder,
Brahm and other Gods are present in the holy thread. If the thread is worn
on the left shoulder, pit-s are worshipped. Brahm, Viu and iva are
present in the bottom, middle and the tip of darbha grass.

Knower of Vedas, mantras, darbha grass, fire and basil plant never become
impure under any circumstances, and they can be repeatedly used. However,
there are some exceptions. Knower of Vedas becomes impure after taking
food in preta rituals. Darbha grass becomes impure if used in pia offerings.
Funeral fire is not holy. Mantras are of no use, if recited by those who have
no faith in sacred rites. Basil, knowers of Vedas, holy cows, Lord Viu and
ekda day (eleventh day of lunar fortnight when one fasts for the whole day)
are the five sacred boats that make a person become eligible for liberation
(however, this is subject to ones karma. Karma is the ultimate factor in
deciding transmigration or liberation. (There are enough articles on karma in
this site and you can use the search in manbluder at the top of this site.) River
Ganges is also mentioned along with these five that is capable of offering
liberation. Cooking salt (crystals) is said to have originated from the body of
Viu and pit-s are very fond of salts and is said to be the doorway to the
heaven. Hence vessels with salts should be given as gifts.
GARUDA PURANA AND GAYATRI MANTRA
Garua Pura 18

Lord says that all gifts should be given by rendering vyhiti-s of Gyatr mantra - bh, bhuva
and sva. By using Gyatr mantra, even ghosts can be released from ghost hood. Those who
use these mantras will attain the world of iva. Those who make gifts of gingelly seeds, cow,
land and gold to worthy people, get their sins partly eradicated (again subject to his own karmic
account). Lord says that out of all these gifts, gingelly seeds and cows are the best gifts that
are capable of even eradicating serious sins. (The concept of gift purely depends on ones mind
set. One should offer gifts with complete mental satisfaction and gifts should be given only out
of his own earnings. There is no necessity to offer any gifts by resorting to borrowing. Such
gifts cause potential harm than good. In the same way, the receiver of gifts should be worthy of
receiving it. There is no point in offering gifts to a person who already owns the same. Gifts
should be given beyond the barriers of religion, caste, etc. Only such gifts are capable of
serving the purpose. For example, if a cow is given as a gift to a poor man, he should also be
given cash to feed the cow at least for one year. There is no point in gifting a land to someone,
who cannot afford to construct even a hut. Again, ones attitude, compassion and love for the
humanity, animals and plants are the powerful gifts than any materialistic gifts.)
Gifts should be given after declaring a determination, which is known as sakalpa. If gifts are
given to women and dependents, there is no necessity for sakalpa. It is preferable to offer
these gifts, if some one is on his death bed. A gift made during ones life time has manifold
effect. Gifts of iron and gingelly seeds please Yama, the lord of death. Gift of gold brings
happiness in the heaven, gift of land makes one rich. There are four important classes of
servants of Yama, who execute the process of death and they are Curias, adas, Markas
and Udumbaras. Any gift given on behalf of the departed souls should satisfy these four
groups. Only then, they take the subtle bodies to the world of Yama without hurting them.
Particularly these four groups are satisfied with the gifts of iron. Such gifts should be given
either by wives, sons, grandsons, relatives or even by friends.
Immediately after death, the subtle body leaves the gross body and enters the cosmos. Next,
the subtle body attains ghost hood and at the end of a year, the subtle body joins the world of
ancestors known as pit loka. Generally the world consists of many triads such as
Brahm, Viu and iva. Brahm presides over the portion from foot to navel; Viu presides
over the portion from navel to neck and iva presides over the head of a human body. They are
only manifestations of the Brahman. The Lord says that He is the vital breath known as pra
and shapes the life of a person depending upon his karmic accruals. The Lord also says that He
moulds ones mind and induces different actions of the body. Garua Pura mentions
ten Incarnations of Viu and they are Matsya (fish), Krma (tortoise), Varha (boar),
Nrasiha (lion), Rma, Parasurma Ka, Balarma, Buddha and Kalki (yet to be
incarnated). Garua Pura also says that the subtle body goes either to heaven or hell and is
reborn again. It is only the karma that decides whether the subtle body goes to heaven or hell.
Chapter II.30 of Garua Pura ends by saying that Viu is to be propitiated either through
eight syllables mantra (om namo nrayaya ) or twelve syllables mantra (om
namo bhagavate vsudevya ). Lord induces ones mind either to perform
auspicious acts or evil acts. Since the Lord does not transgress His own act known as the Law
of Karma, it is only the karma that is ultimate in deciding ones destiny. If one gives as gift, a
brown cow, it absolves all the sins committed by him till this birth (including all the previous
births). Goddess Lakm resides in all the cows and Viu is present in the midst of cows.
2 comments:
1.
Ravi, how can one gift a brown cow in Canada or USA. I can see this
possible in third world countries but here?
What is Gingelly seeds? First time I heard of this. I know the black
seeds.
Please provide/suggest more practical options that are more in tune
with the world we live in now.
Thanks
Reply
Replies
1.
Even in India, not many gift cows. Instead they make a coconut as
a representative of cow. However, this is not right. This is the
problems with Purana-s. Gingelly seeds are sesame seeds.
GARUDA PURANA - FORMATION OF THE FOETUS

