Shrihari Upadhyaya Shripeetam

The sacred rite that joins two individuals in marriage. It establishes a lifelong partnership based on dharma, mutual duty, and shared spiritual and social responsibilities. 

A prenatal saṁskāra performed during pregnancy to invoke protection and well-being for the mother and the unborn child. It is usually conducted in the later months of pregnancy with prayers, mantras, and blessings.

The saṁskāra in which a child is formally given a name. It is performed on an auspicious day after birth, seeking blessings for the child’s health, longevity, and virtuous life.

The ceremony marking a child’s first intake of solid food, traditionally cooked rice. It symbolizes the child’s physical growth and the transition to nourishment beyond mother’s milk.

The saṁskāra in which a child’s hair is shaved for the first time. It represents purification and the removal of impurities associated with birth.

This term denotes the set of rites performed for the ātmā just before departure and as soon as they pass away, as well as during cremation. 

Daśāha Vidhi refers to the rites observed over the first ten days after death. Each day includes specific observances to gradually detach the ātmā from the earthly plane.

Dharmodaka is sanctified water used in post-death and śrāddha rituals. It symbolizes purification and is offered with prayers for the departed soul’s welfare.

Ekodviṣṭa refers to the śrāddha performed for a single departed individual. It is usually done before the soul is formally integrated among the ancestors.

Sapiṇḍīkaraṇa is the ritual that unites the departed soul with the lineage of ancestors (pitṛs). After this rite, the deceased is considered part of the ancestral group and receives regular śrāddha offerings.

Vaikuṇṭha Samārādhana is a special devotional observance offered to Bhagavan Viṣṇu. It is performed to seek liberation (mokṣa) for the departed soul.

This refers to the monthly śrāddha rites performed after death. These observances continue until the annual śrāddha and are meant to nourish and support the soul.

Sāṁvatsarika Śrāddha is the annual memorial rite performed on the death anniversary. It marks the completion of the first year and ensures continued ancestral blessings.

Saṅkalpa Śrāddha is a śrāddha performed when a person is unable to perform the sāṁvatsarika śrāddha for any reason.

Godāna is the ritual donation of a cow or its symbolic equivalent. It is considered a highly meritorious act, especially in post-death rites, believed to aid the soul’s journey.

Annadāna is the act of donating food to the needy. In śrāddha contexts, it represents nourishment offered on behalf of the departed soul.

Dhaniṣṭhā Pañcaka refers to a specific five-day astrological period considered significant in ritual observances. Certain rites are either emphasized or avoided during this time.

Tripāda Śānti is a pacificatory ritual performed to neutralize unfavorable astrological combinations. It is intended to restore balance, peace, and well-being for the family.