ANTYESHTI & SHRADDHA ( Death Rituals)

ANTYESHTI & SHRADDHA ( Death Rituals) 

(The details for performance of the ritual are based on the book “Socio Cultural and 

Religious Traditions of Kashmiri Pandits by Piyaray Raina ( Saddhak)(Search from Google) 

For the attention of Community members 

Performance of death rituals especially on the day of death as per Kashmiri Pandit 

tradition needs lot of preparatory work in collection of materials( Samgree) which 

needs lot of effort,especially in the present situation in which the community has 

been dislodged from Kashmir. Non availability of priests, or even if available, their 

high demands and lack of knowledge makes the mourners more desperate. Thus, 

despite love and affection for the departed soul one is compelle to ignore 

traditional farewell of departed soul and somehow cremate the body with 

whatever local services of the place where he/she is living. Back home in Kashmir 

we had a system of creating Mrtyu Samgree Bhandars in various localities where 

from one could collect all the materials without even making the payments at the 

time of tragedy. Even our kulguru ‐ family priest, would not accept payments on 

such occasions. He would keep a fast along with other family member till the 

corpse is cremated.The present day priests are using their meager knowledge to 

extract maximum possible benifit from the desperation of the bereaved family. 

A responsibility falls on the shoulders of senior members of community to make a 

concerted effort to preserve our traditions. They can start Mrtyu Samgri Bhandars 

and learn the recitations as given below. The recitations have been given in Sanskrit 

as well as in Roman script along with translations and directions.A careful study will 

reveal that there is not much of Sanskrit recitation in these ritual.The same 

recitations are used again and again for various acts . Efforts are on foot to make 

these recitations in audio form and will be put on this site when ready. 

Vedic thoughts about death 

As per Vedic thought human being is a combination of gross and subtle elements 

called Panchmahabhutas namely‐ 1)Aakasha‐ether, 2)Vayu‐air, 3)Aapa‐water, 

4)Agni‐heat and5)Prithvi‐ earth). They make the human body grow and perform 

various functions. The functioning of body is projected as a sort of 

sheaths(kosha),like the one that covers a sword . Thus, a human body is a 

combination of five koshas known as Panchkoshas : 

1)Annamayakosha ‐ Physical body nourished by food 

2)Pranmayakosha (Vital air sheath which controls functions of breathing ) 

3)Manomayakosha(Mind sheath responsible for functions of mind ) 

4) Vijnaanmayakosha( Intellectual sheath responsible for making decisions) 

5) Anandmayakosha ( seat of thoughts before they manifest in action ) 

These sheaths are to be understood as one residing within the other, from outer to 

inner , in the order given above . 

The physical gross body is known as Stulsharira, which comes into existence at the 

time of birth. It is this body alone which is destroyed by death due to its 

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malfunctioning. The other four koshas which are subtle, known as 

Sukshamsharira(Subtle body)are not affected by death .They simply transmigrate 

into another body and keep on doing so till that eternal soul obtains moksha – 

freedom from samsara ( acts of birth and death) 

The disposal of a dead body is also a Samskara. It is called Apara(later) Karma. 

However it is more commonly known by the name Antyeshti (Final ygnya) in which 

the dead body is offered as an oblation to Agnideva in the firepit‐homa, where the 

body disintegrates and releases these five elements to join back to their respective 

sources. The dead person immediately after death is called a Preta. It hovers 

around the place of its residence for one human year. 

At the end of one human year it finds a new body and is then called a Pitr. Thus all 

the rituals connected with Preta are called Antyeshti rituals and those rituals 

associated with Pitr are called Shraddha. All the rites performed under Antyeshti 

have been designated with the aim of transferring a Preta into a Pitr. With the 

passage of time carrying out these Antyeshti rituals over a period of one year may 

have become difficult, hence the whole samskara of one year has been compressed 

into a gauna ‐secondary form‐ of 13 days affair from the date of death. Many 

Hindus have reduced the time of mournig to just 4 days. The performance of 

monthly Masvar (monthly shraddha) Shadmos (six monthly shraddha) during preta 

stage of ancestor is a local tradition to keep up the remembrance of departed soul 

irrespective of karmic demands. As per Vedic thought, after eleventh/12th day 

shraddha no shraddha can be performed before first death anniversary. 

The disposal of dead body is done by offering it to Yamdeva ,who lives in Southern 

Quarters. Hence all oblations through a yagnya, along with other offerings such as 

black til (sessamum),barley flour etc are made facing South , yagnopavit in 

upsavena( left shoulder)position. 

The rituals connected with Antyeshti are : 

A)On the day of death 

B)Collection of Ashes from cremation place 

C) On the tenth day 

D) On eleventh day 

E) On twelfth Day 

F) Round the year Shraddhas 

G)First Annual Shraddha 

A)‐On the day of Death 

The performance of ritual on the day of death are as under: 

aa) When the person is still on the death bed 

bb) Giving a bath to the Corpse 

cc) Aarti 

dd) Pind Dan 

ee) Journey towards Cremation Ground 

ff) Yama Homa 


aa) When the person is still on the death bed 

A person is clinically dead after 6 hours of death.Following acts are to be 

performed: 

1) Anna Dana – Sufficient quantity of rice (about 10 kg or more) is placed by 

the side of dieing/dead person and if possible he/she is made to touch it as a 

snklpa. Some family member can also perform it in critical conditions. However 

if the death takes place outside home e.g. in hospital or road accident then it 

should be performed by close blood relation as soon as possible. It should be 

given to poor or placed in a nearby temple . 

2) Recite mantra in the ear ‐ The eldest son or in his absence any one should 

slowly recite some Vedic mantra such as Om Om or Guru mantra (if known) in 

the right ear of the dying person. 

3) Put Ganga Jal in mouth ‐ The eldest son or any one else in his absence 

should hold the dying person’s head in his lap and put a teaspoonful of Ganga 

water (or in its absence water consecrated by Saligram Puja) to the dying 

person. All near relatives who are present may also do so quickly. 

4) Clean the floor at the place where the corpse is to be kept, by smearing it 

with clay or with water if it is already cemented. Place grass, darbha (flower 

petals if dharba is not avaiable )and black sesamum (til) over it. Lift corps 

carefully and put it over this grass/flower bed with head in the southern 

direction. Place a lighted earthen oil lamp near the head of dead person with 

the notch of lamp facing north. 

5) Stretch out all the hands and feet of the corpse . This should be done soon 

after death as body parts get stiffened with the passage of time. 

6) Recitation of Bhagvad Gita( Chapter 2) should be carried out by the 

mourners till body is prepared to be shifted from the place . Crying soon after 

death disturbs the dead person who is still technically alive and attached to 

family members . 

bb) Giving a bath to the Corpse 

In situations when cremation of body has to be postponed , this should be 

done on the day cremation takes place.However if body is to be stored at a 

morgue or in funeral houses as is the practice in USA and Europe, then the the 

bath along with other rituals should be performed before shifting the body 

there. In special situations where body can not be brought home soon after 

death , bath may have to be postphoned for some time but in no case it should 


e cremated without a bath . That will be a great curse for the family.A bath 

soon after birth and death is one of the fundamentals of Sanatana Dharma 

Preparatory 

These and other items could be stored at Mrtyu Samgri Bhandar along with 

other items along with some of the items needed for Yamahoma ( see below): 

1) A shroud made from white cloth for covering corpse up to neck. 

This can be made from a white sheet of cloth 2mx1m. Stitch it 

from long sides and make hole in the middle of closed side 

through which head can pop out .Additional cloth about 1mx1m 

will be needed to make coverings for two arms and a cap .The 

arm coverings have to be stitched with the shroud while cap has 

to be kept separate. Cap has to be long enoughto cover whole 

face upto neck. 

2) Write Gayatri mantra with saffron in reverse order on the cap as 

given below: 

¬ r&;k npks izu% ;ks;ksf/kfge/kh L;ons 

xksHkZ .;a jsoZrqfo RlrZ Lo L; oHkqZ Hkw ¬ 

3)Two white sheets about 2 meters x 1 meter for placing below the 

body of corpse after bath and one placing over it. The upper 

sheet is dyed with saffron if the dead person was the eldest 

member of family or an aged person. 

4)A wooden platform for placing corpse over it during bath. (usually 

available from some temple or social organisation).Disposable 

bamboo platforms may also be available from market especially 

near a crematory . 

5) A bier (a wooden platform with wooden supports fixed to it both 

in front and back to enable at least 4 persons to carry the corpse 

to Shamshan bhumi on their shoulders. The platform has raised 

sides to keep the corpse in place during final journey to 

Shamshan). It is usually available from some temple or social 

organisation. At some places light ,disposal, bamboo platforms 

are used as asubstitute. 

6)A used shawl or dhoti( for ladies) to cover the bier. Ram Ram Pat/ 

Shiva Shiva Pat cloth if available 


7) Two briefs or two lengths of cloth strips (I x 3 feet) Shran 

Pat/lion cloth along with a cotton thread for tying round the 

waist( Called Aitpan) for covering private parts of body before 

and after bath. 

8) A few narrow strips of cloth cut from white sheet for tying body 

parts such as hands, feet etc. after bath. White cotton ropes( 

nadas‐ like the one used tying a pyjama)may also be used . 

9) A white cotton sock . 

10) Sufficient flowers, loose and garlands. 

11) Laya ( perchad paddy) 250 grams, small quantity of mauli, 

milk,curd,ghee,srshup(yellow mustard oil seeds)black til,pavitr( 

made from kusha grass or a metal ring),yagnopavit if dead 

person is a male),sindur or saffron for applying tilak, honey, 

cotton, a coin,dhoop 

12) Ratandeep in a thali with agarbati/krpur, Ganta and Shunk ( if 

available)for Aarti 

13) Luke warm water , sufficient to give a good bath to the corpse. 

Bathing the corpse 

The corpse is lifted from the place in the room and carried to the 

place where it is to be given a bath. It is to be placed on the wooden 

/bamboo platform with head in southern direction. Remove all the 

clothes from the body. Shirt/frock is removed by tearing it in from 

the front side as a token of grief. Cover private part of body by a new 

brief or shran pat. Bath is given with luke warm water mixed with 

milk, curd, ghee, srshup(yellow mustard oil seeds)black til. Add water 

from three kalashas i.e. Gayatri kalash, Bhairov and Astr kalash if 

yamahoma (See below)is done at the place of start. After this clean 

body once again with clean water to remove all sticking material 

from it . If dead person is a lady,then bathing should be done by 

ladies only. While giving a bath to the corpse it should be held in a 

partial sitting position or at least with the head up above ground 

level. 

During bath Gayatri mantra along withVyhrties should be recited as 

given below: 

Om Bhu,Om Bhuv,Om Svah,Om Mha,Om Jnah Om Tapah,Om Satym 


O m Bhur Bhuvh Svah Tat SaviturVrenym Bargo Devsy Dhimahi 

Deyo Yo Na Prachodeyat 

or 

Shrimat Narayn, Narayn Narayn (Jher ukjk;.k, ukjk;.k ukjk;.k) 

Keep on repeating it till the bath is over. Recitation of 16 hymns of 

Purushasuktam(see www.kpsamarpan.org ) is considered very 

auspicious with all the kriyas linked with Anteyeshti 

. 

After bath has been completed following acts have to be performed: 

1)A new brief/shran pat/ is puton to cover private parts after 

removing the wet brief/shranpat. 

2) Yagnopavit worn by males is taken out through head and a new 

one is put on his body through feet in Upseven Position.(Left 

shoulder) 

3) Nine Openings of body (both male/female) are to be closed with 

round balls of doop. These nine openings are 2 ears, 2 eyes, two 

nostrils, one mouth, front and back private openings. 

4) Put a pavitr ( a ring made from Kusha grass) or a metal ring on 

right hand anamika finger of dead person 

5) Put on sindur tilak on the forehead and tie a Mavli (Narivan) on 

the right hand arm (for men) left hand arm (for women). 

6) Place a coin in the mouth. 

7) Wrap the body with white shroud. 

8) Put on cap, but do not cover up face. This should be covered after 

performance of Arti.(see below) 

9) Rub honey on the lower part of both feet and put on cotton on it 

and then put on socks 

10) Tie hands and feet together with a pieces of cloth/nada strips 

already kept ready 

11) Place the corpse on the other wooden platform which has been 

covered with a sheet of white cloth and laid with flower petals, 

darbha and til (sesamum) 


. 

12) Cover with Ram Ram Pat/Shiva,Shiva Pat if available and then 

place cotton sheet (dyed with saffron for the old member) on top of 

the corpse. 

13) Place shawl/sari or a cloth used by dead person over the body 

and decorate it with flowers before final journey 

. 

14) An oil lamp is to be kept burning at the place of bath after the 

corpse is removed. This will be removed after the cremation is over 

cc) Aarti – Take the corpse held on wooden platform to a convenient place 

with head on the southern side where everyone can have a final look 

on the face and make floral offerings. 

Before start of Aarti ,a snkalpa is to be made. Snklpa isas follows: 

Om Tt St Brhm Adhy Tavt Tithou ( month) Mase( Shukla/ Krisna… 

Pakshe (Date as per lunar calendar)…… Tithi ( day e.g. Somvarey for 

Monday)…Vare…(Your name along with gotra‐If gotra is not known 

say amukgotre) ……Gotre………… Pitu for father/ Matu(mother) Svrg 

Praptyrthm Dupm Rtndeepm Krpurm Arpiyami 

¬ rr lr czge v| rkor………..ekls………..frfFk………..okjs……….. 

xks=s………..firq@ekrq uke lfgr LoxZ izkIr;FkZ /kwia jRunhia diZwja viZ;kfe ue% 

An Aarti with Ratandeep, in which camphor is poured regularly to 

keep the flame alive, is now to be made by recitation of Vishnu Aarti 

(Jy Narayan) and or Om Jai Jgdesh (see www.kpsamarpan.org for 

recitations). If Shnkh is available it should be blown loud and make 

Gnta ringing as is the practice in any Arti. 

dd) Pind Dan –( This tradition is common to all Hindus) 

Three Pindas (balls) are made from the barley flour which are to be 

placed on the bier at different stages of final journey of corps. At 

each stage of placing the pind on the bier a recitation is to be made. 

At the time of departure the recitation is: 

Anty Kriya Nimitlm Eshh Te Bodhh Pindh Preth Trpytu 

vUR; fØ;k fufeÙka ,Ô cks/k% fi.M% izsr% rÌ;rq 

(May this preta be satisfied with this Bodh pinda) 


The earthen lamp placed at the head of dead person along with the 

two remaining pinds has to becarried along with the body to 

Shamshan Bhumi .If thought prudent, about one kg of cooked rice 

may also be carried along with these items, for later use at 

cremation ground , or else it hastocooked at Shamshan Bhumi . 

ee) Journey Towards Cremation Ground – 

The face of the corpse is finally, closed to view by pulling cover over 

the cap . The children of family bid good bye, by showering laya 

(perched grains) on the departing soul, while others shower flowers, 

dry fruits with “Shirin” and coins .In the preparation for lifting the 

bier, the performer puts his shoulder under it on the head side of 

corpse (which is facing south) and others follow at other places of 

bier. It is carried to a little distance by the performer (Krta) who is 

then replaced by other kith and kin. 

The karta after freeing himself from the bier has to carry a willow 

basket containing burning Agnipot of Yama homa( if performed 

earlier) lighted oil lamps (which was earlier kept by the side of 

corpse and then in the compound); all the kalashas and earthen 

pots, pieces of bread left from homa and two barley pindas. He 

carries it on shoulder with his waist tied by a cloth as a mark of 

mourning. He leads the funeral procession followed by bier carries 

and then followed by relations and well wishers. During this journey 

the mourners keep on reciting 

Kshntvyom Eva Apradhh ‐Shiv Shiv Shiv Bho Shri Mahadev Shmboo 

({kUrO;kseso vijk/k fÓo fÓo fÓo Hkks A egknso ÓEHkks). 

(O Lord Shiva, please forgive the misdeeds if any, of the dead person) 

In case some transport is used for carrying the bier, the procession 

terminates after a small distance just outside the place where from 

corpse is carried and assembles again at cremation ground. Krta 

should sit by the side of bier. 

As per Kashmiri Pandit tradition, ladies do not join the funeral 

procession. They stay at home. Journey is broken before reaching 

cremation ground for a halt at a platform outside cremation ground 

(some tradition have 4 halts symbolising 4 stages of life). The corps is 

placed on this platform (called Thak Pend) with head south wards. It 

is exposed to sunlight briefly. 

Out of 2 remaining barley Pinds (balls), one pind is placed on the bier 

with the recitation of words : 


Ant Kriya Nimithm Eshh Te Mkrdhvjh Pindh Preth Trpytu 

vUR; fØ;k fufeÙk ,sÔ rs edj/ot% fi.M% izsr% rÌ;rq 

(For the sake of keeping Preta satisfied in this Antim Kriya, Mker dvjh Pinda is 

being offered). 

A clockwise round of the bier is made and then it is lifted again. 

This pinda is then offered at a platform within cremation ground. 

After placing bier on the ground for final cremation place third 

barley pinda is placed on it with the recitation: 

Anty Kriya Nimitlm Eshh Te Ym Dhut Pindh Preth Trpyuth. 

377 

¬ rr lr czge vUr; fØ;k fufeÙk ,Ô rs ;enwr fi.M% izsr% rÌ;rq 

(May this pinda satiate Yam duta) 

ff) Yama Homa (Oblations to Yama ) 

It has two parts: 

ff‐1)Homa ‐‐It involves performance of a brief yagnya . Traditionally 

it was performed at the placefrom where the corpse is carried for 

cremation .With changed situation after migration this is either not 

performed or performed at cremation ground along with chitvas 

ff‐2)Chitvas – It is an act of offering puja to the deities who reside at 

cremation grounds 

ff‐1)Homa 

Preparatory 

The following materials will be needed for Yamahoma 

1) Barley flour – ½ kg 

2) Barley grains – ½ kg 

3) One bowl (or taku) for use as Agnikund ( This has to be carried to 

shamshan –cremation ground for subsequent use if homa 

isperformed at the starting point) 

4) About 10 small earthen lamps or bowls. 

5) Earthen bowls large (8”‐10” dia) or earthen taku – 5 Nos. 

6) Earthen pitchers , large (1 x 1½ feet) ‐1 and small (6 x 8 inches) 1 

7) Walnuts – 15 

8) Ghee‐ ½ kg. 

9) Basket –1 No 15x15 inches (for carrying homa materials to 

Shamshan . If homa is performed at starting point then live agnikund 

has also to be placed in it ) 


10) Panchmewa (shrean, dry apricots, khajoor,moongphali candies 

etc.) ‐ total 

weight about 1/2 kg. 

11) Piece of dry wood – small quantity for homa( Not needed if 

homa is performed at cremation ground) 

12) Small quantities of honey, doop, kesr, sesamum, sindur, mavli, 

darbha, milk, curd, 

srshp (oil seeds). 

13) A few cakes made from barley flour 

14) Cooked rice – 1 kg. 

15) Potato fingers fried (250 gms). 

16) some coins 

17) Shruch and Shruva‐These are handles used in making offerings of 

ghee in homa. Shruch is like one spoon with a long handle ,shruva 

has two spoon like hollows with a long handle for holding ghee and 

other thing (such as a walnut) while making an offering in the 

firepot .They are usually available with priests. If not available, one 

can use two pieces of wood, by fixing cotton on it. 

Starting performance of homa 

It has five steps: 

I)Establishing Kalashs 

II)Establishing Agnimukha 

III)EstablishingAjay pot 

IV)Purifications of offerings to Yama 

V)Ahuties to homa 

I)Establishing Kalashs (Kalash Sthapna) 

Clean a small place near by 6x6feet by smearing it with clay. 

Presense of Kalash(Varunadeva‐ deity of water bodies) is considered 

essential in all homas (Yagnyas)performed on auspicious or non 

auspicious occasions. Water in a pot is placed over a diagram called 

Brahma kalash drawn with flour(See figure). In Yama homa along 

with Brhm kalash three more kalash pots are established. These are : 

i) Gayatri kalash on the southern side of Brhm kalash (i.e. right 

side). 

ii) Bairov kalash on the right hand side of Gayatri kalash. 

iii) Astr (or Indr) kalash – On the right side of Bairov kalash. 

The pots used in all these kalash’s are earthen lamps (except Bairov 

kalash where a small earthen pitcher is used). In these kalashas 

water along with vishthur or flower( Vishthur is a piece of dharba 

grass with a knot in the middle) and one walnut is put, which are 


placed on Ashtdals (eight petal lotus figure drawn with flour by 

putting flour at 8 places around a small circle and then pressing on 

flour by thumb to give it the shape of petal.). 

Five earthen lamps are placed on Aashtdals which represent 

Panchbhuhs. Lighted oil lamp kept at the head of corpse is taken out 

and placed on ashtdal in the SE (Agney kona) 

The performer sits facing east along with priest (or one who 

conducts the ritual) (see Figure ).. 

It has two steps as follows: 

a)Kalash/kumb Sthapna 

b) Kalash Puja 

a)Kalash/Kumb Sthapn (Establishing Kalash/Invoking Varunadev in a 

waterpot) (dyÓ@dwEc@o:.k iwtk) 

It is a very important anga in all homas and pujas. It is also called 

Kumb because water is held in a pot(Kumb). Varuna‐ god of water 

bodies is invoked in this puja and hence it is also called Varuna Puja 

also. Kalash is considered to be witness (Heruk = secret agent) during 

performance of a karma. 

