Saturday, January 8, 2011

Lessons from Ramayana – Part 20

When Hindus die, their children offer shraadha to them and do some rituals for the peace of the departed souls. I found reference to a similar gesture when Raama came to know about Dahsaratha’s death:

The princes, with Seeta and Sumantra went to the river and offered libations for the peace of the departed soul of the king. After other customary ceremonies, the princes returned to the cottage. They help each others’ hands and relieved their sorrow by loud lamentation.

(C. Rajagopalachari; Ramayana; Chap XXVII, The brothers meet; P169)

It means the custom is so very old.

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