Garua Pura 19
Lord proceeds to explain the process of creation. During conjugal relationship, thoughts of
couple play a predominant role in their progeny. If the conjugal relationship is made on odd
nights, girls are born and on even nights, sons are born. During the first seven days of menstrual
cycle, couples should not involve in conjugality. A womans body generates heat during the first
sixteen days after the commencement of her menstrual cycle. If conception happens after
14
th
day, a virtuous son will be born. Once the foetus is formed, the woman should not be
exposed to too much of sun light. Consciousness, the purest form of which is the Lord, is in the
procreative fluids of men. The sex of the foetus is also determined by the potency of the
procreative fluids of either man or woman. If mans is potent, a son is formed and if womans is
potent, a girl is formed. The foetus begins its formation within twenty-four hours from the time
of conjugation. When the foetus develops, it absorbs all the five elements within thirty days. At
the end of two months, fat and skin are formed. At the end of third month bones are formed.
Hair is formed at the end of the fourth month. Ears, nose and stomach are formed at the end of
the fifth month. Reproductive organs are formed at the end of the seventh month. Hands and
legs are fully developed at the end of the eighth month. During the ninth month, the child is
fully developed. At the end of the ninth month or at the beginning of the tenth month, the child
is delivered. Delivery of the child takes place with the help of air.
Lord then proceeds to explain how the five elements (ka, air, fire, water and earth) form
different parts of the body. Sound, gravity, hearing and support are the qualities of ether (ka).
Love, hatred, fear and illusion are the qualities of air. Saliva, urine, bone marrow and blood are
the qualities of water. Hunger, thirst, sluggishness and brilliance are the factors of fire.
Exercising and other actions are the qualities of earth. Lord then talks about the organs of action
and the organs of perception. There are ten principle n-s - i, pigala, suumna, gndhr,
hasti-jihv, p, ya, alambu,a kuh and akhin. Similarly pra-s are also ten types -
pra, apna, samna, udna, vyna, nga, krma, kkra, devatatta and dhanajaya. With the
help of air, the assimilated food, in association with these n-s and pra-s distribute the
digested food to various parts of the body. The unassimilated food (or the remains of the
digested food) is egested from the body, predominantly through the two excretory organs. Lord
says that there are thirty-five million hair, thirty two teeth, twenty nails, seven hundred thousand
hair in the face and the head of a physical body.
Pleasure and pain are the result of ones karma. Foetus and the fully grown-up child in the
womb is nourished through the umbilical cord attached to its mother. The foetus consumes
whatever is consumed by the mother. The soul (subtle body) recollects its actions during its
previous lives, while sojourning in the womb. By getting afflicted by its karmas, it decides that
it should not commit further sins during the ensuing life. Though the child loses its
consciousness at the time of ejection from the womb, it regains its consciousness immediately
after inhaling its first breath. Immediately, after the child is out of the womb, it forgets all its past
life and hence its decision as to not to make any further sins also goes haywire. The child is
deluded by my and continues to remain in that state throughout the process of aging, until its
death. It is again reborn, and this cycle continues until it attains liberation. If there is any
interim period between death and the next birth, its subtle body undergoes either pleasure or
pain, depending upon its karmic account. If the karmic account is good, one tends to undergo
pleasure both on earth and in heaven. If the karmic account is bad, then it undergoes sufferings
both on earth and in hell. There are fourteen types of worlds, seven upper worlds and seven
lower worlds. The seven vyhti-s of the famous Gyatr mantra are the seven upper worlds.
Each of these worlds is related to fourteen parts of the body. In the same way, the nine planets
used in astrology also represent nine parts of the body.
The entire cosmos is in the human body and the Soul within is the God. There is no difference
between cosmos and human body except that the former is the macrocosm and latter is the
microcosm. The cosmic Lord is in no way different from the Lord within the human body or for
that matter, in any living being. In order to differentiate (arising out of ignorance), Cosmic Lord
is represented by Self and empirical self is represented by self.
GARUDA PURANA - ABODE OF YAMA