As per tradition before Kalash puja recitations of Vedic hymns 

(Svstivachan) in praise of Vedas and other deities Ganesh, Vishnu, 

Rudra, Gayatri is carried out. Ganesh is usually invoked in the lower 


part of Kalash. At times Kumar, Lakshmi, Vishvakarma are also 

invoked at specified places in the Kalash diagram on which Kalash is 

placed A note worthy tradition among Kashmiri Pandits is the 

importance they attach to Kshterpals (also called Bhutpnch). They 

are always invoked in Kalash Puja, be it on an auspicious occasions 

like marriage , Shivratri Puja or an inauspicious occasions like 

antyeshti (death ritual). 

a‐1)Svastivachan 

Where as on auspicious occasions the recitations are long but on 

occasions like anthyesthi only few recitations are made.These are : 

i ) Omkaro Ysy Mulm Krm Pd Jthr Chhnd Vistirn Shakha Rik Ptrm, 

Sam Pushpm Yjur Uchit Plh Syat Atherva Prtishtha || 1 || 

¬ dkjks ;L; ewya Øe in tBj PNUn foLrh.kZ Ók[kk _`di=a 

lkeiq¹ia ;tqj mfpr Qy% L;kr vFkoZ% izfr¹Bk AA 1 AA 

{Vedas are like a tree (Ved Vrksh) which stands on the soil of Omkar, which is held 

firmly down below and whose branches are extending everywhere. Rigveda is its 

leaves Sam Ved flowers, Yajur Veda fruits and Athar Veda is the glory of tree.) 

ii) Yjn Chhaya Sushoto Dvijgn Mdhupair Giyte Ysy Nitym Shktih 

Sndhya Trikalm Durit Bhy Hrh Patu No Ved Vrksh || 2 || 

;KPNk;k lqÓksrks f}tx.k e/kqiS% xh;rs ;L; fuR; ÓfDr% 

lU/k;k f=dkya nqfjr Hk; gj% ikr uks osn ozdÓ% AA 2 AA 

(The yagnya is the shadow of tree, the learned ones recite frequently the sweet 

hymns. One who recites thesehymns at the three sandhyas, all his fears vanish.) 

iii) Vishvanideva Savitarduritani Parasuva 

Yadbhadram Tanna Asuva || 13 || 

foýkfu nso lfornqZfjrkuh ijklqo A;Únza rUu vklqo AA 13 AA 

(Om, All creating lord, please keep far from us all evils and let us attain whatever 

be beneficial to us.) 

iv) Bhdrm Pshyim, Prchrem Bhdrm, Bhdrm Vdem,ShrunuyamBhdrm, 

Tnno Mitra Varuna Ma Mhntam,AditihSindhuh,Prithvi Ut‐dhouh 

¬ Hknza% iÓ;se izpjse Hknza Hknza onse Jq.kq;ke Hknza% A 

rUuks fe=k o:.kk ek% egure% vkfnrhflU/kq% i`fFoh mr/kkS AA 13 AA 

(Let my eyes see all that what is good and harmonious.Let my paths be right one. 

Let me speak what is good. Letme hear what is good. Mitra and Varuna you are 

the custodian of Surya, Oceans, Earth and Heaven.) 

v) Om Tat Vishnoh Permm Padm, Sda Pashyanti Surya Diviiv 


Chkshr, Aattm Tt Vipraso Vipnyo Jagr Vamsh Smndhita Vishnor Yt 

Permm Pdm 

¬ rr fo¹.kks ije in~e lnk iÓ;fUr lw;kZ fnOo; 

pdÓj vkRe rr% foijlks foiu;ks tkXj lEufgrk fo¹.kksj ;r% ije ine AA 

(The learned one’s always worship the sacred feet of Lord Vishnu and are eager to 

have His vision in the Svrga 

Loka. We pray to Him to take seat here for our welfare and happiness.) 

. 

a‐2) Gayatri Mantra recitation (recite 3 times) 

Om Bhur Bhuvh Svh Tt Svitur Vrinym Bhrgo Devsy Dhimhi Dhiyo Yo 

Nh Prochodyat 

¬ HkwHkqZo% Lo% r~r lforqjojs.;a HkxksZ nsoL; /khefg f/k;ks ;ks u% izpksn;kr AA 

(May we mediate on that eternal god, our creator, independent reality who 

manifests through Sun propitiated by 

the highest gods, one who bestows wisdom, bliss and even lasting life; may our 

intellect be illumined by that light of god). 

a‐3) Kshtrpal invocation 

Kshtrapals are protectors of crops in the fields and are beneficial to 

mankind. There are 49 Kshtrpals who are worshiped on major 

Samskaras along with Kalash. However on other occasions only 20 

khetrpals are invoked with the recitation: 

Om Bhur Bhuvh Svah Kshetradipalye Nmh 

¬ HkwHkqZo% Lo% {ksrk`fnifr;s ue% 

While applying arga pushpam ( mixed rice and loose flowers) to 

khetrpals recite their names as under:‐ 

1) Om Drshtre Nmh (¬ nzÔVs ue%) 

2) Updrshtre Nmh (¬ minzÔVs ue%) 

3) Khyatre Nmh (¬ [;k=s ue%) 

4) Upkhyatre Nmh (¬ vi[;k=s ue%) 

5) Anukhyatre Shastre Nmh (¬ vuq[;krs ÓkL=s ue%) 

6) Shr nvte Nmh (¬ J`.ors ue%) 

7) Upshr nvte Nmh (¬ viJ.ors ue%) 

8) Ste Nmh (¬ lrs ue%) 

9) Aste Nmh (¬ vlrs ue%) 

10) Jatay Nmh (¬ tkrk; ue%) 

11) Janishymany Nmh (¬ tfu¹;ek.k; ue%) 

12) Bhutey Nmh (¬ Hkwrk; ue%) 

13) Bhvishyte Nmh (¬ HkfoÓ;rs ue%) 

14) Chkshushhe Nmh (¬ p{kqÔs ue%) 


15) Shrotray Nmh (¬ Jks=k; ue%) 

16) Mnse Nmh (¬ euls ue%) 

17) Vache Nmh (¬ okps ue%) 

18) Brhmne Nmh (¬ czge.ks ue%) 

19) Shantay Nmh (¬ ÓkUrk;s ue%) 

20) Tpse Nmh (¬ rils ue%) 

b)Kalash Puja 

i)Avahan (invocation of Kalash devta and other deities) 

It is a part of the ritual to welcome deities to be present during the 

performance of a karma to receive oblations. Two pieces of darbha 

or a flower are held in right hand and avahan recitation then starts 

as follows: 

Avahi Kalash Mndl Devtabhyoh Astrayai Gaytriyay Bhairvayay Namh 

Bhktanugrh Kark, Asmat Dyanurdhen Snnidhanum Kuru Prbhu 

(repeat 3 times) 

(vkokfg Hkxou dyÓ eaMy nsorkH;ks vLrjk; xk;=h;k; Hksjok; ue% 

Hkdrkuq&xzg dkjd vlekr n;kuq&jks/ksu lfUu/kkue dq: izHkw). 

(Oh God, you are the one who blesses devotees with anugraha 

“divine grace”. Please be merciful and remain present here). 

ii) Apo Prashana/ Aachman (Purification of water) (vkiks izÓkuk) 

This is an act by which water is symbolically purified for further use 

of Achman, washing of deities feet(Padyo) and his hands face etc. 

(Arghyam). Water held in Pranipatr (pot) is poured into the right 

hand and purified by recitation of following mantra three times and 

then put back into pranipatr for further use: 

Sham No Devirabhishtaya Apo Bhavanti Pityay Shanyorabhi Srvantu 

Nah 

Óa uks nsohfHkZ¹V; vkiks HkoUrq ihr;s Óa;ksjfHk lzoUrq u% A 

(Oh water god (Varun) you wash our sins and you have made us 

happy. Heal our body from sickness and drive away all sickness from 

us. May we use the sanctified water for drinking and sacrificial 

purposes. Shower upon us your grace through these waters) 

. 

iii) Pran Pratishtha (Bringing idols to life for Puja) (izk.k izfrzÓBk) 

This is a symbolic act by which idols of worship are made live to 

receive oblations. A small quantity of water is placed in panchpatra 


(or metal cup) which has vishthur or 2 pices of darbha or a flower in 

it for sprinkling water on kalash with the recitation: 

Ashivnoh Pranstau Te Pranm Dttan Ten Jiv. 

Mitravarunyoh Pranstau Te Pran Dttan Ten Jiv 

Brhspteh Pranstau Te Pran Dttan Ten Jiv 

vfÓouks izk.kLrkS rs izk.k rs izk.k nrka rsu tho A 

fe=ko:.k;kS izk.kLrS rs izk.k nrka rsu tho A 

czgLirs% izk.kLrkS rs izk.k nrak rsu tho AA 

(This is request to Vedic deities Ashvini, Mitra‐Varuna and Brhaspati 

to bring idols to life). 

iv) Padya( Washing deities feet) 

Washing of deity’s feet is one of the symbolic acts of puja. Water 

already purified by Apo Prashana(See ii above) mixed with 

Panchamrita, (milk, curd, honey, ghee and gur) is sprinkled over 

deity byVishthur along with recitation of following mantra: 

Gngadi Srv Tirtha byo Anitm Toym Uttmm ! 

Padyarthm Smpradasami Grhnntu Prmeshvrh 

Kalashdevtabyo Padyo Padym Smrpyami 

x›kfn loZ rhFkZH; vkuhre( rks;eqÙkee A 

ik/kkFkZa lEiznkL;kfe x`gUrq ijesJjk A 

dyÓ nsorkH;% ikn;ks ik|a leiZ;kfe A 

(I am using this sacred water from Ganges and other sacred rivers for 

washing your feet. Please accept it) 

v)Arghym (Washing deities hands and face) (v/kZ;a ) 

Water held in Pranipatr, already purified by Apo Prashana (iii above). 

Eight ingredients called Ashtang (water,milk,curd,ghee,rice,barley, 

yellow mustard oi seeds called sarshap,vishthur) is poured over 

kalash along with recitation of following mantra: 

Gnd Pushpakshtlair Yuktm Gryni Sampaditm Mya 

Grhnntv Argym Prasanashch Bhvntu Me Srvda 

Kalashdevtabyo Argyam Samarpiyamey Nmh 

xU/kiq¹ik{krS;qZDre/;Za lEikfnra e;k A 

x`ÐURo/;Za izlUukÓp HkoUrq esa loZnk A 

dyÓ nsorkH;% v/kZ;a leiZ;kfe ue% 

(Oh Gods so and so please accept offerings of Gndh (tika) flowers, aksht (unbroken 

rice) along with other ingredients for washing you face and hands, please be happy 

with me/us always.). 


vi) Aachman (Purification of deity) (nso vkpeu) 

This is an act of pouring pure water over deity to purify it of any 

sticking materials used in oblations.This type of achman is 

performed almost after every oblations. Sometimes some scents 

(and or camphor)is added to water as an aroma.Recitation of 

following words is done: 

Krpuren Sughndhn Vasitm Svad Shitlm Toym Achmanyrthm Grhnuntu 

Prmeshvrh 

. 

diZwjs.k lq?kU?ksu okflra Lokn Óhrye rks;ekpeuh;kFkZa x`guUrq ijesJoj% A 

(Oh Prmeshvr please accept this achman “purification with cold, tasty water 

scented with camphor and other scents). 

vii) Dev Snan / Abhesheikh (Bathing of deity) (nso Luku @ vfHkÓsd) 

Bathing of deity with water and other ingredients.Abesheikh (bath) 

of male deities is carried by15 ingredientsPanchdashang (ipanÓ Luku 

) along with recitation as follows: 

Asnkhyata Shstrani Ye Rudra Adi Bhumyam Teshham Shstr Yojnev 

Dhnvani Tnmsi Kalash devtabyo Panchdash Snanm Smrpyami Nmh 

vla[;krk lgL=kf.k ;s :nzk vkfn HkwH;ke A rsÔk lgL= ;kstuso /kuokfu rUefl A 

dyÓ nsorkH;% ipanÓ Luku leZi;kfe ue%) 

( There are innumerable Rudras “Rudra is one who can punish’ watching over 

me, plese keep them thousands of miles away from me. I am offering bath with 

fifteen ingredients ‘Padeties’ ). 

viii) Vastra Grhan (Putting on clothes of deity) (oLr` x`gu) 

Offer flowers to Kalash along with the recitation: 

KalashdevbyoVstrm Samarpyamii Nmh 

dyÓ nsorkH;% oL=a LejI;kfe ue% A 

(Please accept clothes with my full reverence). 

ix)Dev Anulepna (Smearing deities with tilak) (nso vuqysiuk) 

While applying tilak to Kalash recite following words: 

Srveshvr Jgt Vindya Divyasnm Susmsthita 

Gndh Grhan Devesh Divgndop Shobitm 

Kalashdevtabyo Smalbnm Gndo Nmh 

losZJoj txr oU/k fnO;klu lqlafLFkr A 

xU/k x`gk.k nsosÓ fnO;xU/kksi ÓksfHkre A 

dyÓ nsorkH;% lekyHkus xU/kks ue% A 


(Almighty god, seated on His/Her divine seat, please accept this Gndh (tika) for 

your beautification with my fullReverence) 

x)Chamer/Arti (Recitation of bajans etc) (pkej@vkjrh) 

Move Ratandeep and Doop etc held in a thali in front of kalash and 

recite: 

Kalashdevtabyo chamaram/arti samarpayami Nmh 

dyÓ nsorkH;% vkjrh;e leZi;kes ue%). 

II) Establish Agnimukha in an earthen pot . 

Place dry wood pieces in taku or similar open earthen bowl a make it 

ablaze by pouring little ghee or camphor . 

Place a little water and vishthur (or a flower ) in the pranipater pot 

( See fig above) 

Sprinkle water on fire pot from pranipatr by vishthur or flower along 

with the recitation : 




Agnideva Jivdhanm Pariklpyami Nmh 



czgLirs% izk.kLrkS rs izk.k nrak rsu tho A 

vXu;s thonku ifjdYi;kfe ue% 

(This is invocation to various vedic devas such as Asvinos,Mitra‐Varuna,and 

Brhaspati to bring Agnideva to life to receive oblations ). 

Sprinkle water from Pranitpatr, nine times on the Agni pot with 

Vshthur with following recitations: 

i) Rtmtvya Styen Perismu Hyami (_raRo;k lR;su ifjlew gîkfe) 

(for custodians of cosmic order Rita I am offering this water oblations.) 

ii) Stym Tvrtenm Perismuhyami (lR;a RorsZua ifjlewgîkfe) 

(for Custodians of truth I am offering this water oblation). 

iii) Rit Styamyam Tva Perismuhyami (_ra lR;kE;ka Rok ifjlewgîkfe) 

(for custodian of Rita and truth .....). 

iv) Ritm Tva Styen Pryukshami (_ra Rok lR;su i;qZ{kkfe) 


(For Ritm I am offering oblations without any recitations). 

v) Stym Tvrten Pryukshami (lR;a RorsZu i;qZ{kkfe) 

(For truth.....) 

vi) Rit Styabhyam Tva Pryukshami (_ra lR;kH;ka Rok i;qZ{kkfe) 

(For both Rita and Stya......) 

vii) Ritm Tva Styen Perishhinchami (_ra Rok lR;u ifjÔ×pkfe) 

(For Rita I am sprinkling the water) 

viii) Stym Tvrten Perishhinchami (lR; RorsZu ifjÔ×pkfe) 

(For Satyam I am ......). 

ix) Ritm Satyabhyam Tva Perishhinchami 

(_ra lR;kH;ka Rok ifjÔ×pkfe) 

(For Both Ritm and Satym......). 

Place pieces of darbha on all four sides of Agni pot and recite. 

Ygnsy Sntitir Asy Ygnsy Tva Snttyai Strnam 

;KL; lUrfrj vfl ;KL; Rok lUrR;S Lr`.kkfe 

(Ygnya you are eternal and you are called eternal). 

Offering Tilak and flowers to Agnipot recite the words: 

Agnye Shukarudhay Svaha Sahitay Trinetray Tejrupay 

Smalubnm Gndo Nmh, Argho Nmh Pushpm Nmh 

vXu;s Óqdk:

Put some bread, item xiii above, in an earthen bowl (taku)and place 

it on the left side of performer. Hold shruch(or a piece of wood with 

cotton fixed round it, as handle ) by right hand, place vishthur on it. 

Recite the words: 

Matuh (for mother) or Pituh (for father )Anty Kriya Nimitm 

¬ ekrq@fir% vUR; fØ;k fufera 

(For the sake of performance of last rites of mother or father). 

Put this shruch upside down along with vishthur on the pieces of 

bread kept in pot with the recitation: 

Agnye, Vayve Suryay Brhmne, Prajaptye Kushhmrshhebhy Jushhtm 

Nirvipami 

vXu;s ok;os lw;kZ; czge.ks iztkir;s dq¹ezÔsH; tq¹Va fuoZikfe 

(Oh, Agni, Vayu, Surya, Brhmn, Prajapate and Rishis, please be happy with this Pitr 

oblation). 

Next remove shruch and keep it aside. Lift vishthur from it wash it 

with water and place it on Shruva ( or a broad piece of wood ,with 

cotton fixed round it). Next put this vishthur on bread pieces by 

emptying this shruva on it. Recite the same words as above. Instead 

of last word Nirvipami (fuoZikfe) recite 

Prokshami (izks{kkfe) (Prokshami = Purification). 

Next insert a pieces of darbha in the bread cake and cut it into pieces 

for offering as oblations in homa. 

V)Ahuties( oblations) to homa 


a) Ahuties for departed soul 

b) Ahuties for deities 

a)Ahuties for departed soul. 

Offer oblations of ghee by shruva along with pieces ofbread cake as 

oblations in fire pot with following recitations: 

i) Ayushhyh Pranm Sntnu Svaha (vk;q¹;% izk.ka lUruq Lokgk) 

ii) Pranat Vyanm Sntnu Svaha (izk.kkr O;kua lUruq Lokgk) 

iii) Vyanat Apanm Sntnu Svaha (O;kukr vikua lUrq Lokgk) 

iv) Apanat Chkshu Sntnu Svaha (vikukr p{kq lUruq Lokgk) 

v) Chkshhuh Shroutrm Sntnu Svaha (p{kq% JkS=a lUruq Lokgk) 


vi) Shrotrat Vachm Sntnu Svaha (Jks=kr okpa lUruqa Lokgk) 

vii) Vachh Atmanm Sntnu Svaha (okp% vkReku lUruq Lokgk) 

viii) Atmanh Prithivim Sntnu Svaha (vkReku% i`fFkoha lUruq Lokgk) 

ix) Prithviya Antrikshm Sntnu Svaha (i`fFkO;k vUrfj{ka lUruq Lokgk) 

x) Antrikshat Divm Sntnu Svaha (vUrfj{kkr fnoa lUruq Lokgk) 

xi) Divh Svh Sntnu Svaha (fno% Lo% lUruq Lokgk) 

(These ahuties pray for the happy and full of life journey of Atma from the 

various stages in human body covering pran, vyan, apan, eyes, ears, 

speech, earth antirksh and finally to Svarga) 

. 

b) Ahutis for deities with ghee & pieces of bread as above: 

i)Ritutithyadi Bhyh Devtabhyh Svaha (_frfrFk;kfnH;a nsorkH;% 

Lokgk( offerings to deities of seasons, ) 

ii) Brhmney Svaha (czge.ks Lokgk) 

iii) Abhijite Svaha (vfHkftrs Lokgk) 

iv) Gaytrai Svaha (xk;=k;s Lokgk) 

v) Bhairvay Svaha (HkSjok;s Lokgk 

vi) Astray Svaha (vL=k; Lokgk) 

vii) Bhut Pnchkobhyo Svaha (HkwripadsH;ks Lokgk) 

viii) Om Bhulokay Svaha (¬ Hkwyksdk; Lokgk) 

ix) Om Bhuvolokay Svaha (¬ Hkqo% yksdk; Lokgk) 

x) Om Svh Lokay Svaha (¬ Lo% yksdk; Lokgk) 

xi) Om Bhur Bhuvh Svh Lokay Svaha (¬ HkqHkZo Lo% yksdk; Lokgk) 

xii) Om Ayur Ygnen Svaha (¬ vk;;ZKsu Lokgk) 

xiii) Om Prano Ygnen Svaha (¬ izk.kksKsu Lokgk) 

ivx) Om Apano Ygnen Svaha (¬ vikuksKsu Lokgk) 

xv) Om Vyano Ygnen Svaha (¬ O;kuksKsu Lokgk) 

xvi) Om Udano Ygnen Svaha (¬ mnkuksKsu Lokgk) 

xvi) Om Smano Ygnen Svaha (¬ lekuksKsu Lokgk) 

xvii) Om Chkshu Ygnen Svaha (¬ p{kqKsu Lokgk) 

xix Om Shrotrm Ygnen Svaha (¬ Jks=aKsu Lokgk) 

xx) Om Vak Ygnen Svaha (¬ okdKsu Lokgk) 

xx) Om Mno Ygnen Svaha (¬ euksKsu Lokgk) 

xxii) Om Atma Ygnen Svaha (¬ vkRekKsu Lokgk) 

xxiii) Om Brhma Ygnen Svaha (¬ czgekKsu Lokgk) 

xxiv) Om Jyotir Ygnen Svaha (¬ T;ksfrjKsu Lokgk) 

xxv)Om Svr Ygnen Svaha (¬ LojKsu Lokgk) 


xxvi) Om Prshthm Ygnen Svaha (¬ i`¹BKsu Lokgk) 

xxvii) Om Ygno Ygnen Svaha (¬ ;KksKsu Lokgk) 

At the end of this homa , sprinkle water from the three kalashs 

on the corpsebefore it is cremated. 

ff‐2) Chit‐vas Puja – Performing puja at the ground site where corpse will 

be finally cremated Chitvas are deities who reside at cremation 

grounds.No homa is to be performed for them .Following rituals 

are observed at cremation ground: 

a) Drawing chitvas diagram 

b) Puja of cremation ground deities 

c) Putting corpse on Chitta 

d) Recitation of final prayers by Karta 

e) Keeping away evil spirits 

f) Purn ahuti 

g) Closing acts 

a) Drawing of chitvas diagrams 

This involves drawing a kalash diagram ( see figure)at the place 

where the corpse is to be cremated with barley flour after the place 

has been cleaned and smeared with earth. 


