Pitru Paksha: Nandi Mukh Shraddh Ceremony and Importance

Published By: Bhakti Home
Published on: Thursday, Sep 19, 2024
Last Updated: Thursday, Sep 19, 2024
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Nandi mukh shraddh: Nandi Mukh Shraddh is a specific type of Shraddh ritual in Hinduism, particularly performed during Pitru Paksha."Nandi" means "beginning" or "commencement" and "Mukh" means "face" or "starting point". 

 

 

Nandi mukh shraddh: Meaning and Importance

  • The word Nandi in Sanskrit is formed by adding the suffix 'ghay' to the Nand root, which means to be happy, delighted, or satisfied.
  • According to Hindu beliefs, performing Nandi Shraddha pleases both ancestors and Vishwadev. The Vishnu Purana explains that "Nandanti Deva: Yatra Sa Nandi" – meaning Nandi Shraddha should be performed before any auspicious work to seek blessings from ancestors and deities.

Nandi mukh shraddh Significance

  • Nandi Shraddha is also known as Abhudaya Shraddha and is a required ritual before auspicious events like marriages or yajnas.
  • This ritual ensures that ancestors are honored, eliminating any birth or death-related Sutak Dosha for the individual performing the ceremony.

When to Perform Nandi Shraddha | Nandi mukh shraddh

  • It is recommended to perform Nandi Shraddha:
    • 21 days before a yagna.
    • 10 days before a wedding.
    • 3 days before Churakaran (first haircut).
    • 6 days before the Yajnopaveet (sacred thread ceremony).

Protecting Rituals from Calamities

  • Performing Nandi Shraddha helps prevent any divine obstacles or calamities, such as earthquakes, from disrupting rituals or auspicious works.

Rules for Nandi Shraddha | Nandi mukh shraddh

  • Nandi Shraddha is not performed for living parents or grandparents. Instead, it is performed for ancestors two generations back.
  • When performing Nandi Shraddha, kusha grass is placed straight on the leaf plate, not folded. For living ancestors, fewer kusha are placed.

Nandi mukh shraddh | Auspicious Timing and Ritual Procedure 

  • The ideal time to perform Nandi Shraddha is in the morning.
  • During the ritual, the sacred thread should remain on the left shoulder.
  • The word Swadha and sesame seeds are not used in this ritual.

Connection to Prosperity and Auspicious Events

  • According to the Brahma Purana and Kalpataru, the word Nandi symbolizes prosperity and progress.
  • Before significant life events like Griha Pravesh (housewarming) and Vaastu Shanti, performing Nandi Shraddha ensures progress and the removal of obstacles.

Nandi mukh shraddh | Spiritual and Personal Growth

  • Nandi mukh shraddh invokes the ancestors, bringing their blessings and honoring their contributions. It reflects the family's progress and gratitude towards its lineage.
  • It is important to perform Nandi Shraddha before any auspicious work to seek the blessings and protection of ancestors and deities for uninterrupted success.

This ritual is a meaningful way to show devotion and honor the connection between ancestors and progress in life, ensuring that any auspicious event proceeds smoothly and successfully.

 

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