Garua Pura 20
Lord begins to describe the world of Yama, the god presiding over deaths.
Distance between the earth and the world of Yama is 1,032,000 Kilometers.
The path to the world of Yama, though not very hot, still cannot be traversed.
Particularly those who have predominantly bad karmic accounts will find the
path extremely difficult to pass through. Apart from the heat, there are thorns
as well. The subtle bodies of the dead are drawn by the noose of
Yama. Though the distance is too long, there is no food or water available
enroute. There is no place to rest and one has to traverse the entire distance
without food, water and rest. The journey to the world of Yama purely
depends upon ones karmic account. Those with good karmas traverse the
zone with ease and those with bad karmic account find the path extremely
difficult. They cry in pain and suffering with no one to listen to him. Even the
ceremonies and oblations are of no avail to the sinners.
The world of Yama lies in the South West direction of the earth. It is square in
shape with four gates. It is like a fort with seven layers of walls around 1200
KMs area. In the middle, there is a golden palace for Yama. He is an
embodiment of virtue and upholds virtue at any cost. A little away from the
palace of Yama, there is the palace of Citragupta, his deputy. It is only
Citragupta who decides the age of all the beings. He is the one who finally
evaluates ones karmic account, not only in his last birth, but during all of his
previous births. (Karmic account arises only because of ones mind. Hence
Karmic theory does not apply to any other beings other than the
humans. Liberation is possible only during human birth.) Based upon ones
karmic account, his/her subtle body is either tortured or rested in a place of
pleasure.
The Lord then proceeds to talk about good and bad karmas. Gifts to the
deserving, reciting mantras of Iadevata (ones desired deity), planting of
trees, digging tanks and bore wells, gifting fire woods or any other fuels during
winter, gifting lands, etc cause good karmas. When the son performs rddha
rituals, the dead ancestor derives pleasure, who moves around only with his
subtle body. At the time of cremation and during the initial ten days, if water
oblations are made, the dead goes to the world Yama with a little comfort. The
subtle body of the dead drinks milk in the first three days, hence, milk should
be offered as oblation. During the first three hours, the subtle body drinks a lot
of water and hence more water should be offered during this period. After ten
day ritual is completed, the subtle body of the dead is ready to enter the new
body. The Lord also says that the merits of rddha rituals reach the subtle
body of the dead whether it is reborn or not. After performing the eleventh day
ceremony, all the impurities accruing on account of the death go. Whoever
performs the first day rddha ritual should perform the tenth day ritual also.
Like the foetus taking ten months to become a fully developed human form,
the subtle body takes ten days to fully develop. The subtle body gradually
attains its full form due to the performance of rddha rituals offering pias
and water oblations. All the goods used by the dead should be gifted to the
deserving ones. Lord permits women to perform all the rituals. On the twelfth
day, a ritual called sapiana where six equal sized pias and one big pia
are prepared and clubbed together to signify that the preta body of the dead
attains pithood. If sapiana ritual is not formed on the twelfth day, there is
no point in performing any other rituals including yearly rituals.
1 comment:
1.
AnonymousNovember 11, 2011 at 4:59 PM
The explanation is very clearly presented by Sr Ravi. Chitragupta, i.e.
the words gupta+chitra mean the hidden imprints of our actions or
thoughts (virtuous or sinful).This imprints are are available on our soul
as vaasana.
GARUDA PURANA - DEATH AND LINEAGE

Garua Pura 21
Garua seeks clarification from the Lord on the following: Suppose the mother of a man dies when his
father, grandfather, great grandfather and great great grandfather along with their wives continue to
live, with whom his mother would be joined on the day sapikaraa by means of sapiana? She is
joined with Um Lakm and Svitr, the three Goddesses. However, this is the rarest of the rare
cases. On the day of sapikaraa, the preta body of the deceased is given a place in the world of
ancestors. Thus the preta body of the dead becomes a pit. Ancestors are classified into three categories
father is called Vasu, grandfather is called Rudra and great grandfather is called ditya. His mother is
classified with their wives. A woman is not connected to her family lineage after marriage and her
lineage gets transferred to her husbands lineage. The following example can explain this further.
Vasu Rudra ditya
Before fathers death grandfather great grandfather great great
grandfather*
After fathers death father grandfather great grandfather
(*great great
grandfather becomes
tyjaka@)