In situations where it can not be drawn,such as in an electric 

crematorium , it can be drawn on a piece of cloth which can be 

placed on top of furnace( Printing of chitvas on cloth sheets in 

advance by social organizations would be a service to community) 

Wooden pegs are driven on the outer side of Chitvas Kalash as 

shown in figure to keep the corpse in position. Flowers,Tilak, Arga 

are placed on it. 

b)Puja of deities residing at cremation ground 

It is carried out as given below: 

i)Pran Prathishtha (Invocation to Agnideva)‐ This has to be done in 

case Yamahoma has been done at home, otherwise it is not needed 




Agnideva Jivdhanm Pariklpyami Nmh 



czgLirs% izk.kLrkS rs izk.k nrak rsu tho A 

vXu;s thonku ifjdYi;kfe ue% 

(This is invocation to various vedic devas such as Asvinos,Mitra‐Varuna,and 

Brhaspati to bring Agnideva to life to receive oblations ). 

ii)Gayatri Mntra (3 times) 

iii)Snklpa for Archam (puja) 

Om Tt St Brhm Adhy Tavt Tithou ( month) Mase( Shukla/ Krisna… 

Pakshe (Date as per lunar calendar)…… Tithi ( day e.g. Somvarey for 

Monday)…Vare…(Your name along with gotra‐If gotra is not known 

say amukgotre) ……Gotre………… Pitu for father/ Matu(mother) Svrg 

Praptyrthm Dupm Rtndeepm Krpurm ArpiyamiChitvas Devtanam 

Atmano Pitu (or Matu) Antykriya Nimitm Archam Ahm Karisheye Om 

Karishv 

¬ rr lr czge v| rkor………..ekls………..frfFk………..okjs……….. 

xks=s………..firq@ekrq uke lfgr LoxZ izkIr;FkZ /kwia jRunhia diZwja viZ;kfe ue% 

fprokl norkuka vkReuks firqa ekrq vUrd`;k fufera vpkv|a dfj¹; ¬ dfjÔ; 


Aiv) Asan Put 2 pieces of darbha in the Ishankon (NE Corner)and 

recite: 

Chitavas Devtabhyo Idm Asnm Nmh (fprkolk nsorkH;ks bne vklue 

ue%).offer flowers 

v) Avahan 

Chitavasa Devtabhyo Avahyami (fprkolk nsorkH;ks vkog;kfe%) offer 

flowers 

vi) Padyo 

Chitavasa Devtabhyo Padyo nmh (fprkolk nsorkH;ks ue% offer 

flowers 

vii) Arghym 

Chitavasa Devtabhyo Arghym samarpyami nmh (fprkolk nsorkH;ks v/kZ;a 

leiZ;kfe ue% Offer flowers along with arga ( wet rice) 

viii) Tilak, argya (rice) and pushp (flowers) are offered to deities. 

apply tilak, argya and flowers. end up by reciting words: 

Gndo , Arghyo , Pushpm Samarpyami Nmh 

xU/kks vxkZs iq¹ia leiZ;kfe ue% 

ix) Naivedem ‐ Cooked rice carried from home or cooked at this 

place is used as offering for Naived. Some cooked rice is taken out 

and kept in a taku separately for use later on. Rest of the cooked rice 

is placed at the base of 9 wooden pegs starting from NE Corner in 

clock wise direction along with the recitation: 

Chitvas Devtabhyh Om Nmo Naivedym Nivedyami Nmh 

fprkokl nsorkH;ks ¬ ue% uSosn;e~ uSosn;kfe ue% 

379 

x) Clothes – If any shawl is to be placed on the corpse, then sprinkle 

it with water and recite: 

Chittavas Devtabhyo Vaso Nmh 

fprkokl nsorkH;ks oklks ue% 

If no shawl is to be placed then use flowers in its place. 

xiii) Dakshina 

Place a coin along withblack til at tha place with the recitation of 

words: 

Dkshinyai Til Hirny Rjt Nishkrn Ddani 

nf{k.k;S fry&fgj.k; jtr fu¹d.kZ nnkfu 

c)Putting Corpse on Chitta 


i) Place dry wood logs over chitvas kalash figure in such a way that 

corpse can be 

placed over it. This is usually done by paid attendants at cremation 

ground in towns . 

ii) Remove corpse slowly from the bier on which it was carried from 

home and place it on 

wooden logs with head southwards. 

iii) Put more dry wood logs over the corpse so that corpse can burn 

completely by it. 

iv) Place cotton on few wooden sticks about 18” long.These are 

called ulmuks. Immerse them in ghee, ignite them and then place 

them under the wooden logs. Eldest son or who is performer of 

kriya should place this burning ulmuk below the head of corpse 

while other persons may do around the body at other places. 

v) Put the Ajayghee pot along with walnut and wooden shruk and 

shruv (if used) on top of burning corpse while reciting: 

Akutyai Tva Svaha, Ishane Kamayai Tva Svaha, Vayve Smrddhyai 

Tva Svaha, Iti Naitrte 

vkdwR;S Rok Lokgk bZÓkus dkek;S Rok Lokgk ok;os le`);S Rok Lokgk bfr uS_rs 

vi) Karta along with others should go round the burnig corpse three 

times in clockwise 

direction and at the end of it, put all ulmuks in the SE corner of 

burning chita. 

d)Recitation of Final Prayer byKarta 

i)Om Asmt Tvm Abhijatosi Tvt Ahm Jayte Punh (name of dead 

person) Asou Pita (or 

Mata) Svrgay Lokay Svaha 

(¬ vLer Roe vfHktkrksfl Ror&vg tk;rs iqu%----vklkS firk vFkok ekrk 

loxkZ; yksdk; Lokgk). 

(From whatever high region you took birth here, go back to that place again. Let 

my father/mother go to heaven). 

ii) Pitu/Matu Anty Kriya Nimitm Chitvas Devtanam Pujnm Achidrm 

Astu Om Shanti Shanti Shanti 

(firk @ ekrk vUR; fØ;k fufeÙk fprkokl nsorkuke iwtue vfNnze&vLrq A ¬ 

ÓkfUr ÓkfUr ÓkfUr). 


(O, deities of Chita, let my puja of anti kriya for my father (or mother) be free 

from any blemishes. Let there be peace, peace & peace). 

iii) Om Yo Rudro Agnou Yo Apsu Yo Aoushindhi Shhu Yo Vnsptishhu 

Yo Rudr Vishva Bhuvna Vivesh Tsmai Rudrai Nmo Astudeva 

(¬ ;ks :nzk vXukS ; vIlq ; vkSÔ/khÔq ;ks ojLifrÔq ;ks :nzks foÓok Hkqouk foosÓ 

rLeS :nzk; ueks vLrqnsok%). 

(Om, Rudra who is inAgni, Water, Planets, Herbs and in all the world, we bow to 

that Rudra). 

e) Keeping away evil spirits 

Place Agnipot and burning lamp carried from home under the 

head of burning corpse.When the corpse is almost half burnt, place 

an axe or stone towards the head of corpse. Fill Astr Kalash pot 

with water. Karta has to carry this pot in his right hand and pour a 

small but continuous stream of water around burning chita,in 

three rounds and at the end of third round he should break this 

earthen pot by striking it against the axe blade or stone (This act is 

done to keep evil spirits out of reach of the burning corpse). 

f) Purn Ahuti – Karta holding 2 pieces of darbha in his right hand facing 

corpse . 

Assemblage holding flowers in their hands recite ‐ Purn Ahuti 

hymns (Gaya mantra) 

All mourners are expected to stay for some time near by till the 

flames engulf the body completely. Non Kashmiri tradition involves 

assembling in a hall at the cremation ground where people listen 

to a religious discourse about matters‐ what after death.It is also 

time to discuss the date for the performance of choutha/rasam 

pakdi, when mourning is over . 

g) Closing acts 

i) All the people who were present during cremation wash their 

faces at a water point 

ii)Tarpan . 

Tarpan is an act of making water oblation to dead ancestors The 

performer( krta),facing south,with yagnopavit in apsavena 

position(left shoulder), holding black til in the right hand palm along 

with water and dharba or flower by the thumb and palm and lets 

water go by the side of thumb along with the recitation ( All others 

join him in this act) 


Om Tt Sat Brhm…….. Month…. Pksh……..Tithi……..Var……..Gotra. 

Asmt Pitu/Matu 

Anty Kriya Nimittm Ett Tilodkm Elt Te Udk Tarpnm 

(¬ rr lr czge ekl i{ks frFkh okjs xks=k vLer ekrk@firk vUR; fØ;k fufeÙk 

,rr fryksnsde&,rr rsmnd riZ.ke A 

Relations who join in the tarpan should modify it by reciting their 

own gotra and skip the part which describes the relation with the 

ancestor. 

iii)(Tchay Zalen) – Going round burning grass .A bundle of dry grass is 

alighted , all assembled people go round it three times without 

looking back at it in the final round 

iv) After reaching home, the oil lamp kept burning is put off. 

v) Close relations of the dead person who had not eaten so far can 

now eat freshly prepared food . 

B) Collection of Ashes and Bones. 

On an auspicious Var (day) usually Monday, Wednesday or Friday, 

soon after cremation, the ashes and bones are collected from the 

cremation ground in wide mouth earthen pitchers, which are then 

covered with lid and tied by cloth. (If it is intended to carry ashes to 

Haridvar or some other sacred place at a later date a small quantity 

of ashes / bones is placed in a box and sealed and kept in a locker in 

the cremation ground where such facilities usally exist.) 

The place where the cremation took place is cleaned of all unburned 

material, then smeared with clay and water. Flowers, dry fruits are 

placed at the spot. A silent prayers is held for the peace of departed 

soul. 

The ashes in the pitchers are carried to a place where there is swift 

water current. In Kashmir they were taken to Shadipur (16 miles 

from Srinagar) where there is a confluence of River Sind with River 

Jehlum. 


C) Tenth day Kriya 

Fixing the venue 

Tenth day kriya is performed at river bank or where there is a fresh water body 

e.g. lake, spring, pond etc. The choice of place is made before hand as relatives, 

friends etc. have to be informed so as to enable them to reach the place. It is 

performed in morning hours. It also symbolises end of mourning period. 

Kriya 

Prepratory 

1) Cooked rice 1 kg – This is prepared at kriya site. 

2) Earthen pitchers 2 Nos – one 6” x 8” and one 8” x 12” (aprox) with Taku as lids. 

3) One Thali for preparation and holding of Pindas. 

4) White and red cloth to cover above pitchers and one piece of printed cloth for use 

during head shaves (1 m x 1 m). 

5)Two small mat for sitting while performing Kriya. 

6) Six earthen lamps, one wick for lamp, match box and 50 gms of oil. 

7) Small quantities of sesamum, ghee, honey, milk, shker (sugar), gur, laja (perched 

paddy),rice for arga, chandan tika, darbha, pavtri, raw wool (black in colour), dhup, 

loose flowers and four flower garlands ‐2 large, 2 small, barley flour (half kg) some 

vegetables and a foot long twig of a tree. 

8) A barber is asked to come to site to shave the head of Karta and other sons if any. 

9) Aachor(who is to receive clothes of dead person) is informed to come to site. 

Performance of kriya 

The priest (or who acts as priest) and Krta (performer) sit facing each other on the 

bank on river, while others watch from some distance. One or twoclose relatives act 

as helpers and stay near the place where kriya takes place. Clean the place with 

water , krta places the yagnopavit in apsavena position ( left shoulder).This kriya has 

five parts as under: 

aa)Doop Deep Puja 

bb)Pind Dhan 

cc) Vpn (Shaving of head by the mourners 

dd) Invoking Preta in a human body ‐ Aachur 

ee) Reception of krta at home and bidding goodby to assemblage 

aa) Doop deep puja 


Short Cut‐Exclude item nos 8,9,11,12,15 

1)Achman is symbolic purification act. 

A small quantity of water say 1‐2 cc is sipped by individual from right 

hand palm three times along with recitation of mantra: 

Om Shm No Devir Abhishtye Apo Bhvntu Pitye Shmyor Abhi Srvntu Nh 

¬&Óauks&nsohj&vfHk¹V;s&vkiks&HkoUrq&ihr;s!&Óa;ksj&vfHk&lzoUrq-u%& 

(Oh God, may the divine waters be propitious to us for the fulfillment of desires and for 

our drinking. May gods shower on us joy and welfare). 

2)Snklp (lUdYi) ‐Solemn vow to perform a Karma. 

Recite with handful of flowers in hand: 

Om Tat Sat Brahma Adhy Tavat Tithou Adye ____(State lunar month) 

Masey _______( state Krishna or Shukla) Pakshey ______(State day of 

Paksha)Tithou ( ___ Varey (e.g.Ravivasrey for ‘Sunday’ – 

Shanshcharvasrey for ‘Saturday’) _____( state Sayam for evening Prata 

for morning Madhyam for afternoon) Kale ___ Gotrey ( gotra e.g. 

datattrey gotrey, if gotra is not known use the word Amuk,); 

ahm_____(performers name) ……… (name of person who 

died).Prthmehni, Dvitiye’hni, Triteye’hni, Chturthe’hni Pnchme’hni, 

Shhshthe’hni, Stme’hni, Ashtme’hni,Nvme’hni, Dshme’hni, karm 

karishaye. 

382 

¬&rr&lr&czá&v/;&rkor&rFkks&v|s&_____ekls&___i{ks_____frFkkS_____okjs 

_____ 

dkys___xks=s( vga_____,___(dead persons name) izFkesgfu f}rh;s·gfu 

r`rh;s·gfu prqFksZ·gfu iapes·gfu Ô¹Vs·gfu lIres·gfu v¹Ves·gfu uoes·gfu nÓes·gfu 

deZ&dfj¹;sA 

( for the sake of performing firstday, secondday,thirdday,fourthday,fifthday,sixthday, 

seventhday,eightthday,ninethday and tenthday ktiya black til is offered to (name of 

person who is dead) 

3) Aasan Shodan or Sthula Shuddhi (Cleaning the seat) (vklu Óks/ku@LFkwyk 

Ówf)) 

After cleaning the seat of worship symbolically with a darbha broom, 

a small quantily of water is placed in pranipatr along with Vishthur or 

couple of pieces of darbha. This water is first consecrated by 


ecitation of Viniyoga mantra and then, the seat for worship is 

symbolically made pure by sprinkling water over it with the help of 

Vishthur or darbha. 

i) Viniyoga (naming Rishi etc. of this mantra). 

Asy Shri Asn Shodn Mntrsy Meruprshth Rishi Sutlm Chhndh Kurmo 

Devta Asan Shodn Viniyogh 

vL; Jh vklu Óks/ku eU=L; es:i`¹V _fÔ lwrya NUn% dweksZ nsork vklu Óks/ku 

fofu;ksx% A 

(For purification of deities seat (asan) by Mantra, Meru Preshht is the sage (Rishi), 

Kurma (tortoise incarnation of Vishnu) is the presiding deity; sutla is the name of 

the metre. Deity is requested to Lake the seat) 

. 

ii) Purification of Seat 

Om Prithivyai Tvya Drita Loka Devi Tvm Vishnuna Drta 

Tvm Ch Dharaya Mam Devi Pvitrm Kuru Chasnm 

¬ izfFkO;S ARo;k /k`rkyksdk nsfo Roa fo¹.kquk /k`rk A 

Roa p /kkjk;k ekensfo ifo=a dq: pklue A 

(Om, O mother Earth, the worlds are supported by you and you are supported by 

Lord Vishnu. O goddess Prithvi support me too and purify my seat as well). 

After reciting above mantra one should salute the seat by touching 

or bowing and then sit on it. 

4) Prithvi Pujan (Worship of earth as mother) (i`fFkfo iwtu) 

While applying tilak, arghya and flowers to floor in the front, recite 

following words: 

Prim Prithiviyai Adhar Shaktyai Smalubnm 

Gandho Nmh Arghyo Nmh Pushpm Nmh 

izha i`fFkO;S vk/kkj ÓdR;S lekyHkua 

xU/kks ue% vxkZs ue% iq¹ia ue% A 

(I bow to mother Earth who is the support of Primal energy and offer my 

salutations by applying tilak, arghya and flowers). 

5) Aakash Pujan (Worship of Sky) (vkdkÓ iwtu) 

While applying tilak, arghya, and pushp (flowers) to sky symbolically 

by holding it in fingers and pointing towards sky, recite following: 

Sknd Adhar Shktyai Smalubnm Gndho Nmh Argo Nmh, Pushpm Nmh 

ldUn vk/kkj ÓdR;S lekyHkua xU/kks A ue% vxksZ ue% iq¹ia ue% A 

(To sky which is the support of Prime Energy I offer my salutations by applying 

tilak, arghya and flowers). 

6)Ganesh Pujan (Seeking blessings of Lord Ganesh) (x.ksÓ&iwtu) 


Lord Ganesh’s blessings are sought for the smooth 

performance of the karma that is intended to be performed 

by applying tilak, arghya and flowers to Him along with 

recitation of mantras. The recitation of mantra is : 

Om Shuklmber Dhrm Vishnu, Shshivrnm Chturbhujam! Prsnn 

Vdnm Dyaye Srv Vignop Shantiyai 

¬&ÓqdyakHkj/kja&fo¹.kq&ÓfÓo.kZa&&prqjHkqta&izlUu&onua&/;k;a&loZ&o?uksi&ÓkUr;S 

(I pray to Lord Ganesh, Whose clothes are white like sky itself (He is 

everywhere like God Vishnu); Who is bright and cool like the Moon; Who 

has four arms (control over four directions) and is always happy. Even 

gods for fulfillment of their desires and removal of obstacles in the 

success of their chosen karma worship Him.) 

7) Guru Puja (xq:&iwtk) ( Seeking blessings of teacher (Guru) or Brahma 

Trinity of gods Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh are the first 

guru’s of an individual. If one worships his chosen human 

guru (living or dead) then he/she is worshiped as an agent of 

trinity of gods who guides one in the right path to follow. 

While applying tilak, arghya and flower to guru one recites 


Guruh Brhma Guruh Vishnu Gurudevo Maheshvra 

Guru Sakshat Prbrhm Tsmy Shri Garve Nmh 

Gurve Nmh Prm Gurve Nmh Prmacherya Nmh 

Adh Siddhi Byo Nmh 

xq:%&czá&xq:&fo¹.kq%&xq:&nsoks&egsÓOj%&xq:%&lk{kkr&ijczâe&rLeS&Jh&xq 

:os&uexqosZ&ue%, ije&xqosZ&ue%, ijekpk;kZ&ue%,I 

vkfn&fl)H;ks&ue%&A 

(Guru is Brhma, Vishnu and Mahesh. He is Omnipresent, I bow to Him 

who is Supreme Master and source of all siddhas – right actions.) 


8) Angnyas (Assigning parts of body to Gods) (vxaU;kl) 

Nyassa is an act of mental appropriation or assigning parts of body 

to tutelary deities. Various parts of the hands and body are touched 

upon while reciting mantra assigned to that place to enhance the 

sanctity of puja by linking body and cosmos at micro and macro 

levels. It has two parts: 

a) Karnyas (touching fingers of both hands). 

b) Shdngnyas (touching various parts of body). 

a) Karnyas (djU;kl) 

While holding 2 pieces of dharba in anamika fingers( third fingers) of 

both hands with dharba turned back wards perform following actions 

along with recitations as given below: 

i) Om Angushthabyam Nmh (¬&vaxq¹BkH;ke ue%) Touching 

both Thumbs. 

ii) ‘Na’ Tarjinibyam Nmh (u&rtZuhH;ke&ue%) Touching both 

Tarjinis (first fingers) 

iii) ‘Ma’ Madhymabyam Nmh (e&e/;kH;ka&ue% Touching both 

Madyamas.( Second fingers) 

iv) ‘Shi’ Anamikabyam Nmh (fÓ&vukfedkH;ke&ue%) Touching 

both Anamica finger.(Third fingers) 

v) ‘Va’ Kanishthakabyam Nmh (o&dfu¹BdkH;ke&ue%) Touching 

both Kanisthas.( Littlle fongers) 

vi) ‘Ya’ Krtlkr Prasthabyam Nmh (;&djrydj&i`¹BkH;ke&ue%) . 

Moving both the hands in such a way that front of both 

hands move over the backs of both hands. 

b) Shhadngnyas ( (¹kM›U;kl) 

Touch parts of body as indicated below: 


i) ‘Om’ Hrdyaye Nmh (¬&ân;k;s&ue%&Touching heart with four 

fingers of both hands 

ii) ‘Na’ Shirse Svaha &û*&fÓjls&Lokgk)Touching forehead withfour 

fingers of both hands 

iii) ‘Ma’ Shikhaye Vsht (ê*&fÓ[kk;s&oÔV)Touching top of head with 

four fingers of both hands 

iv) ‘Shi’ Kvchay Hum (^fÓ&dopk;&gqe&Touching right shoulder with left 

hand and left shoulder with right hand 

v) ‘Va’ Netrabyam Nmh (o&us=sH;ka&ue) Touching both eyes with first 

and second fingers of right hand Strike left hand palm with first and 

second finger of right hand 

9) Bhu Shuddhi (Hkw&Óqf/k) 

This involves throwing black sesamum seeds (Til) around performer of 

Karma to keep away evil spirits with the recitation: 

Apasarpantu Te Bhuto Ye Bhuta Bhuvi Samsthitah 

Ye Bhuta Vigna Kartaras Te Gacchantu Shivjnaya 

viliZUr&rs&Hkwrk&;s&Hkwrk&Hkqfo&lfULFkrk 

;s&Hkwrk&fo?u&djrkjLrs&xkpUrq&fÓok>uk& 

(Those evil spirits and ghosts who are in this place and who may disturb my 

meditations let them go away by the immediate order of the Supreme Lord Shiv). 

10)Pranayam (ijk.kk;ke) 

It is yogic practice which involves regulated breathing for proper 

disposition of mind.Inhale and exhale breath 3 times 

11) Prokshana (ijks{k.kk) It involves symbolically purifying body. 


It is a symbolic act of purification of body at the start of performance 

of Karma by sprinklig water on body by Vishthur which is kept in 

Pranipatr (pot), along with recitation of 


Tirthey Sneym Tirthm Ev Smanam Bhvti Manh 

Shmso Arrushho Dhurtih Prann Mrtysy Rkshano Brhmnspti. 

rhFksZ&Lusu&rhFkZa&,o&lekuka&Hkofreku%& 

Óalks&vkj:Ôks&/kwfrZ&izk.k³&eR;ZL;&j{kk.kks&câe.kLirs& 

(Let this water have the same effect as having a bath at a holy place (Tirtha). Let it 

make me safe from any disease and save me from death). 

12) Marjana 

It is an act of purifying ones inner self by recitation of mantras only. 

No water is used. 

Recite words: 

Iti Mnantr Snamiyni Nmh 

bfr&eU=&lukuh;a&ue% 

13) Pvitri Dharna (ifo=h&/kkjuk) 

Pavitri is a ring made of dhurva grass or a metal ring such as silver or 

gold, which is worn on anamika finger during the ritual.Pavitr 

represents eight Vasu devas who are beneficial cosmic bodies. Recite 

following mantra: 

Vsoh Pvitrm Asi Shtdharm Vsunam Pvitrm Asi, Shstr Dharm, 

Aykshma Vh Prjya Smsrjami Rays Poshhen Bhula Bhvnti 

olks%&ifo=&vfl&Ór/kkja&olwuk&ifo=&vfl&lgL=&/kkje& 

v;{keko%&izt;k&fiz;k&lal`tkfe&jk;LiksÔs.k&cgqyk&HkoUrh&A 


(Oh, Vasus, make us pure. may this pavitri remove our hundred impurities, which 

may further remove thousand impurities. May we be free from all ailments and 

may our progeny be large and happy). 

14) Anulepna (vuqysiuk 

This involves applying tilak paste on performers forehead 

and to others who are present and to objects of puja. 

Applying tilak (a paste made by rubbing chandan and saffron on a 

stone) is an important part of ritual.Tilak along with arghya and 

flowers is applied to: 

i) self during puja 

ii) to deep, 

iii) to dup or agarbati 

iv) to Sun and other deities. 

v) to krta 

The recitation of mantras for these are as follows: 

i)Self 

Parmatmne Purushhotmaye, Pnch Bhutatmkay Vishvatmne, Mntr 

Nathay, Atmne, 

Naraynay, Adhar Shktyai, Smalubnm Gndho Nmh, Argo Nmh, 

Pushpam Nmh. 

ijekReus&iq:ÔksÙkek;&iap&Hkwrkredk;&foÓokreus&eU=&ukFk;&vkReus& 

ukjk;.kk;&vk/kkj&ÓdR;S&lekyHkua&xU/kks&ue%&vxksZ&ue%&iq¹ia&ue%&A 

(I am applying tilak along with argha and flowers with due reverence to Vishnu 

who is known by various epithets such as Parmatma, Purushotma, Pnch 

Bhutatmka, Vishvatmn, Mntrnath, Atma, Narayna, Adhar Shakti (primordial 

energy) etc). 

ii) Applying Tilak arghya & flowers to Deep 


Sv Prakasho Mha Diph, Srvtstimiraph Prasid Mm Govind Dipaym 

Priklpita. 

Lo&izdkÓks&egk&nhi%&loZrfLrfejkig%&izlhn&ee&xksfoUn&nhiks;a&ifjdfYirk&A 

(O Govind, you are self luminous, a great source of light, remover of all darkness, 

be pleased with me and enlighten me). 

iii) Apply Tilak to Dup Agarbati along with arghya and flowers 

Vnspati Rso Divyo Gndhadya Gndhvt Tmh Adhar Sktyai Srv Devanam 

Dupo Nmh Argo Nmh Pushpm Nmh 

ouLifr&jlks&fnO;ks&xU/k

(May the mantra be efficacious in all respects, may your enemy loose their 

intelligence, may your friends grow in stature, may you have three gifts of long life, 

freedom from illness and enjoyment of life; may you live for one hundred autumns.) 

15) Dhup Deeip Snklp Siddhi Prarthna (/kwi&nhi&ladYi&flf)&izkFkZuk) (prayer for 

success in sankalpa) 

At the end of Dup Deep, a request is made to deity for the success of 

Snklpa taken at the beginning of puja. Water from Pranipatr along 

with Vishthur and arghya , held by left hand ,is poured on the fingers 

of right hand, held over nirmal pot along with recitation: 

Ytrasti Mata, Na Pita, Nm Bnduh, Bratapi Na Ytr Suht Jnsh Ch Na 

Jnayte YtrDinm Na Ratre, Ttratvm Dipm Shrnm Prphye, Atmne 

Naraynay Adhar Shktyai Dip Dup Snklpat Siddhir Astu, Dipo Nmh, 

Dhupo Nmh 

;=kfLr&ekrk&u&firk&u&cU/kq%&Hkzkrkfi&u&;=&lqgr&tUÓp&u&Kk;rs&;=&fnua&u&jk 

=a&r=kre&nhia&Ój.ka&izig;s&vkReus&ukjk;.kk;&vk/kkj&Ófä;S& 

nhi&/kwi&ladYikr&lf)j&vLrq&nhi%&ue%&/kwiks%&ue%&A 

( I do not have the knowledge of my father, mother, brother or friend and even I 

am not aware of the conditions of day and night i.e. when I am deep in meditation, 

then I take refuge under the light of Dipa (Luminous light) which is actually 

luminious light of Narayana‐ who is Adhar Shakti “Primordial Energy”. May my 

Snklpa “resolution” of DupDip Puja be propitious). 

bb)Pind dan 

Two types of Pindas are offered : 

I) Pind dan with rice pindas 

II) Pind dan with barley pindas 

I) Pind dan with rice pindas: 

1) Preparing place for Pinddan (Yagnopavit‐Upseven) 

A small place between the two persons (as stated above) is to be 

cleaned with water andsmeared with loose earth. It is to be covered 

with darbha (or green turf grass) on it. 

While sprinkling water over the place, kriya starts with the following 

recitation: 


Pitrm Svamium Dshahsu Ett Te’Vnejnm 

(firja&Lokfeua nÓkglq ,rr rs·oustue). 

(O the deity of 10 days kriya please take proper care of the Pitr). 

2) Offering pindas on 10 lap journey 

Cooked rice is taken out of the utensil in which it was cooked and 

placed in a thali.This cooked rice is mixed with sesamum, ghee, 

honey, milk.It is used for making 10Pindas (rice balls) each about 150 

grams. Karta places his left knee touching ground and places these 

10 Pindas one by one on the darbha in 2 lines from south to north, 

starting from south as per recitations and instruction given below: 

i) First Pinda – lift with right hand and cover it with left hand. 

Place it on ground with following recitations: 

OM Tt St BrhmAdhy Tavt……. Month/Paksh/date/day/gotra…… 

Pitrm/Matrm (father or mother which ever is applicable) 

Dsahh Su “Prthme’hni” Eshh Te “Pindh” Aph 

Upsprshy (put little water over Pinda). 

(rr lr czge v|; rkor ……ekl@i{k@ 

frfFk@okj@xks=k-……firja@ekrja nÓkg% lq ^îzFkes·gfu** ,Ô rs fiUMvki% 

miLi`¹V). 

(On this day of year fortnight date day I (name of performer) of ….. gotra am 

offering pinddhan along with water on the first lap of 10 laps journey) 

. 

Similarly for nine other Pindas substitute the words 

“Prthme’hni” (izFkes·gfu) with the words 

ii) Dvitiye’hni (f}rh;s·gfu) for 2nd Pinda 

iii) Tritiye’hni (r`rh;s·gfu) for 3rd Pinda 

iv) Chturthe’hni (prqFkZs·gfu) for 4th Pinda 

v) Pnchme’hni (iapes·gfu) for 5th Pinda 

vi) Shhshthe’hni (Ô¹Bs·gfu) for 6th Pinda 

vii) Sptme’hni (lIres·gfu) for 7th Pinda 

viii) Ashtme’hni (v¹Ves·gfu) for 8th Pinda 

ix) Nvme’hni (uoes·gfu) for 9th Pinda 

x) Dshme’hni (nÓes·gfu) for 10th Pinda. 


3) Pind Puja ‐ Next Karta places wool, caps of cooked rice, tilak, arg 

and flowers on these pindas along recitations as given below: (After 

each action the karta has to wash hands with water). 

i) Putting wool over Pindas recite: Ett Te Urn Vash 

(,rr rs Å.kokl%). 

ii) Putting caps recite: Ett Te Virannm (,rr rs ohjkUua). 

iii) Applying chandan tika recite: Ett Te Gndoo (,rr rs xUns). 

iv) Apply flowers, dhoop, arga – use words Pushpm (flowers) 

Dhoopm (Dhup) and Arghym (arga) in above. 

v) Place vegetables by the side. Use words Baksh Bojy Bali (Hk{k 

Hkkst cfy). 

vi) Putting water (Achman) use the words Achmaniym (vkpeuh;a). 

vii) Pouring water over Pindas through right hand (Pitr Tirth) 

recite: 

Et Te Himpanm Ett Te Khirpanm Ett Te Mdhupanm Ett Te Tilodkm 

Udk Trpnm 

,rr rs fgeikua ,rrs [khjikua ,rrrs e|qikua ,rr rs fryksnda mnd riZÔe% 

viii) Place some more flowers on Pindas. 

4) Immersion of pindas in River 

i) Left 1st Pinda, place it in the thali and then throw it in the 

running water with the recitation : – Om Tt St Brhm Adhy 

TavtTithou Adhye ……. Month/Paksh/date/day/gotra…… 

Pitrm/Matrm (father or mother which ever is applicable) 

Prthme’hni Sushuddh Prkrti Shrir Sadnay Gnga Pravahe Aym 

Pindstu Purk 

¬&rr&lr&czá&v/;&rkor&rFkks&v|s …....i`Fkes·gfu lqÓq) izd`fr&Ójhja & 

lk/kuk; xaxk izokgs&v;a fi.MLrq iwjd). 

(I am placing this Pinda on…. Date in Ganga for obtaining pure body for the 

preta.) 

Next place some sesamum and water in Thali and throw it in the 

river as an act of tarpan with the recitation 

Pitah/Matah Prthme’hni Titodkm Kumb (firk@ekr izFkes·gfu fryksnda 

dqEHka%). 

Repeat above by holding water from river in cupped hands along 

with sesamum and drop it slowly back into river with the 

recitation 


Pitah or Matah Prthme’hni Tilodkanjlih (firk@ekr% izFkes·gfu 

fryksndaktfy%). 

ii) Repeat above for the next 9 pindas using the appropriate 

words as shown above for 2nd to 10th Pinda. 

5) Pret Kumb ‐ Joining of Preta with Yamadoot. 

It is carried out in the following manner: 

i) Invoking Preta in pitcher and Yma in earthen plate. 

Place some water, darbha, milk,Vishthur in earthen pitcher 

(which represent 

Preta) and also in an earthen plate (which represents Yama) and 

recite: 

Shamshananl Dgdhosi Parityktosi Bandhvaih Idm Kshurm Idm 

Nirm Dshah Su Pret ! Atrsnahi Aph Piv 

(ÓeÓkukuy nX/kksfl ifjRDrksfl ckU/koS bna {khja bna uhja nÓkg% lq izsr 

v=Lukfg&vki% fio). 

(Oh Preta move out of Shamshan and accept this milk and water from your 

dear ones). 

ii)Place some honey in the pitcher and then in plate and recite: 

For Pret (in pitcher ) Dshah Su Mdhtidhled (iszr nÓkg% lq e/kqyh

Pret Ymdut Dshah Su Gur, Shrkr, Phlmulooli Bhunkshv 

(iszr& ;e/kwr& nÓkg%& lq &xqM& ÓdZj& Qyewykfn& Hkq{¡o). 

vii) Place plate over pitcher and cover this plate with another 

plate upside down., so as to make the pitcher and plates as one 

object. Apply kesr, tilak and recite: 

Preta Ymdutou Eshh Vam Gndh (iszr% ;enwr ,Ô oka v/ka). 

viii)Apply arga and recite: 

Preta Ymdutou Eshh Vam Gndh Arga (iszr% ;enwr ,Ô oka v/kZ). 

ix)Apply flowers and recite 

Preta Ymdutou Eshh Vam Gndh Pushpm (iszr% ;enwr ,Ô oka iq¹ia). 

x)While showing dhup symbolically and recite: 

Preta Ymdutou Eshh Vam Gndh Duph (iszr% ;enwr ,Ô oka /kwi). 

Show deep to the pot and recite: 

Preta Ymdutou Eshh Vam Gndh Diph (iszr% ;enwr ,Ô oka nhi). 

385 

xi) Place white cloth on ground and then put red cloth over it and 

tie both together around the pitcher and plates with cover and 

recite: 

Ett Vam Vash (,srr% oka okl). 

xii) Put flower garland around this pitcher and plate covered 

with cloth and recite: 

Ett Vam Malym (,rr oka eky;a). 

xiii) Tie one twig to pitcher/pot combination and recite: 

Ett Vam Dndm (,rr oka n.Me). 

ivx) Put Yagnopavit aroud pitcher and recite: 

Nmh Pitr Bhyh Pretebyo Ymay Jatvedse Shhtrisht 

. 

(ue% fi= Hk; fi=H;ks izrHk;ks ;ek;s tkrosnL; fÔzÓr). 

6) Brhmn Bhojn 

Draw a square/rectangle with flour oh ground in front of krta. 

Place a taku( erthen plate) in it along with a small cup called 

Pranit patr. Put some water and a vishthur/ two pieces of 


dharba/or just a flower in pranitpatr. Sprinkle water from 

pranitpatr on taku and recite: 

a) Brhmn devtabhyo Jivdanam Pariklpyami Nmh 

thonku ifjdYi;kfe ue% ( Bramn Devta please be present to receive 

oblations). 

b)Snklp / Archam – 


Om Tat Sat Brahma Adhy Tavat Tithou Adye ____(State lunar 

month) Masey _______( state Krishna or Shukla) Pakshey 

______(State day of Paksha)Tithou ( ___ Varey (e.g.Ravivasrey 

for ‘Sunday’ –Shanshcharvasrey for ‘Saturday’) PrataKale ___ 

Gotrey ( gotra e.g. datattrey gotrey, if gotra is not known use the 

word Amuk,); ahm_____( performers name) Pind dan Karm 

Karishye 

Brahman Pujnm Archamhe Krishye Om Kurushv 

¬&rr&lr&czá&v/;&rkor&rFkks&v|s&_____ekls&___i{ks_____frFkkS_ 

____okjs_____ 

dkys___xks=s( vga_____ czguea Hkkst;kfe deZ&dfj¹;sAczgku iqtu vkjpegs 

djhÔ; ¬ dqjqÔ A 

c)Aasan ‐ Put 2 pieces of darbha (or flowers) in the above square. 

Recite: 

Pith Ett Te Asnm (fir% ,rr rs vklua).( please be seated) 

d ) Invitation to Brahman for Bhojan. Recite 

Pith Ett Te Brhmnam Tvam Bhojyami. 

(fir% ,rr rs czguea roea Hkkst;kfe). 

e) Padym (Washing feet with water). Put a small quantity of 

water over plate and recite: – 

Ett Te Padyarthm Udkm Nmh (,rr rs ik|kFkZeqnd ue%). 

f) Put laja, tilak, milk, curd, rice, barley in Pranitpatr. Sprinkle 

water with vishthur from it it in the square. Recite: 

i) (Gndh) Pith/Mata Chturthe’hni Eshh Te Gndh (fir%@ekr 

prqFksZ*gfu ,Ô rs xU/k%). 


ii) (Arga) Pith/Mata Chturthe’hni Eshh Te Argh (fir%@ekr 

prqFksZ*gfu ,Ô rs v/kZ%). 

i) (Pushp) (Flowers) Pith/Mata Chturthe’hni Eshh Te Pushpm 

(fir%@ekr prqFksZ*gfu ,Ô rs iq¹ia%). 

iv) (Dip) Pith/Mata Chturthe’hni Eshh TeDiph (fir%@ekr 

prqFksZ*gfu ,Ô rs nhi%). 

v) (Dup) Pith/Mata Chturthe’hni Eshh Te Doopah (fir%@ekr 

prqFksZ*gfu ,Ô rs /kwi%). 

vi) (Vas (cloths)) Pith/Mata Chturthe’hni Eshh TeVash 

(fir%@ekr prqFksZ*gfu ,Ô rs okl%). 

vii) Put some barley flour in the thali along with milk, 

honey, ghee, and recite: Pite Et Te Annm (firs ,rr rs vUu%). 

viii) Put some flour in the plate kept inside the square. 

Recite: Adhy Dine Pith (v| fnus fir%) (Ett Tt Aposhmm) (,rrs 

vkiksÓkue%). 

II) Pind Dan with barley flour 

1) Placing pindas on floor ‐ The barley flour left after 

Brhmn Bhojn is used for making 4 Pindas. While placing 

them on darbha in the square or rectanglealready drawn on 

floor with lime or flour, recite: 

Jitm Te Pundrikash Nmste Vishvbhavn Nmste’stuHrshikesh 

Mhapursha Prvuj 

ftra rs iq.Mjhdk{k ueLrs foÓoHkkou uLrs·lrq âÔhdsÓ egkiq:Ô iwoZt) 

2) Snklp (lUdYi) Solemn vow to perform a Karma. 


42 | Visit www.kpsamarpan.org 

Om Tat Sat Brahma Adhy Tavat Tithou Adye ____(State 

lunar month) Masey _______( state Krishna or Shukla) 

Pakshey ______(State day of Paksha)Tithou ( ___ Varey 

(e.g.Ravivasrey for ‘Sunday’ –Shanshcharvasrey for 

‘Saturday’) _____( state Sayam for evening Prata for 

morning Madhyam for afternoon) Kale ___ Gotrey ( gotra 

e.g. datattrey gotrey, if gotra is not known use the word 

Amuk,); ahm_____( performers name) Pind dan Karm 

Karishye Pita Eshh Te Pindh 

¬&rr&lr&czá&v/;&rkor&rFkks&v|s&_____ekls&___i{ks_____f 

rFkkS_____okjs_____

dkys___xks=s( vga_____ deZ&dfj¹;sA fir% ,Ô rs fi.M%) 

. 

3) Puja ‐ Place water, wool, arga, dup dip, vegetables 

(Phlmul), til, honey etc. over these pindas as was done during 

cooked rice Pind dan and recite same words 

cc) Vpn (Shaving of head by the mourners: 

Put water in the cupped hand and recite: 

Atmnh Shuddhi Kamste Pitu/Matu Vaikunbh Hetve Vpnm 

Karyishyami 

vkReu Óqf)dkekLrq fir%@ekr% oSdq.B gsros oiua dkjf;¹;kfe 

(For the sake of purification of myself and assuring place in heaven for my 

father/mother I am undertakin head shave). 

Next the barber should shave the head of Krta and other sons. 

IV)Immersion of Kumb in the river water – 

Next the Krta should have a dip in the river water with yagnopavit in 

svena. 

After bath he should change Yagnopavit in upseva position 

(Yognopavit in left shoulder), place a vishthur /two pieces of 

dharba/or flower petals on the top of his right shoulder over which 

he should then hold Pret Kumbe (see item 4 above) and recite: 

If Preta is father: 

Idm Purushh Shardul Vimlm Divym Ultmm Pret Lokeshhu Paniym 

Mdttmuptishthtu 

bna iq:Ô ÓknwyZ foeya fnO;a mÙkee izsr yksdsÔq ikuh;a eqÙke mifr¹Br). 

Push back this pot into the running water without looking at it. 

If Preta is mother 

Substitue the words “Idm Purushh Shardul” (bna iq:Ô ÓknwyZ) with Idm 

Svditi Klyani 

(bna Lofnfr dY;kf.k). 

387 

After this the Karta with put yagnopavit in Svena position should 

have another bath for purification in river.( If it is not possible to 

have bath in river, one can take this bath under a tap or with a 

bucket of water) 

Next he will put on new clothes with cap or towel covering his head. 

The performing priest should put a tilak on his forehead. 


dd) Invoking Preta in a human body ‐ Aachur – 

There is practice among Kashmiri Pandits to invoke Preta in a human 

body on this day. A brahman traditionally called Achur (or Panyuch) 

is invited to be present at river bank for this act. He is symbolically 

received by Karta.He washes his feet with water. He is smeared with 

tilak, offered a glass of milk with all dry fruits in it and then at the 

end presented with the clothes of the dead person tocarry home for 

himself (or his wife if the dead person was a lady). Besides the 

clothes the package contains essentials of living such as some cash, 

chapels or shoes, mirror, knife, needle, thread, soap, comb, dry 

fruits, a walking stick, kangri and even cigarettes with matches or 

snuf .Achur is then requested to leave. 

While he leaves some one from the audience throws a small stone 

at his back (this symbolises to keep him away from such happenings 

in the family in future) After this all leave the place and reassemble 

at home. 

ee) Reception of krta at home and bidding goodby to assemblage 

When karta reaches home, some one from family will perform 

hisAalat(Welcome) ) (vkyr) 

A small quantity of water is held in the palm of left hand along with 

few grains of rice. It is then rotated in clockwise direction three 

times over the head of person . Rice is then picked up by the 

tarjani finger and angusth of right hand and thrown away over the 

left shoulder of performer. Following recitation is made: 

Grhnntu Bhgvt Bhkta Bhutah Prasad Brhmnh Pnch Bhutash 

Ch Ye Bhutastesham Anuchrashchye, Te Trpyntu Voushht 

x`g.kUrq Hkxor&HkDrk Hkwrk% izlkn czgeu% iUpHkwrkÓ 

p ;s Hkwrk LrsÔke vuqpjkÓp;s rs rÌ;Urq okSÔV A 

(Oh, God, please accept the offerings of your devout and be satisfied with it). 

An thin iron rod (salay) and stone pestle has already been placed at 

the door. Krtahas to push the iron rod inside door with right foot and 

pestle out side door with left foot. 

After this he has to come out of home and move between the 

standing mourners on both sideswithout talking to anyone and then 

come back. The mourners then disperse. This ends the mourming 

period by thefamily. (In the changed situations this part of the ritual 

is now performed at river bank itself to enable participants to leave 

for their homes). Tenth day function symbolises the end of 

mourning. 


D) Eleventh day Kriya/Shraddha 

The first Gauna Shraddha is performed on the eleventh day. 

It is an elaborate ritual involving day long activities. A number of Brahmins are 

invited to recite Bhagwad Gita and other ceremonial hymns. Brahmins from 

the families of married daughters were also requested to join. At the end of 

the ritual all Brahmins are offered a delicious food along with dakshina(cash). 

Preparatory 

1) The place where the ritual is going to be performed should be large enough 

to have sufficient place for establishing Kalash, Agnikund, sitting place for 

invited Brahmins and other family members. 

2) The place should have a cover and good ventilation for smoke to escape. 

3) A part of the place should be cleaned smeared with cow dung or earth for 

kriya ritual, other part should be laid with flooring for sitting during kriya. A 

mat should be placed for Karta and officiating priest near the cleaned up area. 

388 

Material needed (for 11 & 12th day) 

1) Kalash pot – 1 number 

2) Earthen plates (taku) – 5 

3) Earthen lamp – 1 number 

4) Bricks for preparing Agnikund – 16 

5) Mats for sitting. 

6) Barley grains – 3 kg 

7) Sesamum (black) – ½ kg 

8) Shker (yellow sugar) – 1 kg 

9) Walnuts – 100 

10) Almonds – ½ kg 

11) Nilophr – ½ kg 

12) Khjur (dried dates)– ½ kg 

13) Nabad( Sugar crystals) – ½ kg 

14) Coconut (dry) ½ kg 

15) Kntgun (Bgol) –250 grams 

16) Dhoop 1 pkt 

17) Knd (Sugar Candy) 3 numbers 

18) Cloth to cover Kalash 

19) Yagnopavit – 1 number 

20) Darbha or garden grass 

21) Rice in a taku for zung 

22) Rice for arghya – 50 grams 

23) Oil, cotton wick for oil lamp 

24) Pvitr or gold ring 

25) Honey – 50 grms 

26) Shriphl – 3 numbers 

27) Havan Samgri – 1 pkt 


28) Dry Wood – 10 kg 

29) Ganga Jal‐ Small quantity 

30) Milk – 250 grams 

31) Curd – 250 grams 

32) Krphur (Camphor) 1 pkt 

33) Safron – 1 gram 

Kriya – The kriya gven below is the one which needs professional priests . Parts 

of this kriya are common in other non Kashmiri traditions as well.This Kriya has 

six Parts: 

aa) Kalash Sthapna 

bb) Gayatri‐Vyahrties home 

cc) Vaishvadev Bali 

dd) Shraddha 

aa)Kalash Sthapna: (dyÓ@dwEc@o:.k iwtk) 

It is a very important anga in all homas and pujas. It is also called 

Kumb because water is held in a pot(Kumb). Varuna‐ god of water 

bodies, is invoked in this puja and hence it is also called Varuna Puja 

also. Kalash is considered to be witness (Heruk = secret agent) during 

performance of a karma. 

As per Kashmiri tradition before Kalash puja recitations of Vedic 

hymns (Svstivachan) in praise of Vedas and other deities Ganesh, 

Vishnu, Rudra, Gayatri is carried out. Ganesh is usually invoked in the 

lower part of Kalash* At times Kumar, Lakshmi, Vishvakarma are 

also invoked at specified places in 

the Kalash diagram on which Kalash is placed (see diagram). 