@ Tyjaka means the one who abandons.
When a deceased person leaves the world of ditya, no further pia is offered during annual ancestral
rites known as rddha rites are performed. Generally, while calculating generations, twenty one
generations are taken into account, ten past generations and ten future generations taking the
performer as the middle point (10 + 1 + 10 = 21).
When rddha rites are performed, the performer and his family are blessed by his ancestors. His father
blesses him with sons; grandfather and great grandfather bless him with wealth. It is also said that a
corpse should not be cremated when the following stars are in conjunction with the moon -
Dhaniha, atabhi, Prvabhdrapada, Uttarabhdrapad and Revat. If necessity arises, certain
remedial measures are prescribed such as making an effigy out of darbha grass and burning it before
cremating the body.
There are sixteen rddha rites prescribed and they are at the place of death, midway to the cremation
ground, at the pyre, in the hand of the corpse, one at the cremation ground, one at the time of
collection of bones, and the rest ten during the first ten days from the date of death. The reckoning of
this sixteen is said to be appropriate. If this is done, monthly rituals need not be performed.
The hands of the corpse should be tied together and the big toes should also be tied together and the
corpse should be covered with a white cloth. The corpse should be placed on bamboo logs. If a corpse is
taken out in the night, evil spirits could attack the corpse. But as such, there is no prohibition for
cremating in the night. A corpse should never remain unattended. Someone should always be present
with the corpse till it is burnt. The corpse should not be touched. In the presence of a corpse, no one
should take food or even drink water. All other ceremonies should be postponed including other
rddha rites and worshipping gods. Temples remain closed. This is the kind of respect that is being paid
to the corpse.
The Lord provides certain additional details. If one dies due to fasting, he merges into the Brahman. If
one dies after resorting to sanys, it is equivalent to dying due to fasting. If a person resorts to fasting
when he is affected with serious disease, he is also not reborn. If a sick person, knowing that he is going
to die resorts to sanys, he is also not reborn. Frequent visits to holy places wash off sins. It is has been
repeatedly emphasized that one should make as many gifts as possible during his life time. However,
gifts should never be given by resorting to borrowing.
{Further reading: While performing last rites, one should never borrow money and complete the last
rites. Last rites should be performed only within ones means. No gifts should be made by borrowing
money. Such gifts not only dissatisfy the dead but also cause the accrual of sins for the performer of the
rites. If one has enough wealth, then all the gifts discussed earlier should be given and ceremonial rites
should be performed in a grand manner by providing food to the needy.}
4 comments:
1.
yathishNovember 26, 2013 at 10:20 PM
Guruji, I am Yathish from Andhra Pradesh. I have a doubt regarding the janma(rebirth). I
want to know that if a human dies, does he reborn like a human or animal or bird?

Reply
Replies
1.
Scriptures say that humans in this birth are born as grass, insects,
animals, etc. This is a very pertinent point. One gets human birth
after several transmigration in various lower forms. Liberation is
possible only in human birth, as humans alone have both
conscious and subconscious mind. Having born as humans, it
should be our endeavor to live a compassionate life. We should
not miss this birth to attain liberation.
2.
yathishNovember 27, 2013 at 5:57 PM
thank you very much for your reply sir. I have another doubt that
so many people wish to eat non veg by killing those birds and
animals. May i know what will be the punishment for those who
are willingly having those foods?

waiting for your precious words on this sir.
3.
Leave alone the punishment; what about our conscience? Taking
non-vegetarian food will seriously hamper our energy level. One
may argue that plants also have life. Yes, but the plants life will
not end if the fruits and vegetable are plucked. What about rice
and wheat? Their life span is short and if we are not going to
harvest, their produce will go waste.