A note worthy tradition among Kashmiri Pandits is the importance 

they attach to Kshterpals (also called Bhutpnch). Thye are always 

invoked in Kalash Puja, be it on an auspicious occasions like marriage 

or Shivratri Puja or an inauspicious occasions like antyeshti (death 

ritual). 

* In other traditions Lord Ganesh is invoked separately at the beginning of ritual. 

Preparatory (see Diagram ) 

i) Draw Kalash diagram in the NE corner (called Ishan Kon). There are 

two types of diagram both having an eight petalled lotus in the 

central part called Ashtdal on which Kalash pot isplace. The two 

variants of Kalash diagrams are: 

a) Inder Kalash (see diagram alongwith). 

b) Brhm Kalash (see diagram alongwith). 

Inder Kalash is used on auspicious occasions while Brhm Kalash is 

used on inauspicious occasions. 

ii) An oil lamp (deep) and 2 small bowls (representing Kshterpals) are 

placed in the SE corner (called Agney Kon) see Figure. 


iii) Performer sits facing East, while priest (if available) sits by his side 

facing North. 

iv) Put water and walnuts in the Kalash pot and place it on Ashtdal 

with due reverence and draw Swastika daigram on the pot with 

sindur. 

v) Put a bowl or a plate filled with rice over Kalash pot. 

vi) Cover Kalash with printed cloth (About one sq. meter). 

a) Svastivachan 

There are about 60 hymns which are recited on auspicious or 

inauspicious occasions . The most common are about 15 as given 

below: 

1 ) Omkaro Ysy Mulm Krm Pd Jthr Chhnd Vistirn Shakha Rik Ptrm, 

Sam Pushpm Yjur Uchit Plh Syat Atherva Prtishtha || 1 || 

¬ dkjks ;L; ewya Øe in tBj PNUn foLrh.kZ Ók[kk _`di=a 

lkeiq¹ia ;tqj mfpr Qy% L;kr vFkoZ% izfr¹Bk AA 1 AA 

{Vedas are like a tree (Ved Vrksh) which stands on the soil of Omkar, which is held 

firmly down below and whose branches are extending everywhere. Rigveda is its 

leaves Sam Ved flowers, Yajur Veda fruits and Athar Veda is the glory of tree.) 

2) Yjn Chhaya Sushoto Dvijgn Mdhupair Giyte Ysy Nitym Shktih 

Sndhya Trikalm Durit Bhy Hrh Patu No Ved Vrksh || 2 || 

;KPNk;k lqÓksrks f}tx.k e/kqiS% xh;rs ;L; fuR; ÓfDr% 

lU/k;k f=dkya nqfjr Hk; gj% ikr uks osn ozdÓ% AA 2 AA 

(The yagnya is the shadow of tree, the learned ones recite frequently the sweet 

hymns. One who recites these hymns at the three sandhyas, all his fears vanish.) 

*3) Svasti No Mimitamshivna Bhgh Svasti Devyditirn Vrnh 

Svsti Pushha Asro Ddhatu Nh Svasti Dyavaprthivi Suchetuna || 3 || 

LofLr uks feehrkefÓouk Hkx% LofLr nsO;fnfrjuoZ.k% 

LofLr iwÔk vlqjks n?kkrq u% LofLr |koki`fFkoh lqpsrquk AA 3 AA 

*4) Svastye Vayumup Brvamhai Somm Svasti Bhuvnay Ysptih 

Brhsptim Srvgnm Svastye Svsty Adityayo Bhvntu Nh || 4 || 

LofLr;s ok;qeqi czokegS lksea LofLr HkqouL; ;Lifr% 

czgLifra loZx.ka LoLr;s LofLr vkfnR;k;ks HkoUrq u% AA 4 AA 


281 

*5) Visvedeva No Adya Svastaye Vashvanaro Vasuragnih Svastaye 

Deva Avantvrbhavah Svastaye Svasti No Rudrah Patvamhasah || 5 | 

| 

foÓos nsokuks v|k LoLr;s oSÓokujks olqjfXu% LoLr;s 

nsok voURo`Hko% LoLr;s LofLr uks :nz% ikRoagl% AA 5 AA 

*6) Svasti Mitra Varuna Svasti Pathye Revati 

Svasti Na Indrashchagnish Ch Svasti No Adite Krdhi || 6 | 

| 

LofLr fe=ko:.kk LofLr iF;s jsofr 

LofLr u bUnz ÓpifXuÓp LofLr uks vfnrs d`f/k AA 6 AA 

*7) Svasti Panthamanu Charema Surya Chandram Saviv 

Punar Daddta’ghnta Janta Sm Gamemahi || 7 || 


LofLr iUFkkeuq pjes lw;kZpUnzelkfoo 

iqunZnrk·/urk tkurk la xesefg AA 7 AA 

*8) Aum Svasti Na Indro Vrddhashravah Svasti Nah Pushha 

Vishvavedah Svasti Nastarksyo Arishhtanemih Svasti No 

Brhaspatirdadhatu || 8 | 

| 

¬ LofLr u bUnzks o`)Jok% LofLr u% iwÔk fo¶oosnk% A 

LofLr uLrk{;ksZ vfj¹Vusfe% LofLr uks c`gLifrnZ/kkrq AA 8 AA 

*) Translation of hymns 3‐8 

These are prayers offered to various Vedic Gods such as Indra, Ashvani Mitra , 

Varun, Vaishvanaro, Vasus, Agni, Rudra, Reviti, Pushna Dyayoprithvi, Vishvadevas, 

Brahaspati etc. 

9) Payah Prthivyam Paya Ohhsadhishhu Payo Divyantarikse 

Payo Dhah Payasvatih Pradishah Santu Mahyam || 9 || 

i;% i`fFkO;ka i; vksÔ/khÔq i;ks fnO;Urfj{ks 

i;ks /kk% i;Lorh% izfnÓ% lUrq eáe~ AA 9 AA 

( May the herbs of three lokas‐ Prithvi, Dyouh and Antariksh be beneficial to us.) 

10) Vishhno Raratamasi Vishhnoh Shnaptre Stho Vishhnoh Syuurasi 

Vishhnordhuvo’ si Vaishhnavamasi Vishhnave Tva || 10 || 

282 

fo¹.kks jjkVefl fo¹.kks% ÔuI=s LFkks fo¹.kks L;wjfl 

fo¹.kks/kqZoks·fl oS¹.koefl fo¹.kos Rok AA 10 AA 

(Oh Vishnu, you are omnipresent (Vishnve), mighty (Rratm) son of Shni Dev, Surya 

and Dua.) 

11) Agnirdevta Vato Devata Suryo Devata Candrama Devata 

Vasavo Devata Rudra Devataditya Devata Maruto Devata 

Vishvedeva Devata Brhaspatirdevatendro Devata Varuno Devata | 

vfXunsork okrks nsork lw;ksZ nsork pUnzek nsork 

oloks nsork :nzk nsorkfnR;k nsork e:rks nsork foÔosnsok nsork 

c`gLifrnsZorsUnzks nsork o:.kks nsork AA 11 AA 

(It is an invocation of Vedic gods such as Agni, Vato, Surya, Chandrma, Vasvo, 

Rudra, Aditya, Maruta, Vishvedeva, Brahspati, Inder and Varun.) 


12) Dyauh Shantirantariksam Shantih Prthivi Shantirapah 

Shantirosadhayah Shantih Vanaspatayah Shantirvishvedevah 

Shantirbrahma Shantih Sarvam Shantih Shantirdeva Shantih Sa Ma 

Shantiredhi Shanti Shanti Shanti || 12 || 

|kS% ÓkfUrjUrfj{k~ ÓkfUr% i`fFkoh ÓkfUrjki% ÓkfUrjksÔ/k;% 

ÓkfUr% ouLir;% ÓkfUrfoZÔosnsok% ÓkfUrczá ÓkfUr% loZ~a ÓkfUr% ÓkfUrnso 

ÓkfUr lkek% ÓkfUrjs/kh ÓkfUr% ÓkfUr% ÓkfUr% AA 

(May there be peace in the sky and in space. May there be peace on earth and in 

waters. May herbs and food bring peace. May all the personification of god bring 

peace. May there be peace through world. May the peace be peaceful. May God 

give me such peace. May there be Peace, Peace, Peace.) 

13) Vishvanideva Savitarduritani Parasuva 

Yadbhadram Tanna Asuva || 13 || 

foýkfu nso lfornqZfjrkuh ijklqo A 

;Únza rUu vklqo AA 13 AA 

( All creating lord, please keep far from us all evils and let us attain whatever be 

beneficial to us.) 

14) Bhdrm Pshyim, Prchrem Bhdrm, Bhdrm Vdem,ShrunuyamBhdrm, 

Tnno Mitra Varuna Ma Mhntam,AditihSindhuh,Prithvi Ut‐dhouh 

¬ Hknza% iÓ;se izpjse Hknza Hknza onse Jq.kq;ke Hknza% A 

rUuks fe=k o:.kk ek% egure% vkfnrhflU/kq% i`fFoh mr/kkS AA 13 AA 

(Let my eyes see all that what is good and harmonious.Let my paths be right one. 

Let me speak what is good. Let me hear what is good. Mitra and Varuna you are 

the custodian of Surya, Oceans, Earth and Heaven.) 

15) Om Tat Vishnoh Permm Padm, Sda Pashyanti Surya Diviiv 

Chkshr, Aattm Tt Vipraso Vipnyo Jagr Vamsh Smndhita Vishnor Yt 

Permm Pdm 

¬ rr fo¹.kks ije in~e lnk iÓ;fUr lw;kZ fnOo; 

pdÓj vkRe rr% foijlks foiu;ks tkXj lEufgrk fo¹.kksj ;r% ije ine AA 

283 

(The learned one’s always worship the sacred feet of Lord Vishnu and are eager to 

have His vision in the Svrga Loka. We pray to Him to take seat here for our welfare 

and happiness.) 

b) Gayatri Mantra (recite 3 times) 


Om Bhur Bhuvh Svh Tt Svitur Vrinym Bhrgo Devsy Dhimhi Dhiyo Yo 

Nh Prochodyat 

¬ HkwHkqZo% Lo% r~r lforqjojs.;a HkxksZ nsoL; /khefg f/k;ks ;ks u% izpksn;kr AA 

(May we mediate on that eternal god, our creator, independent reality who 

manifests through Sun propitiated by the highest gods, one who bestows wisdom, 

bliss and even lasting life; may our intellect be illumined by that light of god). 

c) Kshetrpal Puja 

Offer argya without flowers to 20 Kshterpal 

Kshtrapals are protectors of fields and are beneficial to mankind. . 

There are 49 Kshtrpals who are worshiped on major Samskaras along 

with Kalash. Generally two small pots mark their presence. In earlier 

time every Kashmiri Pandit family used to keep two small pots 

(called Saniwari) in the kitchen by the side of the hearth. The lady of 

the house would place cooked rice in these two pots before serving 

to the family members. 

The invocation of 20 prominent Kshtrapals is as under: 

Om Bhur Bhuvh Svah Kshetradipalye Nmh 

¬ HkwHkqZo% Lo% {ksrk`fnifr;s ue% 

While applying arga pushpam ( mixed rice and loose flowers) to 

khetrpals recite their names as under:‐ 

1) Om Drshtre Nmh (¬ nzÔVs ue%) 

2) Updrshtre Nmh (¬ minzÔVs ue%) 

3) Khyatre Nmh (¬ [;k=s ue%) 

4) Upkhyatre Nmh (¬ vi[;k=s ue%) 

5) Anukhyatre Shastre Nmh (¬ vuq[;krs ÓkL=s ue%) 

6) Shr nvte Nmh (¬ J`.ors ue%) 

7) Upshr nvte Nmh (¬ viJ.ors ue%) 

8) Ste Nmh (¬ lrs ue%) 

9) Aste Nmh (¬ vlrs ue%) 

10) Jatay Nmh (¬ tkrk; ue%) 

11) Janishymany Nmh (¬ tfu¹;ek.k; ue%) 

12) Bhutey Nmh (¬ Hkwrk; ue%) 

13) Bhvishyte Nmh (¬ HkfoÓ;rs ue%) 

14) Chkshushhe Nmh (¬ p{kqÔs ue%) 

15) Shrotray Nmh (¬ Jks=k; ue%) 

16) Mnse Nmh (¬ euls ue%) 

17) Vache Nmh (¬ okps ue%) 

18) Brhmne Nmh (¬ czge.ks ue%) 

19) Shantay Nmh (¬ ÓkUrk;s ue%) 


20) Tpse Nmh (¬ rils ue%) 

315 

Puja 

It has three parts: 

I)Purva Bhaga 

II) Pradhan Bhaga 

III)Uttra Bhaga 

I)Purva Bhaga 

It has threeparts 

a)Avahan(welcoming deities ) 

b)Raksha prayers 

c)Purifying materials 

a)Aavahan (Welcoming Deities) (vkokgu) 

1) Kalash Devtas 

It is a part of the ritual to welcome deities to be present 

during the performance of a karma to receive oblations. 

Two pieces of darbha or a flower are held in right hand and 

avahan recitation then starts as follows: 

Avahi Bhagwn Kalash Devtabhyo Bhktanugrh Kark, Asmat 

Dyanurdhen Snnidhanum Kuru Prbhu (repeat 3 times 

(vkokfg&Hkxou&dyÓ&nsoksH;ks&Hkdrkuq&xzg&dkjd&vlekr&n;kuq&jks/ksu&lfUu 

/kkue& dq:& izHkw). 

(Oh Kalsh Devtas you are the one who blesses devotees 

with anugraha “divine grace”. Please be merciful and 

remain present here). 

Sprinkle water from Pranitpatr kept by the side of Kalash 

to Kalash and Kshetrpal 

2)Ganesha Avahan 


Apply Tilak in the lower part of Kalash pot for Ganesha 

and recite:

i)Nishhasid Gnpte Gneshu Tvam Avahur Vipritmm 

Kvinam‐N 

Rte Tvt‐Kriyte Kinchnare, Mham‐Arkm Mgvn‐ 

Chitrm‐Arch 

fuÔqlhn x.kirs x.ksÔq Rokekgq foZizrea dohuke&u 

_rs Ror&fØ;rs fdapukjs egke&vdZa e/kou&fp=e&vpZ AA 

Oh Lord Ganesh You are the most venerated poet among poets 

and leader of ganas, please be happy with us. Please take Your 

seat here as without Your presence Indra cannot be 

worshiped. I offer Your worship with sindur, ark, honey etc.) 

ii)Gnanantv Gnptim Hvamhe Kvim Kvinam 

Upm Shrvstmm Jyeshthrajm Brhmnam Brhmnspt 

Anh Shrnvn Utibhih Sid Sadnm Nmh 

x.kkukUrok x.kifra gokegs dfoa dohuka 

miea&JoLrea T;¹Vjkta czge.kak czgeLir 

vku% J`.ou mfrfHk% lhn lknua ue% AA 

(I am (or we are) invoking Lord Ganesh, Who is most venerated 

poet among poets and who is leader of allNakshtras. You are the 

most venerated Brahman. Please listen to my (our) prayer and 

take Your seat here. Please be happy with me/us I/We bow to 

you) 

3)Avahan of other Deities (optional) 

i) Vishnu 

Pour flowers on Kalash pot while reciting following : 

Om Tt Vishno Prmm Pdm Sda Pshynti Suryh 

Deviv Chkshur Attm Tt Vipraso 

Vipnyvo Jagrvansh Smindhte Vishnor Tt Prmm Pdm 

| 

¬ rr fo¹.kks% ijea ina lnk iÓ;fUr lw;Z% 

fnoho p{kqj vkrre rr foizklks 

foiU;oks tkxzokal% lfeU/krs fo¹.kksj ;r ijea ina 

(The learned one’s always worship the sacred feet of Lord Vishnu 

and are eager to have His vision in the Svrga Loka. We pray to Him 

to take seat here for our welfare and happiness.) 

ii)Rudra 


Yo Rudro Agnouyo Apsu, Y Oushhdhishhu

Yo Vnsptishhu Yo Rudro Vishva Bhuvn 

Vivesh Tsmai Rudray Nmostu Devah 

;ks :nzksa vXukS;ks vIlq ; vkSÔ/khÔq 

;ks ouLifrÔq ;ks:nzks foÔok Hkqou 

foosÓ rLeS :nzk; ueks·Lrq nsok 

(We pray to Rudradeva Who is present in the fire (agni), water 

(apa), herbs, vegetation etc. Please take Your seat here.) 

iii)Narayan. 

Rtuptye Naraynay Vasudevay Lkshmi Sahitay Naraynay 

Nmh 

_rqir;s ukjk;.kk; oklqnsok; y{eh lfgrk; ukjk;.kk; ue% 

(I bow to Lord Narayan who is master of all seasons along with 

Lakshmi). 

iv)Agnideva 

Jatvedse Sunvam Samm Arati Yto Nidhati Vedah 

S Nh Sprsht Atidurgani Vishv Navev Sindhum Durita 

Tygnih Klsh Yag Devtabhyh Herkadibhyh Nmh 

| 

tkrosnls lquoke lkea&vjkrh ;rks fungkfr osnk% 

l u% LiÓZr vfrnqxkZf.k foÓo ukoso flU/kqa nqfjrk R;fXu% 

dyÓ ;kx nsorkH;% gsjdkfnH;% ue% AA 

(Oh, Agnidev, You are all knowing and take care of Your worshipers 

in all situations and save them from all enemies just as a boat takes 

care of all its passengers when they travel in oceans. We offer 

obeisance to Herkadi’ who is Lord of all Kalash yagnas.) 

b) Raksha Prayer (Invocation of deities residing in various 

quarters). 


i)Throw away some arga to the south of Kalash and recite 

following mantras 

Ym Deva Dkshinat Sda Ymnetra Rkshohnsta Nh Pantu Te 

No’Vntu Tebyh Svaha 

;a nsok% nf{k.kkr lnks ;eus=k j{kkg.kLrs u% ikUrq rs uks·oUrq rsH;% Lokgk

(All deities of southern quarters who are watched by Yama, please save 

me and accept my salutations. May you b happy). 

ii) Throw away some arga to the west and recite: 

Ya Devah Pschchat Sdo Marut Netra Rkshohnste Nh Pantu Te 


;a nsok% iÓpkr lnks e:r us=k j{kkg.kLrs u% ikUrq rs uks·oUrq rsH;% Lokgk % 

(All the deities of the western quarters who are under the watchful eyes of 

Marut please protect me and accept my salutation. May you be happy.) 

iii)Repeat above action towards north of Kalash and recite: 

Ye Devah Uttrat Sda Mitr‐Varuna Netra Rkshohnste Nh Pantu Te 


;a nsok% mÙkjkr lnks fe=k o:.k us=k j{kkg.kLrs u% ikUrq rs uks·oUrq rsH;% 

Lokgk 

(All the deities of the northern quarters who are under the watchful eyes of 

Mitra ‐ Varuna please protect me and accept my salutations. May you be 

happy.) 

iv)Repeat by throwing arga in east direction and recite: 

Ye Devah Purh Sdogni Netra Rkshohnste Nh Pantu Te No’Vntu 

Tebyh Svaha 

;a nsok% iqj% lnksfXu us=k j{kksg.kLrs u% ikUrq rs uks·oUrq rsH;% Lokgk % AA 

(All the deities of the eastern quarters, who are under the watchful eyes of 

Agni, please protect me and accept my salutations. May you be happy.) 

v)Repeat above action by throwing arga in the upper direction 

above Kalash and recite: 

Ye Devah Uprishhdh Somnetra Av Svdnto Rkshohnste Nh Pantu 

Te No’Vntu Tebyh Svaha 

;a nsok% mifjÔn% lkseus=k vo LonUrks j{kksgj.kLrs u% ikUrq rs uks·oUrq rsH;% 

Lokgk 

(All the deities who reside in the upper regions under the watchful eyes of 

Soma, please protect me and accept my salutations. May you be happy.) 

c) Purifying Materials 

Sprinkle water over Puja materials, kept nearby, with Vshthur 

kept in Pranitpatr and recite: 


Apo Histha Myobuv‐Stan Urje Ddhatn Mhe Rnay Chkshse Yo Vh 

Shivh Tmo Rsstsy Bhaj Yte H. Nh Ushhtir Iv Matrh Tsma Arng 

Mam Vo Ysy Kshyay Jinvth Apo Jn Ytha S Nh 

vkiks fg¹Bk e;ksHkqo&Lrku&mtsZ n/kkru egsj.kk; p{kls ;ks o% fÓo% reks jlLrL; 

Hkkt&;rs&g&u% A 

mÔrhj&bo ekrj% rLek&vjax&ekeoks ;L; {k;k; ftUoFk vkiks tu ;Fkk lu% A 

(Oh water deity, please be beneficial to me/us. You are revered for Your 

soothing effect, brilliance and help in growing, food, etc. Please bestow on us 

the sap that is beneficial for growth just like the mothers milk, which helps 

children to grow. We adore You for Your help in the growth of herbs which are 

beneficial to us. Please bless us with progeny.) 

II Pradhan Bhaga 

1) Apo Prashana/ Aachman (Purification of water) (vkiks izÓkuk) 

This is an act by which water is symbolically purified for further 

use of Achman, washing of deities feet(Padyo) and his hands 

face etc. (Arghyam). 

Water held in Pranipatr (pot) is poured into the right hand and 

purified by recitation of following mantra three times and then 

put back into pranipatr for further use: 

Sham No Devirabhishtaya Apo Bhavanti Pityay Shanyorabhi 

Srvantu Nah 

Óa uks nsohfHkZ¹V; vkiks HkoUrq ihr;s Óa;ksjfHk lzoUrq u% A 

(Oh water god (Varun) you wash our sins and you have made us happy. Heal 

our body from sickness and drive away all sickness from us. May we use the 

sanctified water for drinking and sacrificial purposes. Shower upon us your 

grace through these waters). 

2) Pran Pratishtha (Bringing idols to life for Puja) (izk.k izfrzÓBk) 

This is a symbolic act by which idols of worship are made live to 

receive oblations. A small quantity of water is placed in 

panchpatra (or metal cup) which has vishthur or 2 pices of 

darbha or a flower in it for sprinkling water on idols. The ritual 

has three parts: 

a) Prayer to Lord to listen to your request. 

b) Prayer to gods for brining idols to life to receive oblations. 

c) Naming the particular idol, that is sough to be brought to life 

for receiving oblations or worship. 



a) Three mantras as given below are recited and at the end 

of each recitation a few flower petals are put in the 

pranipatr (cup). 

Smvh Srjami Hrdym, Smsrshht Mnoastu Vh, Smh 

Srshtastnvh Sntu Vh Sm Srshht Prano Astu Vh, Smyavh 

Priyh Tnvh Smpriya Hrdyani Vh 

Atma Vo Astu Sm Priya Sm Priyh Tnvomm 

lao% l`tkfe ân;a lal`¹V euksvLrq o% A la% l`¹VLrUo% lUrq o% la l`¹V% 

iz.kks vLrq o% la;ko% fiz;k% rUo% A la fiz;k% ân;kfuo% A 

vkRek oks vLrq la fiz;% la fiz;% rUoksee AA 

(I place you in the garland of my heart for continued union with my 

mind and prana. You are the Atma residing inmy body please continue 

to stay with me). 

b) After above prayers to Lord, Kalashdevta is brought 

to life by sprinkling water over the pots with the help of 

Vishthur (or darbha or flower) by the recitation of 







czgLirs% izk.kLrkS rs izk.k nrak rsu tho AA 

(This is request to Vedic deities Ashvini, Mitra‐Varuna and Brhaspati to 

bring idols to life). 

c) At the end of above two acts, one concludes with the 

following recitation: 

Avahyami Bhagwav Kalash Devtbhya ‘Herukadibhyh 

Vatukadibhyh Bhktanugrh Kark, Asmat Dyanurdhen 

Snnidhanum Kuru Prbhu JivdhanmPariklpyami Nmh 

(vkokfg Hkxou dyÓ nsorkH;% gsjdkfnH;% oVqdkfnH;% 

Hkdrkuq&xzg dkjd vlekr n;kuq&jks/ksu lfUu/kkue dq: izHkw). 

thonku ifjdYi;kfe ue% 

(Please bring to life Kalash devta and other devtas ).

Note‐ If water from Ganga or any sacred place s available 

add a little quantity 

3)Padya( Washing deities feet) 

Washing of deity’s feet symbolically is one of the symbolic 

acts of puja. Water already purified by Apo Prashana(See 1 

above) mixed with Panchamrita, (milk, curd, honey, ghee 

and gur) is sprinkled over deity byVishthur along with 

recitation of following mantra: 

Gngadi Srv Tirtha byo Anitm Toym Uttmm ! 

Padyarthm Smpradasami Grhnntu Prmeshvrh 

Kalashdevtabyo Padyo Padym Smrpyami 

x›kfn loZ rhFkZH; vkuhre( rks;eqÙkee A 

ik/kkFkZa lEiznkL;kfe x`gUrq ijesJjk A 

dyÓ nsorkH;% ikn;ks ik|a leiZ;kfe A 

(I am using this sacred water from Ganges and other sacred rivers for 

washing your feet. Please accept it) 

4)Arghym (Washing deities hands and face) (v/kZ;a ) 

Water held in Pranipatr, already purified by Apo Prashana 

(iii above). Eight ingredients called Ashtang 

(water,milk,curd,ghee,rice,barley, yellow mustard oi seeds 

called sarshap,vishthur) is poured over kalash along with 

recitation of following mantra: 

Gnd Pushpakshtlair Yuktm Gryni Sampaditm Mya 

Grhnntv Argym Prasanashch Bhvntu Me Srvda 

Kalashdevtabyo Argyam Samarpiyamey Nmh 

xU/kiq¹ik{krS;qZDre/;Za lEikfnra e;k A 

x`ÐURo/;Za izlUukÓp HkoUrq esa loZnk A 

dyÓ nsorkH;% v/kZ;a leiZ;kfe ue% 

(Oh Gods so and so please accept offerings of Gndh (tika) flowers, aksht 

(unbroken rice) along with other ingredients for washing you face and 

hands, please be happy with me/us always.). 

5) Aachman (Purification of deity) (nso vkpeu) 

This is an act of pouring pure water over deity to purify it of 

any sticking materials used in oblations.This type of achman 


is performed almost after every oblations. Sometimes some 

scents (and or camphor)is added to water as an 

aroma.Recitation of following words is done: 

Krpuren Sughndhn Vasitm Svad Shitlm Toym Achmanyrthm 

Grhnuntu Prmeshvrh. 

diZwjs.k lq?kU?ksu okflra Lokn Óhrye rks;ekpeuh;kFkZa x`guUrq ijesJoj% A 

(Oh Prmeshvr please accept this achman “purification with cold, tasty 

water scented with camphor and other scents). 

6) Dev Snan / Abhesheikh (Bathing of deity) (nso Luku @ vfHkÓsd) 

Snan of deities is carried out very eloberately by giving 

panchdash snan. Panchdashang snan ingredients:‐ 

water,milk,curd,ghee,honey,shaker(raw 

sugar),sarshap(yellow oil seeds)laja(baked 

paddy),sarvaushadi ( a mixture of herbs usually available 

from puja shops only), chandan or saffron tika, 

gold/silver,jewel( just a symbolic dip of gold/silver ring with 

stone in the water ), flowers and vashthur )for shortage of 

any item add flowers. 

While pouring water with above ingredients recite: 

Kalash Devtabhyo Panchdash Snanm Smrpyami Nmh 

Hkxou&dyÓ&nsoksH;ks ipanÓ Luku leZi;kfe ue%) 

7) Pad Sparsh (ikn li¹kZ) (Touching feet of deity after bath as an act of 

respect.) 

Pad Sparch is a formal way of offering respects to a deity or 

an elder or a guest. In puja, deity’s feet or seat is touched by 

right hand while bowing down and then touching the hand to 

performers forehead. The words“Charnam Sparshyami 

Nama” (pukZe liÓZ;kfe ue%) are recited along with respectful 

adoration of god. 

(I bow to Lord by touching His/Her feet). 

8 )Asan Prathistha (vklu izfrzÓBk (Placing deity at designated place) 

Place flowers at the base of kalash and recite: 


Asnaye Nmh, Pdm Asnayeh Nmh Jnan Asnaye Nmh

vkluk;s ue% ine vkluk;s ue% Kku vkluk;s ue% A 

vkluk;s ue% ine vkluk;s ue% Kku vkluk;s ue% A 

(I bow to the seat of deity which is like lotus and full of wisdom). 

9) Vstr Grhn (oL= xzgu) and Ygnopavit grhn – Placing garments and 

yagnopavit on deities. It has two parts: 

i) Vastra Grhan (Putting on clothes of deity) (oLr` x`gu) 

Put garlands and loose flowers on all deities along with 

recitation 

Vstrm Samarpyamii Nmh 

oL=a LejI;kfe ue% A 

(Please accept clothes with my full reverence). 

ii) Yagnopavit Grhn(;Kksiohr x`gu) (Offering Yagnyopavit to 

deity for wearing) 

Yagnopavit of the deity (except Durga) is placed by offering 

flowers. The name of the deity along with the recitation : 

Yagnopvitm Samarpyamii Nmh 

;Kksiohre LejI;kfe ue% A 

(Please accept Yagnopavit). (Almighty god, seated on His/Her divine seat, 

please accept this Gndh (tika) for your beautification with my full 

reverence). 

10)Dev Anulepna (nso vuqysiuk) (Smearing deities with tilak) 

Recite following words: 

Srveshvr Jgt Vindya Divyasnm Susmsthita 

Gndh Grhan Devesh Divgndop Shobitm 

losZJoj txr oU/k fnO;klu lqlafLFkr A 

xU/k x`gk.k nsosÓ fnO;xU/kksi ÓksfHkre AA 

Apply tilk and silver leaves, if available to deities. Apply 

sindur tika to pots and saffron tika to Vtknath with the 

closing words: 

Smalbnm Gndo Nmh lekyHkus xU/kks ue% A 

(Almighty god, seated on His/Her divine seat, please accept this Gndh 

(tika) for your beautification with my full 

Marpayami Namhreverence). 

11)Chamer/Arti (Recitation of bajans etc) (pkej@vkjrh) 

While moving chamer /ratandeep in front of kalash recite: 

Kalash Devtabhyo Chamram Samarpayami Nmh 

Hkxou&dyÓ&nsoksH;ks& pkeje LejI;kfe ue% A 


12) Naivedyam/ Prepyun (uSos/;e )– It is an offering of Bhog (eatable 

items) to deity .Offer some fruit to Kalash as Prasad(bhog) 

with the recitation: 

Bhagwan Kalash Devta Bhyo Navedhym Samarpayami Nmh 

Hkxou&dyÓ&nsoksH;ks uSos/;e LejI;kfe ue% 

13) Chaterum / Adarshnam/ Parikrama ( N=e@vknZÓue ifjØek) 

( covering with umbrella , showing mirror, and 

circumambulating around deity) 

i)Chtrum 

Cover Kalash pot with flowers as chatra with the recitation: 

Chtrum, Samarpyami Nmh 

( N=e LejI;kfe ue% 

ii)Adarshnam. Show mirror to Kalash and recite: 

Adarsham Pariklpyami Nmh 

vk/kÓZue ifjdyI;kes ue% 

iii) Parikrama. It is an act of mentally circumambulating around 

deity as a mark of respectwith the recitation 

Yani Kani Ch Poapani Jnmantr Kritani Ch 

Tani Srvani Nshyntu Pradikshnm Pde Pde 

;kfu dkfu p ikikfu tUekUrj d`rkfuprkfu lokZf.k uÓ;Urq iznf{k.ka ins ins 

AA(Oh, Lord whatever sins I have committed during my life time so far, 

please destroy all of them while I am making a circumambulation). 

13) Pushpanjali Arpnm (Offering flowers as an act of 

submission) (iq¹ikatfy viZu) 

At the end of puja loose flowers held in a cupped hand are 

offered to deities as an act of final submission with the words: 

Pushpanjalim Smarpyami Nmh (iq¹qikatfy leiZ;kfe ue%) 

(I am submitting myself with the offering of Palmful of flowers) 

All the participants offer flowers to deities 

Uttra Bgaga ( concluding prayers ) 


Kshma‐Yachna/ ({kek ;kpuk) 

This is an act of atonement for the errors committed in the ritual. A 

few sholokas are recited while bowing down head and keeping both 

hands in namaskar mode. A few sholokas are as 

follows: 

1) Mntr Hinm Kriya Hinm Bhkti Hinm Jnardn 

Yt Pujitm Mya Dev Peripurn Tddstu Mai 

eU= ghua fØ;k ghua HkfDr ghua tuknZu A 

;r iwftre e;k nso A ifjiw.kZ rnLrq eS A 

A 

(May my prayer be efficacious even when I may have done so with 

inadequate knowledge of mantras, kriya 

(karma) or Bhkti (devotions). 

bb) Gayatri‐Vyahrties home 

This homa is a homa offered to Agnideva 


I)Purva Bhaga 

II)Pradhan Bhaga 

2) Avahnm Na Janami Na Janemi Visrjnm 

Puja Cheva Na Janemi Kshmsv Prmeshvra 

vkokgua u tkukfe u tkukfe foltZue A 

iwtk pSo u tkukfe {keLo ijesÓoj AA 

(I do not know proper way of welcoming or bidding goodby to deity, or 

offering puja, as per established tradition,please excuse me for such 

lapses). 

I)Purva Bhage – 

Agnideva ,fire god, is also known by following names: 

i‐ Jata Vedas – All knowning. 

ii ‐Havya Vahana – carrier of offerings to Devas. 

iii‐ Kavya Vahana – carrier of offerings to Pitras. 

Agnideva receives offerings and simultaneously converts these 

offerings into those forms in which theyare liked by Devas on Pitrs.It 

is because of this quality of Agnideva that makes it an important 

Anga in various Samskaras and homa yagnyas . 

Utinsels etc. Required. 

1) Darva / Spoon with a long hand and one head. 

2) Shruva spoon with long handle with two heads. 

3) Pranita Patr (for water). 


4) Ajaya Patr for ghee. 

5) Lots of darbha grass. 

Performance of homa It has two parts 

a)Establishing Agni Mukha 

b) Homa 

a)Establishing Agni Mukha 

Agni mukha is an act of symbolic purification of vessels (patras) leaves 

(dharvis). Ghee (ajya) by darbha. It is mostly action oriented. Use of 

mantra is limited. 

Whereever ahuties (oblation) of ghee and other objects are needed to be 

done, the accompanying mantras called Homa Vytahrtis, are as under: 

i)Bhuh Svaha Agnaye Indur Na Mum 

(this is for Andra not mine) 

ii)Bhuwah Svaha Vayuvay Indan Na Mum 

(this is for Vayu deva not mine) 

iiiSvah Svaha Savitur Idam Na Mum 

(this is for Surya not mine) 

iv)Aum Bhur Bhuvah Svah Prajapatye Idam Na Mum 

(this is for prajapati not mine) 

The various steps are as follows: 

1) Sthandita (preparation of Agni kund) – Preparation of sacrificial 

ground by digging, ploughing, leveling etc. This is symbolically 

done by Samidh or Darbha. A small square platform is made by 

bricks and mud to house the Agni called Agni Kund. 

2) Prak Toyam – A small water vessel is kept, in the east of kund 

,to prevent evil forces from entering, while allowing entry to 

devas only. 

3) Agnim Idhva – To light fire from some other source (to kindle 

flame). 

4) Patrosadana – Placing vessels on the darbha seat in west 

(upside down) and other implements. 


5) Pavitra Samiskara – two darbhas are cut properly to the 

specified length, having a sharp tip, dipped into water and 

wiped from root to tip with water. Now this becomes purified 

and can act as purifier. 

6) Prokshani Samskara – (Sprinkling of consecrated water). 

All the vessels are touched with pavitra (purified as stated above) 

and the placed in normal position. Other purification 

(prokshana) acts are: 

i) Place pavitra on top of Prokshana Patra (vessel) and then 

fill it with water. 

ii) Add Aksht (unbroken rice) to this patra. 

iii) Purify all materials by sprinkling water kept in Prokshana 

patra. 

iv) Place this Prokshana Patra on the right hand side of the 

karta (performer) who faces east. 

1) 317 

7) Pranita Samskara (Pot kept by the side of Agni). Various steps for 

purification are as: 

i) Filling water though Pavitra by placing darbha on top of 

vessel and then filling water. 

ii) Adding akshat (unbroken rice) to water. 

iii) Utpavana move darbha (from west to east) with 

pavitra. 

iv) Lift patra utpo nose and then keep it down on the 

North. 

v) Cover mouth with darbha. 

vi) Utter Namah to Varuna for successful completion of 

worship. 

8) Ajaya Samskara (purification of ghee). It has following steps. 

i) Ghee is melted in agni and then a small quality is poured in 

Agni kund through pavitra. 

ii) Take out some burning charcoal from Agnikund, place it on 

north of kund and heat ghee again on these Charcoals. 

iii) A darbha lighted in agni fire is brought near ghee and thrown 

in south west direction. 

iv) Take 2 darbhas, cut small pieces from tip. Wipe both portions 

with water, place the tip pieces in Ajay patra. 

v) The other portion of the darbha is lighted, taken around Ajay 

patra in Pradakshina mode (clockwise). The darbhas are then 

thrown to the north. 


vi) Ajaya patra is moved to north of Kund. 

vii) The chercoal taken out from Agni kund is put back in the 

Agni kund. 

viii) Utpavana of Ajayapatra (from west to east). 

ix) Pavitra knot untied and thrown into Agni. 

9) Darvi/Sruva Samskara ‐ (Purification of spoons used for Ahuties) 

of ghee & other materials.It has following acts: 

i) Symboltic heating in Agni. 

ii) Wiping with darbha. 

iii) Agni heating. 

iv) Prokshana (sprinkling of water with pavitra). 

10) Paridhi (Keeping away evil forces) ‐ Darbha placed around 

Agni kund in 3 direction NWS (in the east prak toyan has 

already been established see Item 2 above.). 

11)Agni Parishechana ‐ It is an act of surrounding with continuous 

water drops, any object(food, agni etc). This acts as a 

boundary within which anything that is placed is purified by 

subsequent mantras.Deities Aditi, Anumati, Sarasvati Devies & 

Savitr are addressed while pouring water.Recite name of deity 

and close with the words Anumanyasva Prasuva (vuqeku;kLok 

izlqok). 

12)Idhma Homa – 15 darbhas dipped in ghee are offered to Agni 

(Mntra – Om Bhuv BhvhSvah 

¬ HkwHkqZo Lo% 

13) Aghara Homa – 

Libations of ghee are poured as a continuous stream (dhara) 

with Darvi/ Sruva spoons across the Agni from NW (Vayu) to 

SE (Agni) direction for Prajapati and from SW (Nirriti) to NE 

(Ishana) direction for Indra (see Figure 

14)Ajay Bhaga – 

In the Agni Kunda, 3 homas are performed in sepearate 

places i.e. NE, SE and Centre. This symbolises that the sacred 

fire has now two eyes and a mouth (mukha) and thus fit for 

receiving oblations. That is why this anga is called Agni Mukka. 

15) Sarva Prayashchitta – 


Homa to Prajapati as atonement for all faults that might have 

occurred during above action with the mantra (Om Bhur 

Bhuva Svah) 

b)Homa 

A homa like puja has three parts: 

b1) Purvanga 

b2) Pradhan Anga 

b3) Uttar anga 

b1) Purvanga (The performer sits facing north) 

1) Archam 

2) Ganpati Puja 

3) Snklpa for homa . 

1) Archam 

This is an act of seeking permission of deity to worship Him 

or Her. Holding two pieces of darbha 

along with rice (arghya) by anamika and madyame fingers 

and pressing with thumb, the permission of 

deity is sought by reciting His/Her Bhijmntra (see A53) 

followed by the words: 

Archam Ahm Krishhye Om Kurushve 

vpkZe vga dfj¹;s ¬ dq:¹os 

(I am seeking permission to worship, which is granted ). 

2) Ganpati Puja 

Lord Ganesh’s blessings are sought for the smooth 

performance of the karma that is intended to be performed 

by applying tilak, arghya and flowers to Him along with 

recitation of mantras. The recitation of mantra is : 

Om Shuklmber Dhrm Vishnu,Shshivrnm Chturbhujam! Prsnn 

Vdnm Dyaye Srv Vignop Shantiyai 

¬ ÓqdyakHkj /kja fo¹.kq A ÓfÓo.kZa prqjHkqta izlUu onua /;k;a loZ fo?uksi 

ÓkUr;S AA 

(I pray to Lord Ganesh, Whose clothes are white like sky itself (He is 

everywhere like God Vishnu); Who is bright and cool like the Moon; Who 

has four arms (control over four directions) and is always happy. Even 

gods for fulfillment of their desires and removal of obstacles in the 

success of their chosen karma worship Him.) 

3)Snklpa for homa 



Om Tat Sat Brahma Adhy Tavat Tithou Adye ____(State 

lunar month) Masey _______( state Krishna or Shukla) 

Pakshey ______(State day of Paksha)Tithou ( ___ Varey 

(e.g.Ravivasrey for ‘Sunday’ –Shanshcharvasrey for 

‘Saturday’) _____( state Sayam for evening Prata for 

morning Madhyam for afternoon) Kale ___ Gotrey ( gotra 

e.g. datattrey gotrey, if gotra is not known use the word 

Amuk,); ahm_____( performers name) Gayatri yyahrties 

Homa Karm Karishye Pita Eshh Te Pindh 

¬&rr&lr&czá&v/;&rkor&rFkks&v|s&_____ekls&___i{ks_____f 

rFkkS_____okjs_____ dkys___xks=s( vga_____ xk;=h O;kgfrZ 

gksek deZ&dfj¹;sA fir% ,Ô rs fi.M%) 

. 

b2) Pradhan Anga (See figure) 

Gayatri Vyahrties are used as accompanying mantra for 

oblations. The oblations are a mixture of barley, sesamum and 

brown sugar (shker) called Yuvtil (;ofry).The various acts are: 

1) Prokshna (purification) of materials used in homa 

Burn two pieces of darbha and make it touch all the material to 

be used in homa. Recite : 

Idm Hvih Prjnnm Me Astu, Dshvirm Srvgnm Svstye Atmsni 

Prajasni Pshusn Abhysni Loksni Agnih Prjain Bhlam Me Krotu 

Annm Pyo Reto Asmasu Dtt Grten Smlipy Shrtm Annm Shtm 

Abhi Gary 

(bne gfo% iztuua es vLrq ,Óohja loZx.ka LoLr;s vkRelfu iztklfu iÓqlfu 

vHk;lfu yksdlfu vfXu% iztk es djksrq vUua i;ks jsfr vLeklq nÙk /k`rsu 

lafyIr Jra vUua Jre vfHk /kk;Z !) 

(May the Homa be like plantug seed for growth, may the ten powerful 

ganas be peaceful, Oh Agni you are worshipped by all, please make the food 

mixed with ghee, fit for offerings as cooked food). 


2)Gayatri Dyan 

Om Balam Viddam Tu Gayatrim Lohitam Chturananm 

Rktamberdvyopetam Akshsutrkram Ttham 

Kmndludhram Devim Hnsvahn Smsthithan 

Brhmani Brhmdevtam Brhmloknivasinim 

Mntren Avahye Devim Ayantim Suryamndlat 

¬ ckyka fo/kka rq xk;=ha yksfgrka prqjkuuke A 

jDrkEcj};ksisrke{klw=djka rFkka AA 

de.Myq/kjka nsoh galokgulfLFkrke A 

czgek.kh czgensoR;ka czgEyksdfuokfluhe AA 

eU=s.kkog;snsohek;kUrh lw;Ze.Mykr AA 

(Gayatri is a maiden girl full of knowledge. She has blood hued four faces. 

Her garments in front and back are also blood coloured. She is holding 

Rudrakshi mala in one hand and also Kamandla (a sort of bucket) in other 

hand. She is seated on a swan. She is an incarnation of Saraswati. She lives 

in Brhm Lok (Svarga) Lord Brahma is Her husband. Shecomes down from 

Surya Mandal with the recitation of this gayatri mantra.) 


. 

3) Recite Gayatri Mantra 3 times followed by the words: 

Mhavyahrtyh Prajapate (egkO;kâr;s iztkirS) 3 times. 

Offer Ahuties of Yvtil (;aofry) to Agni with the recitation of following 

Vyahrties: 

i)Agnye Svaha (vXu;s Lokgk) 

ii)Om Bhu Svaha (¬ Hkw% Lokgk) 

iii)Om Bhurv Svaha (¬ Hkqo% Lokgk) 

iv)Om Svaha Svaha (¬ Lo% Lokgk) 

Recite Gayatri Mantra 10 times and offer Ahuties after each 

recitation: 

i)Shri Mhagaytryai Svaha (Jh egkxk;×rs Lokgk) 

ii)Savitryai Svaha (lkfoj;s Lokgk) 

iii)Srsvtyai Svaha (ljLoR;S Lokgk) 

4)Ahuties to Purusha ‐ 16 Ahuties are offered to Purusha (see 

Purushasuktam www.kpsamarpan.org). 

c)Uttarabhaga 

It has 5 parts: 

1)Jayadhi Homa 

2)Prayashchita Homa 

3)Purn Ahuti/Svishtakrt Homa 

4)Varuna Upasthana (Goodbye to Varuna) 

5)Agni Upasthana (Good bye to Agni) – 

1)Jayadhi Homa (t;kf/k gksek) 

After the main deities of the Karma have been propitiated, it is now 

the turn of Subordinate deities to receive oblations. The categories 

of the subordinate deities are those who represent abstract 

qualities, Lords of different spheres,Gandharvas along with Apsaras 

and even Brahma with the request to protect knowledge. 