God has a plan for all of us, right from a plant to a human being.
ARUDA PURANA - CONCLUSION

Garua Pura 22
The Lord begins to explain the procedure to be followed for accidental and
unnatural deaths such as suicides, accidents, murders, sanysies and young
children. A time frame ranging from immediate to six months has been
prescribed to perform last rites, known as Nryaa bali. This rite should be
performed in the banks of the sacred rivers, cow sheds, or temples in front of
an idol of Ka. Numerous of mantras are used to offer libations and
rddha-s. Gifts prescribed for other rites are also applicable to this rite.
The Lord proceeds to say that one should perform annual rddha rites for the
dead. Those who perform annual rddha rites liberate ancestors and blessed
by them. Lord then proceeds to discuss about karmas. From the way the Lord
explains, one can clearly understand that one has to suffer twice, one with his
subtle body in world Yama and another with gross body during his rebirth.
Good karmas makes a persons subtle body to sojourn in heaven and those
who have accumulated bad karmas,have to suffer in the hands of servants of
Yama. Some of the sinners enumerated by the Lords are liar, thief, taking
food at others house without informing them in advance, scolding others
without valid reasoning, imparting knowledge to the undeserving, offering
stale food, stealing books, raping, the one who does not pay the sum mutually
agreed, disrespecting sacred fires, etc.
Just before the entry points of Yamas city, there is a dreadful river called
Vaitra. All the subtle bodies have to necessarily cross this river. Those with
good karmas can make a person to cross the river with ease and those with
bad karmas have to cross the river with indescribable pain inflicted on their
subtle bodies. Apart from their karmas, ones nature is also taken into account
while crossing this river. A miser, an atheist, irritable personality, arrogance,
egoistic, ungrateful ones are made to wait in the banks of the river for an
indefinite period of time. Symbolic gifts made during last rites help a subtle
body to cross the river with a little more comfort. Apart from gifting, making
a sakalpa is important. Each of the gifts discussed in Garua Pura or their
representations should be given only with sakalpa. It is ultimately ones
thoughts and actions that determine the fate of his subtle body. It is the battle
between dharma vs adharma and if dharma prevails, he undergoes less
sufferings both with his subtle body and with his future gross body. Thoughts
about previous lives prevail in the subtle body when it exists alone. If a subtle
body attains a gross body and born again, the subtle body forgets the lessons
learnt through all its previous lives. To get over evil karmas, pilgrimage is
suggested.
Conclusion:
Garua Pura elaborately dwells on various rites to performed at the time of
death and thereafter. The underlying concept of the teachings of this Pura
is to caution the readers that they should not accrue bad karmas. Both good
and bad karmas accumulate because of ones thoughts processes. Thought is
more powerful than action, because thoughts affect the subtle mind by
embedding strong impressions. Impressions in the subtle mind manifest
when the subtle body attains gross bodies during transmigration.
Many of the teachings of Garua Pura may not be applicable in todays
environment. It lays emphasis on various gifts. Gifts are to be interpreted in
proper sense. The intent of the Pura is to make one share his riches with
others. It does not advocate that one should resort to borrowing and make
these gifts. If one makes gifts beyond his financial abilities, it causes more
bad karmas than good karmas. There is no point in spending money and
doing last rites without taking care of the aged with love and care when they
are alive. God will forgive any sins, but not the sin accruing out of of
neglecting ones parents or grandparents in their old age. No amount of gifts
and no expensive rites will absolve the one who ignores his or her parents
and grandparents when they are alive. A lot of time should be spent with
them.
While performing last rites, again one should perform within his financial
means. No last rite should be performed with borrowed money. No ancestor
is going to curse, as long as he is taken care of well during his life time. If
parents and grandparents are taken care of well during their old age, in fact
no gifts and no rituals are required. It is enough to merely cremate them with
respect, dignity and honour.
With this the series on Garua Pura is concluded.
3 comments:
1.
Dear Sir ,

There are these mediumship readings and they claim to connect to
souls. In addition,you might have heard about Dr Brian Weiss, his books
. Do Hindu puranas support this. I have lost my husband and want to
reach out to him via these means. But I want to ensure I do nothing to
cause unrest to his soul. I want him to be happy in the other world.
Reply
Replies
1.
There are many opinions on this. Soul is minuscule form of God. I
have not read the book you have referred here. Hindu puranas do
not support the idea of talking to souls, though there are many
who claim that they can talk to the souls. I would sincerely advise
you to desist from this. Please do not waste money on this. Think
and repeatedly affirm that he is happy in the higher world. You
could feel the happiness within you.
2.
OK sir , i will refrain .the book speaks about reincarnation and life
between births. it is a interesting read and in my limited
knowledge it kind of supports hindu beliefs of re-birth, karma.

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