Ahuties (oblation) are offered to following deities: 

i) Agni – Agniyay Svaha (vfXu;S Lokgk) 

ii) Indra – Indraye Svaha (bUnzk;S Lokgk)iii 

iii) Yama – Yamai Svaha (;ek;S Lokgk) 

iv) Vayu – Vayuai Svaha (ok;q;S Lokgk) 

v) Surya – Suryai Svaha (lq;kZ;s Lokgk) 

vi) Chandra – Chandrai Svaha (pUnzk;s Lokgk) 

vii) Brhaspati – Brhaspatai Svaha (czgLirs Lokgk) 

viii) Mitra – Mitrai Svaha (fe=k;s Lokgk) 


ix) Varuna – Varunai Svaha (o:.kk;S Lokgk) 

x) Soma – Somai Svaha (lksek;s Lokgk) 

xi) Savitr – Svitrai Svaha (Loh=k;s Lokgk) 

xii) Rudra – Rudrai Svaha (:nzk;S Lokgk) 

xiii) Tvastr – Tvastrai Svaha (roL=k;S Lokgk) 

ivx) Vishnu – Vishnuai Svaha (foÔ.kk;S Lokgk) 

xv) Marutas – Marutasai Svaha (ek:rkl;S Lokgk) 

xvi) Prajapati – Prajapatai Svaha (iztkir;S Lokgk) 

xvii) Bhu – Bhuvai Svaha (Hkqok;S Lokgk) 

xviii) Bhvah – Bhvahai Svaha (Hkqokgk;S Lokgk) 

xix) Svah – Svahai Svaha (Lokg;s Lokgk) 

xx) Gayatri Mntra (xk;=h eU=) 

2)Prayashchita Homa (izk;fõrk gksek)- To atone for faults that might have 

crept in during the performance of homa. 

There are fifteen ahuties but generally following 10 are recited: 

i)Agne PrayshchiteTv Devanam Prayashchitisi Yasyam Bhrsha 

Tnstamsya Naashy Svaha 

vXus izk;f¹prs Ronsokuka izk;¹pfrfl ;kL;ka Hk`Ók ruqLrkeL;k ukÓ; Lokgk 

(Oh Devas, whatever mistakes have taken place during performance of Homa, 

please remove their ill effect). 

ii)Vayu Prayashchite Tv Devanam Prayashchitisi Yasyam Bhrsha 


ok;ks izk;f¹prs Ronsokuka izk;¹pfrfl ;kL;ka Hk`Ók ruqLrkeL;k ukÓ; Lokgk 

iii) Surya Prayashchite Tv Devanam Prayashchitisi Yasyam Bhrsha 


lw;kZ izk;f¹prs Ronsokuka izk;¹pfrfl ;kL;ka Hk`Ók ruqLrkeL;k ukÓ; Lokgk% 

ivChandr Prayashchite Tv Devanam Prayashchitisi Yasyam Bhrsha 


pUnz izk;f¹pr Ronsokuka izk;¹pfrfl ;kL;ka Hk`Ók ruqLrkeL;k ukÓ; Lokgk 

v)Vishnu Prayashchite Tv Devanam Prayashchitisi Yasyam Bhrsha 



fo¹.kq izk;f¹prs Ronsokuka izk;¹pfrfl ;kL;ka Hk`Ók ruqLrkeL;k ukÓ; Lokgk 

vi) Vishnu Prayashchite Tv Devanam Prayashchitisi Yasyam Bhrsha 



vii) Chandr Prayashchite Tv Devanam Prayashchitisi Yasyam Bhrsha 


izk;f¹prs Ronsokuka izk;¹pfrfl ;kL;ka Hk`Ók ruqLrkeL;k ukÓ; Lokgk 

viii) Surya Prayashchite Tv Devanam Prayashchitisi Yasyam Bhrsha 


lq;kZ izk;f¹prs Ronsokuka izk;¹pfrfl ;kL;ka Hk`Ók ruqLrkeL;k ukÓ; Lokgk 

ix) Vayu Prayashchite Tv Devanam Prayashchitisi Yasyam Bhrsha 


ok;q izk;f¹prs Ronsokuka izk;¹pfrfl ;kL;ka Hk`Ók ruqLrkeL;k ukÓ; Lokgk 

x) Agne Prayashchite Tv Devanam Prayashchitisi Yasyam Bhrsha 


vfXu izk;f¹prs Ronsokuka izk;¹pfrfl ;kL;ka Hk`Ók ruqLrkeL;k ukÓ; Lokgk 

3)Purn Ahuti/Svishtakrt Homa (iw.kZ vkgqfr) 

The 10 ahuties recited are: 

i)Agne PrayshchiteTv Devanam Prayashchitisi Yasyam Bhrsha 


vXus izk;f¹prs Ronsokuka izk;¹pfrfl ;kL;ka Hk`Ók ruqLrkeL;k ukÓ; Lokgk 

(Oh Devas, whatever mistakes have taken place during performance of Homa, 

please remove their ill effect). 

ii) Vayu Prayashchite Tv Devanam Prayashchitisi Yasyam Bhrsha 


ok;ks izk;f¹prs Ronsokuka izk;¹pfrfl ;kL;ka Hk`Ók ruqLrkeL;k ukÓ; Lokgk 

iii) Surya Prayashchite Tv Devanam Prayashchitisi Yasyam Bhrsha 



lw;kZ izk;f¹prs Ronsokuka izk;¹pfrfl ;kL;ka Hk`Ók ruqLrkeL;k ukÓ; Lokgk% 

iv) Chandr Prayashchite Tv Devanam Prayashchitisi Yasyam 

Bhrsha Tnstamsya Naashy Svaha 

pUnz izk;f¹pr Ronsokuka izk;¹pfrfl ;kL;ka Hk`Ók ruqLrkeL;k ukÓ; Lokgk 

v) Vishnu Prayashchite Tv Devanam Prayashchitisi Yasyam Bhrsha 



vi) Vishnu Prayashchite Tv Devanam Prayashchitisi Yasyam Bhrsha 



vii) Chandr Prayashchite Tv Devanam Prayashchitisi Yasyam 

Bhrsha Tnstamsya Naashy Svaha 

pUnz izk;f¹prs Ronsokuka izk;¹pfrfl ;kL;ka Hk`Ók ruqLrkeL;k ukÓ; Lokgk 

viii) Surya Prayashchite Tv Devanam Prayashchitisi Yasyam Bhrsha 


lq;kZ izk;f¹prs Ronsokuka izk;¹pfrfl ;kL;ka Hk`Ók ruqLrkeL;k ukÓ; Lokgk 

ix) Vayu Prayashchite Tv Devanam Prayashchitisi Yasyam Bhrsha 


ok;q izk;f¹prs Ronsokuka izk;¹pfrfl ;kL;ka Hk`Ók ruqLrkeL;k ukÓ; Lokgk 

x) Agne Prayashchite Tv Devanam Prayashchitisi Yasyam Bhrsha 


vfXu izk;f¹prs Ronsokuka izk;¹pfrfl ;kL;ka Hk`Ók ruqLrkeL;k ukÓ; Lokgk 

4)Varuna Upasthana (Goodbye to Varuna) ‐ The water in Pranita 

Patra 


is poured in four directions and the remaining water is 

poured on the ground. With this Prokshana (sprinklingof 

water) is done on the performer i.e. Karta. Ahuties are 

offered with Gayatri Vyahrties. 

5)Agni Upasthana (Good bye to Agni) – 

Ahuties are offered to Agni, Vayu, Surya,Chandra, Vishnu etc. 

with Gayatri Vyahrties. 

cc)Vishvadeva Bali (oSýnso cyh ) 

Preparatory 

1)Agnikund or an earthen bowl for keeping burning charcoal or 

wood fire 

2) Charcoal or small wood pieces for above 

3)Prepare chachvoru 5/6( chachvaru is a cake made from rice flour) 

4) Keep some cooked rice ready 

5) Some raw vegs( mooli is essential) and some fruit for offering as 

bakhbooz 

6) Ghee and darbha grass 

This involves propitiatory oblations made to certain deities, tutelary 

gods, household divinities, spirits,meins, birds other animals and all 

creatures including even lifeless objects. The oblations in this anga 

are cooked food items such as cooked rice and bread cakes made 

from rice flour (called Tchotvor in Kashmiri). Oblatious are made to 

Agnidev (in an enclosure drawn with darbha) and to ancestors. 

Puja (See Fig for placement of Agnikund and place ment of offerings) 

It has Two parts 

I)Purva Bhaga 

II) pradhan Bhaga 

I)Purva Bhaga 

1) Established fire in Agni kund 

2) Place Pranit Patr with water and Vishtur in it in the SW corner of 

agnikund 


3) Pran Pratishtha 

Sprinkle water with Vashthru or Darbha on the fire pot, three times 

with the recitation: 

Jeevdanum pariklpyami Nmh thonku ifjdYi;kfe ue% 

4) Burn tips of two darbhas in the fire pot and then place them on 

the right side (i.e. south) of 

fire pot. Recite following words: 

Nirdgdhm Rksho Nirdgdha Ratir Apagne, Agni Mamadm Jhi 

Nishhkrvya Dm Sidha Devyjnm Vh 

funxa/k j{kks funZX/kk jkfrj vikXus vfXu ekekna tfg fu¹ØO;k na lh/kk nso;tua og A 

5) perform short Pranayam . 

6) Purifying Agni – Sprinkle water from Pranitpatr nine times on the 

Agni pot with Vshthur with following recitations: 

i) Rtmtvya Styen Perismu Hyami 

(_raRo;k lR;su ifjlew gîkfe) 

(for custodians of cosmic order Rita I 

am offering this water oblations.) 

ii) Stym Tvrtenm Perismuhyami 

(lR;a RorsZua ifjlewgîkfe) 

(for Custodians of truth I am offering 

this water oblation). 

iii) Rit Styamyam Tva 

Perismuhyami 

(_ra lR;kE;ka Rok ifjlewgîkfe) 

(for custodian of Rita and truth .....). 

iv) Ritm Tva Styen Pryukshami 

(_ra Rok lR;su i;qZ{kkfe) 

(For Ritm I am offering oblations 

without any recitations). 

v) Stym Tvrten Pryukshami (lR;a 

RorsZu i;qZ{kkfe) (For truth.....). 

vi) Rit Styabhyam Tva 

Pryukshami (_ra lR;kH;ka Rok 

i;qZ{kkfe) (For both Rita and Stya......) 

vii) Ritm Tva Styen Perishhinchami (_ra Rok lR;u ifjÔ×pkfe) (For Rita I 

am sprinking the water). 

viii) Stym Tvrten Perishhinchami (lR; RorsZu ifjÔ×pkfe) (For Satyam I am 

......). 

ix) Ritm Satyabhyam Tva Perishhinchami (_ra lR;kH;ka Rok ifjÔ×pkfe) 

(For Both Ritm and Satym......). 

7) Place pieces of darbha on all four sides of Agni poth and recite. 

Ygnsy Sntitir Asy Ygnsy Tva Snttyai Strnami 


;KL; lUrfrj vfl ;KL; Rok lUrR;S Lr`.kkfe 

(Ygnya you are eternal and you are called eternal). 

8) Offering Tilak and flowers to Agnipot recite the words: 

Agnye Shukarudhay Svaha Sahitay Trinetray Tejrupay 

Smalubnm Gndo Nmh, Argho Nmh Pushpm Nmh 

vXu;s Óqdk:

g)Balis to Yogins 

h)Gogras Balis 

j)Prepun 

a) Dev Bali ‐ (Food offerings to 36 tuttelary deities‐ Takshas) Place 

Yagnopavit in svena (Ygnopavit I right arm) position. Put little ghee 

on a few rice cakes and rub it on them by two pieces of darbha. 

Recite following : 

Vaishvadevsy Siddhsy Srvgtogrysy Annsy Juhoti Paksy 

Grten Smlipy Svsti Astu Shrutm Abhidhary 

oSÓonsoL; fl)L; loZrksxz;L; vUuL; tqgksfr ikdL; 

/k`rsu lafyI; LofLr vLrq J`re vfHk/kk;Z A 

(I am offering this cooked food along with ghee to Vaishdevas for success and 

happiness of performer). 

Make small pieces of these rice cakes and offer these as Ahuties one 

by one to Agni pot with thefollowing words: 

1) Somay Svaha (lksek; Lokgk) 

2) Mitray Svaha (fe=k; Lokgk) 

3) Vrunay Svaha (o:.kk; Lokgk) 

4) Indray Svaha (bUnzk; Lokgk) 

5) Indragnibhyam Svaha (bUnzkfXuH;ke Lokgk) 

6) Vishvebhyo Devebhyo Svaha (foýsH;ks nsosH;ks Lokgk) 

7) Prajaptye Devebhyo Svaha (iztkir;s nsosH;ks Lokgk) 

8) Anumityai Devebhyo Svaha (vuqeR;S nsosH;ks Lokgk) 

9) Dhvanvntrye Devebhyo Svaha (/kokUoaUrj;s nsosH;ks Lokgk) 

10) Vastoshhptye Devebhyo Svaha (okLrks¹ir;s nsosH;ks Lokgk) 

11) Vasudevaya Devebhyo Svaha (oklqnsok; nsosH;ks Lokgk) 

12) Lakshmi Sahitay Naraynay Devebhyo Svaha (y{keh lfgrk; ukjk;.kk; 

nsosH;ks Lokgk) 

(b) Bali for tutelary deities (food to 36 deities) ‐ Place three long darbhas 

on the right side of Agni Kund 

in east‐west direction. Keep on putting cut pieces of rice cakes on 

these three darbhas, one 

by one, from left to right, with the recitation of the name to whom it 

is offered. At the end of 

line go on placing the pieces from right to left in the next line so as to 

form a snake like pattern. 

(see Figure ). Individual recitation of offerings to deities is as follows: 


1) Tkshay Nmh (r{kk; ue%) 

2) Uptkshay Nmh (mir{kk; ue%) 

3) Amba-Namasi Nmste (vEck ukekfl ueLrs) 

4) Nitntri Namasi Namaste (fura=h ukekfl ueLrs) 

5) Chupnika Namasi Nmste (pqiuhdk ukekfl ueLrs) 

6) Abhrynti Namasi Nmste (vHkz;Urh ukekfl ueLrs) 

7) Meghynti Namasi Nmste (es?k;Urh ukekfl ueLrs) 

8) Vrshhynti Namasi Nmste (oÔZ;Urh ukekfl ueLrs) 

9) Nndini Nmste (ufUnfu ueLrs) 

10) Subhge Nmste (lqHkxs ueLrs) 

11) Sumngil Nmste (lqefMxy ueLrs) 

12) Bhdrm-Kari Nmste (Hknza&dfj ueLrs) 

13) Shriyai Hirny Keshyai Nmh (Jh;k; fgj.; dsÓ;S ue%) 

14) Vnsptibhyo Nmh (ouLifrH;ks ue%) 

15) Dharmay Nmh (/kekZ; ue%) 

16) Adharmay Nmh (v/kekZ; ue%) 

17) Mrtyve Nmh (e`R;os ue%) 

18) Mrutbhyo Nmh (e:RH;ks ue%) 

19) Vrunay Nmh (o:.kk; ue%) 

20) Vishnve Nmh (fo¹.kos ue%) 

21) Vaishrvnay-Rajne-Nmh (osýo.kk;&jkKs&ue%) 

22) Bhutebhyo Nmh (HkwrsH;ks ue%) 

23) Indray Nmh (bUnzk; ue%) 

24) Indr-Purushhebhyo Nmh (bUnziq:ÔsH;ks ue%) 

25) Somay Nmh (lksek; ue%) 

26) Som-Purushhebhyo Nmh (lkse&iq:ÔksH;ks ue%) 

27) Varunay Nmh (o:.kk; ue%) 

28) Varun-Purushhebhyo Nmh (o:.k&iq:ÔksH;ks ue%) 

29) Ymay Nmh (;ek; ue%) 

30) Ympurushhebhyo Nmh (;eiq:ÔSH;ks ue%) 

31) Brhmney Nmh (czgeus ue%) 

32) Brhm-Purushhebhyo Nmh (czge&iq:ÔksH;ks ue%) 

33) Udhrvm Akashay Nmh (Å/koZ vkdkÓk; ue%) 

34) Sthndhile-Divmchrebhyo Devtabhyo Nmh (LFkf.Mys fnoapjsH;ks 

nsorkH;ks ue%) 

35) Nktn Chrebhyo Bhutebhyo Nmh (uDr×pjsH;ks HkwrsH;ks ue%) 


36) Sht-Trimsht Tkshadibhyo Annm Nmh (ÔV f=aÓr r{kkfnH;ks vUua ue%) 

Put a little water on th right hand and recite 

Achmaniym Nmh (vkpeuh; ue%) 

3c) Pitr Bali – (Food offerings to ancestors) with Yagnopavit in Upsaven 

position Place three darbhas NS on the right hand side below where 

Devi Bali has been placed as shown in figure . While sprinkle water 

and black sesamum over these darbhas recite: 

1) Smst Mata Pitrbhyo Dvadsh Devtabhyh 

Pitrbhyo Bhuprshhthe Darbhatrene Tilodken Avnejnm Svadha 

leLr ekrk fir`H;ks }knÓ nSorsH;ks 

fir`H;ks Hkwi`¹Bs nHkkZLrj.ks fryksndsu voustu Lo/kk A 

(May all my ancestors for maternal and paternal side upto 12 number be seated 

on this darbha seat which has beenlaid with sesamum). 

Touch this darbha seat with right hand thumb and recite: 

Ushnts Tva Hvamh Ushnth Smidhi Mhi 

Ushnnusht Avah Pitrn Hvbishhe Attve 

mÓUrLRok gokeg mÓUr% lfe/kh efg% A 

mÓUuqÓr vkokg firù gfoÔs vUÙkos A 

(Oh Ushant please be seated to receive offerings along with ancestors) 

3) Place rice cakes (or cooked rice as per family tradition) on darbha 

after stating snklpa and naming each ancestor. 

Om Tat‐Sat‐Brahma‐Adhy Tavt (name month, paksh, date, day etc) 

and then name ancestor starting with father (if dead) or grandfather 

as shown below: 

Ancestors from father side 

i) Pita……………Ettte Annm Ye Ch Tvanu (firk…………….,rr rs 

vUu ;s p rokuq) 

ii) Pita Maha …………Ehte Annm Ye Ch Tvanu (firkegk………,rr rs 

vUu ;s p rokuq) 

iii) Prpita …………… Ehte Annm Ye Ch Tvanu (izfiregk………….,rr 

rs vUu ;s p rokuq) 

iv) Mata (if dead) ......…………(name pre & post marriage) (ekrk 

name pre & post marriage). 


v) Pita Mhi (firkegh)…………Grand mother paternal…... 

vi) Prapita Mhi …………(izfirkegh…………….) 

Similarly for Maternal side 

i) Mata Mha (ekrkeg%) Grand father …………………. 

ii) Prmata Mhh (izekrk eg%) Grand father …………….. 

iii) Vrd Prmata Mha (o`) izekrkeg). ……………….. 

iv) Mata Mhi (ekrk egh) Grand mother ………………………. 

v) Prmati Mhi (izekrk egh) Grand Grand mother …………… 

vi) Vrd Prmata Mhi (o`) izekrkegh) Grand Grand mother..… 

In the end offer food to all other ancestors collectively by reciting - 

Smst Mata Pitrbhyo Dvadsh Daite bhyh Pitrbhyo Annm Svadha 

leLr ekrk fir`H;ks }knÓ nSorsH;ks fir`H;ks·Uu Lo/kk A 

(To all my ancestors from paternal and maternal side upto 12 generations). 

4) Clean hands by water in the nirmal pot and then place tilak and 

flowers on food offered to Pitrs along with following recitations: 

Smst Mata Pitrbhyh Smalubnm Gndh Svadha, Arghym Svadha 

Pushpm Svadha 

leLr ekrk fir`H;ks lekyHku xU/k% Lo/kk v/; Lo/kk iq¹ia Lo/kk A 

5) Tarpan 

6) Offering Bakhbuz Place fresh fruits and vegetables such as Raddish 

etc (called Bakhbuz) near the food offered to ancestors) with the 

following recitations: 

Smst Mata Pitrbhyh Bhksh Bhojy Phl Mul Bli Naiveddm Aradi Annm 

Svadha 

leLr ekrk fir`H;ks Hk{; HkkST; Qyewy cfy uSo|e vkgjkfn vUua Lo/kk A 

7) Final Achman. Sprinkle water along with black sesamum and 

honey on these food items and recite: 

Smst Mata Pitrbhyh Til Mdhu, Mishrmudkm Patrm Achmaniym Jlm 

Svdha 

leLr ekrk fir`H;ks fry e/kq feJeqnd ik=e vkpeuh;a tya Lo/kk A 

d) Seasonal Balis (_rq cyha) Keep Yagnopavit sven. Recite names of six 

seasons as follows: 

i) Vsntay Nmh (olUrk; ue%) 

ii) Grishhmay Nmh (xzh¹ek; ue%) 

iii) Varshhabhyo Nmh (oÔkZH;ks ue%) 

iv) Shrde Nmh (Ójns ue%) 

v) Hemntay Nmh (gseUrk; ue%) 

vi) Shishray Nmh (fÓÓjk; ue%) 

End with the recitation 

Shhdh Ritbhyo Nmh (ÔM- _rqH;ks ue%a) 

e) Agni Balis 


1) Recite Agnye Svishtkrte Svaha (vXu;s fLoÔVd`rs Lokgka) 

2) Wash hands. Perform Pranayam (see A10) and sprinkle water 3 

times on Agnipot with 

the Vashthur (or dharbha) placed in the pranitpatr with following 

recitation: 

i) Ritum Tva Styen Vimumchami (_raRok Lr;su foeqapkfe) 

ii) Stym Tvrten Vimunachami (lR;a RorsZu foeqapkfe) 

iii) Rit Styabhyam Tva Vimumchami (_ra lR;kH;ke rok foeqapkfe) 

3) Remove darbha already placed on four sides, starting from north 

side, recite followings: 

Ygnsy Snttir Asy – ;KL; lUrfrj vL; 

Ygnsy Tva Snttyai Nyami – ;KL; Roka lUrR;S u;kfe 

4) Holding flowers in hand, pray for blessing (Ashirvad) from Agni 

Dev. 

Dhrmm Dehi, Dhnm Dehi, Putrpoutran Ch Dehi Me 

Ayur Arogym Eishvrym Dehi Me, Havi Vahn Tejo Asi Tej Myi Dehi 

/keZ nsfg /kua nsfg iq=ikS=ku p nsfg esa A 

vk;qj vkjksX;e ,sý;Ze nsfg es gO; okgu rstksfl rst ef; nsfg AA 

(Bliss me with Dharma – path of righteousness; bless me by giving me wealth; 

bless me with sons and grandsons; 

bless me with long life, freedom from ailments and with enjoyment, Oh carrier of 

Agni you are possessor of Tej (Vigour) 

please bless me with Tej). 

5) Draw flame or smoke from flame towards yourself and recite 

Ityatmanm Dehi Bhgvn Snnidhtsu 

bR;kReku nsfg Hkxou lfU=/kRlq 

(Make my soul “Atma” one with my body “Deh”). 

f) Rishi Balis (Yagnopavit in Kntha-throat). 

i) Place little food (rice or cake) on the ground and recite 

Hunt Mnushybhyh Snkachibhyh Rishhibhyh Annm Nmh Achmaniym 

Nmh 

gUr euq¹;H;% ludkfnH;% _fÔH;% vUu ue% vkpeuh; ue% 

(Snk and other rishis including Manushas, be happy with this offering of food). 

g) Balis to Yognis (Ygnopavit in sven position). Balis to Yoginis forms an 

important part of Prepun (Naved mntra) . Yagnis are female tutelary 

deities of sky. Offering of food is made with the recitation of the 

names of yognis to whom the offering of food is made kept in a bowl 

: 

Ya Kachit Yogini Raudra Soumya Gortra, Pra, Khechri, Bhuchri , 

Rama,Tushta, 

Bhvntu Me Sda Akash Matribhyo Annm Nmh Smalubnm Gndho Nmh, 

Argho Nmh Pushpm Nmh 

;k dkfpr ;kfxuh jksnzk lksE;k /kksjrjk ijk [kspjh Hkwpjh jkek rq¹Vk 


Hkorqes lnk vkdkÓ ekr`H;ks vUu ue% lekyHku xU/kks ue% v/kksZ ue% iq¹ia ue% 

(Female deities, Yogini, Raudra, Saumya, Gortra, Pra, Khechu Bhuchri and Rama, 

who live in the sky, please 

accept the food along with gndha, arga and flowers). 

h) Gogras (also called Panch Bali). Five Balis are offered for gov (cow), 

svanah (dog), kaka(crow), arthis ( air borns insects) and pipilika 

(ants, worms, insects etc). Small quantities of food are placed at five 

places near where food has already been offered to Pitrs.( In other 

traditions it is placed on leaves) Recitations for each of 5 balies are : 

1) For cows (Gobhyo) Gobhyo Annm Nmh (xksH;ks vUua ue%) 

2) For crows (Kakebhyo) Kakebhyo Annm Nmh (dkdsH;ks vUua ue%) 

3) For dogs (Shvankebhyo) Shvankebhyo Annm Nmh (ýkudsHk;a vUua 

ue%) 

4) For Arthis (airborne insects) Arthinam Annm Nmh (vfFkZuke vUua 

ue%) 

5) For Pipilika (ants, insects, worms etc). Pipilakabhyan Annm Nmh 

(fiihfydkH;ka vUua ue%) 

dd) Shraddha. 

Preparatory 

i) Cooked rice about 5 kgs in utensils. 

ii) Two thalis. 

iii) Kawli (small steel bowl) –1No. 

iv) All the cooked vegetables in Kawlis that were deer to Preta.7 

v) A photo of the dead ancestor which is decorated with a flower 

garland and saffron tilak, placed in the south side facing north. 

vi) New utensils (mainly Thali, glass kawli) and cloths (Kurta Pyjama 

and turban for priest if he puts on a turban to cover his head) which 

are to be offered to Brahmin who conducts ritual. Other Brahmins 

are to receive cash only. 

Shraddha Kriya (Yagnopavit svena) 

Place a photo of dead person at a clean a place . Karta sits facing 

south near where there is already Agnikund and Kalash. A 

rectangular place is demarcated by drawing a line with white 

flour.The kriya hasfollowing acts: 

1) Offering food to Preta ‐ Bring the cooking pot in which rice has 

already been cooked near and smear it with tilak and then 

place arga and pushp (flower) to it. Keep on reciting: 


Smalubnm Gndo Nmh, Argonmh Pushpm Nmh 

(lekyHkua xU/kks ue% v|ksZ ue% iq¹ia ue%) 

Take out cooked rice from the pot (enough for one person) and place 

it in the Thali already kept in the demarcated place. Place all cooked 

vegetables in kawls in the thali. Take out three handful of cooked 

rice from the thali and put it on the right hand side outside the 

boundary drawn with flour. Recite : 

Om Bhut Ptye Nmh, Om Bhuvn Ptye Nmh, Om Bhutanam Ptye Nmh 

(¬ Hkwr ir;s ue% ¬ Hkqou ir;s ue% ¬ Hkwrkuka ue%). 

Lift this thali with your hands, stand up facing the photo of dead 

ancestor and recite 16 verses of Purushottam( 

Visitwww.kpsamarpan.org). Place thali back in the marked place. As 

an act of achman, place few drops of water near the photo and 

recite: 

Pitre or Matre Brhmarpmm Brhmhvi Brhmanye, 

Brhmahutm Brhmaiv Brhmgntvym Brhmkrm Smadhina 

¬ fi=s@ek=s czgeki.kZa czgegfo czgekXukS czgeuk gqre&czgeSo 

czgexUrO;a czge deZ lekf/kuk). BG 4/24 

(The cooked food is being offered to Brahma as an act of karma. Brahma is 

Himself havi (ahuti) agni (who receive ahuti), hutm (one who consumes havi) 

. 

2) Pindadan (Yagnopavit Upsevena) 

i) Outside the demarcated place, but near it, place another plate and 

empty all the cooked rice from the pot in it. Mix this cooked rice with 

ghee, milk, sesamum, honey and mesh the whole thing. Make 17 

Pindas (balls) from the mixture and (18 in case the lunar year is of 13 

months). While making these pindas, recites Bhagwad Gita hymns 

(Chapter 10 is preferred). 

Place a few darbhas in the south part of Agnikund. Sprinkle a little 

water on this darbhas and recite: 

Pitre Ekoddishte Shraddhe Bhuprshthe 

Drbhastrne Tilodken Ett Te Avnejnm 

(firjs ,dksf¹Vs Jk)s Hkwi`¹V nHkkZLrj.ks fryksndsu ,srr rs voustua) 

. 

(Pitra of Eleventh day shraddha please be seated on this darbha seat). 


ii)Next these Pinds have to be placed on darbha from North to South 

in four rows of four each. 

iii)Lift one Pinda from the thali with your right hand, place it on the 

left hand palm, cover it with your right hand as an act of providing 

cover and then place it on the darbha. Recite: 

Tt St Brhm Adhy Tavt Tithou (State/Month/Pksh/Date/Day/Gotra) 

Pitah or Matah Ekoddishte Shraddhe Eshh Te Pratham Pindh 

(rr lr czge v|rkor frFkkS v|...........(ekl@i{k @frfFk@okj@xks=k) firk% vFkok 

ekrk% ,dksfq¹Vs Jk)s ,Ô rs izFke fi.M%). 

(Today in this month, paksh, date, day, gotra for the same mother or father 

eleventh 

day shraddha this first Pinda is offered) 

. 

After placing the Pinda on darbha, place a little of water over it as an 

act of achman and recite: 

Aph Upsprshy (vki% miLi`Ó;). 

iv)Proceed by placing all the sixteen Pindas in four rows from north 

to south followed by achman as above .For first fifteen pindas, the 

recitation are same as shown in 1st Pinda except that the word Prthm 

(izFke) has to be replaced with the appropriate word for each pinda as 

shown below: 

2nd Pinda Dvitiyh (f}rh;%). 

3rd Pinda Tritiyh (r`rh;%). 

4th Pinda Chaturthe (prqFkZ%). 

5th Pinda Pnchmh (iape%). 

6th Pinda Shhshth (Ô¹B%). 

7th Pinda Sptmh (lIre%). 

8th Pinda Ashtmh (v¹Ve%). 

9th Pinda Nvmh (uoe%). 

10th Pinda Dshmh (nÓe%). 

11th Pinda Ekadsh (,dknÓ%). 

12th Pinda Dvadshh (}knÓ%). 

13th Pinda Tryodsh (=;ksnÓ%). 

14th Pinda Chturdash (prqnZÓ%). 

15th Pinda Pnchdsh (iapnÓ%). 


For 16th Pinda,after placing it and carrying achman the recitation is 

as follows: 

Prthm Masat Un Samvtsrike Shhodshm Yavt Ekoddishte Shraddhe 

Eshh Te Pindh 

(izFke eklkr Åu lkoaRlfjds ÔksMÔa ;kor ,dksfq¹Vs Jk)s ,Ô 

rs fi.M%). 

At the end of placing these 16 Pindas, place seventeenth pinda 

(which represent Mulpurush – the first Purusha) in front of four 

rows already drawn. In case the number of pindas is 18, then place 

this additional pinda also by the side of Mulpurusha. 

iv) Clothes .Place some new clothes in front of Mulpurush with the 

recitation: 

Eshh Te Vash (,Ô rs okl%) 

v) Placing caps over pindas. Make flat round pieces with cooked rice 

and place them over all the pindas as caps with the recitation: 

Ett Te Virannm (,rr rs ohjkUu%). 

vi) Gandh. Smear all the Pindas with tilak (with thumb movement 

downwards(for Mulpurusha‐ upward). Recite: 

Esh Te Gndh (,Ô rs xU/k%) 

vii) Doop deep. Move doop and deep with the recitation: 

Dup Dip: Esh Te Dhupm/Diph (,Ô rs /kqi nhi%) 

viii) Next carry out brief arti . Recite one or two hymns of Vishnu : 

Wishwadaram Gagan Sadreshyam Meghvarnam Shulbhangam 

Lakhshimi Kantam Kamal Naynam Yogbir Dyan Gameyam 

Vandey Veshnum Bhaw Bhaye Haram Sarw Lokaiyk Natham 

ÓkUrkdkja Hkqtx Ó;ua in~eukHka lqjsÓa A 

foÓok/kkja xxulnzÓ;a es?ko.kZa ÓqHkk›e AA 

y{eh dkUra deyu;ua ;ksxfcj/;ku xE;a 

oUns fo¹.kq HkoH;gja loZyksdSdukFke A 

{I am bowing to Lord Vishnu ,Who with His calm disposition sits on Sheshneg 

(thousand headed snake),Who haslotus in the center of His belly (Nabhi). Who is 

Lord of Devas. Who is the cause of the manifestation of the Universe and Who is 

present everywhere like sky. Who is like a cloud moving all over, Whose all parts 

are beautiful. Who is husband of Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth). Whose 


eyes are beautiful like that of Lotus; Whom yogis realize through meditation and 

Who wards off all evils. Who is Lord of Lords.) 

(For other Vishnu recitations see www.kpsamarpan.org) 

ix) Next place fresh fruits and vegetables (called Phlmul) near Pindas 

and recite: 

Ett Te Bakshy Bhojy Phlmuladi Smrpiyami 

(,rr rs Hk{k;&HkksT; Qyewykfn leiZ;kfe). 

x) Tarpan – 


Pitah or Matah Ekoddishte Shraddhe Himpanm Svadha 


ekrk% ,dksfq¹Vs Jk)s fgeikua Lo/kk%) 

xi) Apashn (vkiksÓu%) Place a little cooked rice with vegetables in a cup 

and recite: 

Pituh/Matu Ekoddishte Shraddhe Ett Te Nityanm 

(firq%@ekrq ,dksf)¹Vs Jk)s ,rr rs fuR;kue%) 

393 

xii) Achman (yagnopavit svena) Place a little water in front of Pindas 

as an act of achman. 

xiii)Good bye to pitra. The act of saying goodbye to pitra is done by 

standing up and looking at pindas by turning head backwards where 

they are placed. Keep rest of the body in front direction. 

xiv)Sankalpa. Utensils, cloths etc. which are to be given to Brahman 

/poor people at the end of shraddha has to be sprinkled with water 

as a snklpa. Recite: 

Om Tt St ……………. Pitr (or Matre). 

Pralok Shanyrthe Dakshinam Sannm Subandm Suvstrum Snklpyami 

(¬ rr lr%……….fi=s (;k ek=s) ijyksd ÓkUR;FkZa nf{k.kka lkUua lHkk.Ma 

loL=a ladYi;kfe). 

xv) Paying Dakshina to priest. Place dakshina(Cash) along with 

flowers and arga in front of Kalash. Recite: 

Klashyag Devtabhyo Dakshinayai Rjt Nishkrn Ddani . Argo Nmh 

Pushpm Nmh 


dyÓ;kx nsorkH;% nf{k.kk;S jtr fu¹dZ.k nnkfu v|ksZ ue% iq¹ia ue%). 

(Kalash devatas, I am offering Dakshina in the form Gold without any desire for 

reward. 

(Note It was a tradition among Kashmiri priests not to receive 

dakdhina directly, especially on death related rituals ) 

ee)Closing eleventhday Kriya 

a)Kshma Yachna –In the end devas are offered prayers for 

condoning of mistakes that might have taken place while performing 

the karma. A few recitations are as follows: 

i) Mntr Hinm Kriya Hinm Bhkti Hinm Jnardn 

Yt Pujitm Mya Dev Peripurn Tddstu Mai 

eU= ghua fØ;k ghua HkfDr ghua tuknZu A 

;r iwftre e;k nso A ifjiw.kZ rnLrq eS AA 

(May my prayer be efficacious even when I may have done so with inadequate 

knowledge of mantras, kriya(karma) or Bhkti (devotions). 

ii) Avahnm Na Janami Na Janemi Visrjnm 

Puja Cheva Na Janemi Kshmsv Prmeshvra 

vkokgua u tkukfe u tkukfe foltZue A 

iwtk pSo u tkukfe {keLo ijesÓoj AA 

(I do not know proper way of welcoming or bidding goodby to deity, or offering 

puja, as per established tradition, please excuse me for such lapses). 

b) Cleaning the place . Take out the cooked food that was used 

during kriya and throw it in the river or serve it to cows etc. 

c)Put off oil lamp which was placed in the SE corner 

d)Serving food to the Brahmins and others who had kept a fast. 

394 

E) Twelfth day of Kriya 

Twelfth day Kriya is an act of combining Preta with Pitras of three generations, 

males with male’s ancestors and females with female ancestors. The various 

angas of this kriya are as follows: 

Sraddha – The shraddha is performed as given in the eleventh day kriya with 

some modification as given below: 


i)Three plates (or thalis) are placed for food (boiled rice), one for 

Pitras, one for Preta who has died and one for Vaishvadevas. 

ii)As against 17 Pindas in 11th day kriya, only five Pindas are 

prepared. Three pindas are small (about 125 grams) each which 

represent three pitras and are placed in one thali; one large panda 

called pretapinda (about 500 grams) placed in 2nd thali and one 

medium size which represents Mulpurusha. 

iii)The Preta pinda (large one) is cut into three pieces with a thin 

wire and then each of the cut pieces is mixed with the three pindas 

one by one.The three pindas after merger are placed on darbha . 

iv)White placing first Pinda on darbha recite: 

Vasubhyo Svadh (olqH;ks Lok/k%) 

For 2nd pinda recite 

Rudrbhyo Svadh (:nzH;ks Lok/k%) 

Similarly for 3rd pinda recite 

Aditybyoh Svadha (vkfnR;H;ks Lok/k%) 

v) Clothes .Place some new clothes in front of Mulpurush with the 

recitation: 

Eshh Te Vash (,Ô rs okl%) 

vi) Placing caps over pindas. Make flat round pieces with cooked rice 

and place them over all the pindas as caps with the recitation: 

Ett Te Virannm (,rr rs ohjkUu%). 

vii) Gandh. Smear all the Pindas with tilak (with thumb movement 

downwards(for Mulpurusha‐ upward). Recite: 






















and recite: 



x) Tarpan – 





xi) Apashn (vkiksÓu%) Place a little cooked rice with vegetables in a 

cup and recite: 



393 

















Pushpm Nmh 



reward. 

F)Round The Year Shraddhas 

A number of minor kriyas are also performed during the antyeshti or during 

the first year after death.Even when some of these kriyas do not have 

scriptural sanction, yet they have become a part of tradition. An interesting 

part of these kriyas is that besides the utensils and clothes, items of daily use 

such as umbrellas, electric heaters, kangris etc are offered to priest to meet 

requirement of dead ancestor. This appears to be late addition due to 

economic reasons rather then religious one. Some of these additional kriyas 

are as under: 

1)Pkshvar (i{kokj) – During the first three months after death, a mini 

shraddha is performed on every tithi of the death of ancestor in the 

fortnight. 

2) Masvar (eklokj)– During the next three months mini shraddha is 

performed on tithi of the death date of Shukla Paksha. 

395 

3)Shdmas (ÔMekl) – At the end of 6 months of death, a full‐fledged 

shraddha is performed. 

4) Nun Shraddh – Daughthers of the deceased person perform a 

brief shraddha on the 11 th day in which salt is main offering to 

Brahmin priest along with rice, clothes etc. A simple recitation of 

Snklpa is done 

5) Teel Shraddh – This is performed on any day where under cooking 

oil is offered in Shraddha 


6) Shraddha Snklp – It involves Snklpa only without actually 

performing the Shraddha. There arises situation when performance 

of Shraddha is not possible. On such occasion one can donate rice, 

fruits, clothes, cash etc first by making a snklpa as given below: 

Sprinkle water along with sesamum (Yagnopavit upsevena) on the 

objects which are to be donated and recite: 


Pitah or Matah Smvt Sarike Shraddhe Annm Svastrum Phlmulm 

Dakshina Sahitm Snklpyami 


ekrk% lkoaRllfjds Jk)s vUua loL=a Qy ewy&nf{k.kk lfgre ladYi;kfe%). 

For Kamber Pksh Shraddha use the words “Apripake Knyarkgte 

vkifjikds dU;kdZxrs in place of “Smvtsarike” in the above recitation. 

7)Tirth Shraddha – Shraddha are also performed at any time after 

first year at sacred places such as at Haridwar, Triveni, Gaya, Mattan 

and Gangbal in Kashmir. 

G)Annual Shraddha 

1st Annual Shraddha and subsequent Shraddhas are performed on the same 

tithi (as per lunar calendar) on which day the person died. The various angas 

of annual shraddha are: 

a) Kalash Sthapna 

b) Homa 

c) Shraddha 

Kriya 

a) Kalash Sthapna – see from 11 th day kriya 

b) Homa – see from 11th day Homa. 

c) Shraddha 

The Kriya is the same as given in the eleventh day shraddha with following 

modifications: 

1) Four Pindas only are made from the cooked rice (each weigh 

about 250 grams). 

2) In the recitations instead of the word Ekoddishte Shraddhe 

,dksf¹Vs Jk)s (Eleventh day Shraddha) use the appropriate word 

Samvtsrke Shraddhe lkoaRljds Jk)s – (Annual Shraddha). 

3) The four pandas represent three generations of ancestors i.e. 

father, grand father and great grand father (in case of women – 


mother, paternal grand mother and great grand mother). The fourth 

pinda represents mulpurusha 

4) The recitation for placement of these from pindas is as follows: 

i) 1st Pinda ‐ Tt St Brhma Addytavl…………….. 

month/Pksh/Date/day/Gotra……….. 

Pitu/or Matu Samvtsrike Shraddhe Eshh Te Pindh 

(¬ rr lr czge v| 

rkor…….ekl@i{k@frfFk@okj@xks= ……… firq@ekrq lkoaRllfjds Jk)s ,Ô rs 

fi.M%). 

After this place little water over Pinda as symbolic achman while 

reciting Aph Upsprshy (vki% miLi`Ó;). 

ii) 2nd Pinda – same as above. In place Pita (firk) use the word Pita 

Mhay (firk egk;), 

Mata Mhay (ekrk egk;) for mother. 

iii) 3rd Pinda – same as above use the word “Prapita Mahay” (izfirk 

egk;) in place of Pita Mhay (firk egk;) for Mother use word Prapita 

Mata Mahay (izfirk ekrk egk;). 

iv)4th Pinda (Mul Purusha Pinda). This is to be kept in front of above 

three pindas with the recitations: 

Mul Purushhah Bhumiswaminh Pitreh Eshha Vh Svaddha 

(ewy iq:Ôk% HkwfeLokfeu% fi=j% ,Ô o% Lo/kk). 

v) Place small caps (made from cooked rice) on top of these pindas 

(these caps are called Virann) Recite: 

Viranno Pitro Dtt Pindlepm Nivaryet 

(ohjkUuks fi=ks nÙk fi.Mys;a fuokj;sr). 

vi) For Tilak, Arga, Pushp, Phlmul etc. follow the procedure given in 

11th day Shraddha – use words.Pita – Pita Mhay and Prapita Mhay 

for malel ancestors and Mata, Mata Mhay and Prapita Mata Mahay 

for female ancestors 

vii) Gandh. Smear all the Pindas with tilak (with thumb movement 

downwards(for Mulpurusha- upward). Recite: 






















and recite: 



x) Tarpan – 





xi) Apashn (vkiksÓu%) Place a little cooked rice with vegetables in a 

cup and recite: 



393 

















Pushpm Nmh 



reward. 

Explanations 

1) As per Hindu tradition a day start from sunrise to sunrise. Thus if death takes place before 

sunrise, the date of death is taken as the previous day.e.g. a person dying at 6 am on 

dvadashi will be considered to have dyed on ekadashi 

if sun rise time was post 6 am. 

2) Yama is the king and deity of Southern Quarters. From the time of death, the Preta is 

under his control. Hence all ‘rituals connected with dead ancestors are to be performed 

facing South 

3) Weeping and crying near where the corpse should be avoided as it disturbs the dead 

person who is clinically still listening to the going on’ but cannot speak. On such occasions 

one should remind the Preta that life in this samsara is transitory by recitation of Bhagwad 

gita ( Chapter2) 

4) The community members used to have centres in various localities called “Mrtyo Samgri 

Bandar” where one could get all these items at one place with at deferred payment to avoid 

inconvenience. 

5) What an irony ? The loved one for whom weeping and crying goes on is no longer 

welcome at home. Keeping ashes at home is considered inauspicious, hence they are kept 

either at cremation ground (where there is room for keeping it ) or at some other place, may 

be temple or at a safe place in the corner of the compound wall at home Yet the 

emancipated one’s keep these ashes safe for generating in their own houses as a prized 

possession. 

6) Tenth day Kriya in actual practice represents the Kriyas of each of the 10 days, which are 

performed in one go on 10th day by Kashmiri Pandits. 

7) In earlier times this included non‐veg food also if preta was a non‐veg but now it has been 

substituted by complete veg food. 

The End

ANTYESHTI & SHRADDHA ( Death Rituals)

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