During ceremonies dedicated to dead ancestors called ‘shraddha,’ appropriate mantras (incantations) are chanted. One of those mantras, containing the wish that the offerings be imperishable, chanted by the performer of the rite, is known as ‘akshaya’ or ‘akshayasthana.’
Significance of Shraddha
Shraddha is a Sanskrit word which means "faith"
and is a ritual performed to honor the ancestors, especially the deceased
parents, grandparents, and other relatives. It is believed that by performing
Shraddha, the spirits of the ancestors are satisfied and bless their
descendants with prosperity, health, and happiness. The rituals involve
offerings of food, water, and prayers to the departed souls.
The Akshaya Mantra
The Akshaya Mantra is a specific incantation recited during
the Shraddha ceremony. The word ‘Akshaya’ means ‘imperishable’ or ‘eternal,’
signifying the eternal nature of the blessings and offerings made to the
ancestors. The form of the mantra is as follows:
Mantra: "Om, adya amukagotrasya pituh
amukasharmane datta-tadannapanadikam akshayyamastu."
Translation: "May the food and drink given by
(me) to so and so, of such and such gotra, on this day, become
imperishable."
Context and Source
This mantra is mentioned in the Yajnavalkya Smriti,
Shraddhaprakaranam, verse 243, with commentary by Viramitrodaya. The
Yajnavalkya Smriti is an ancient text of Hindu law and ritual, attributed to
the sage Yajnavalkya. It is one of the Dharma Shastras, which are texts that
deal with moral, ethical, and social laws in Hinduism. The Shraddhaprakaranam
section specifically deals with the rituals and procedures of Shraddha.
Detailed Procedure of Shraddha
The Shraddha ceremony typically involves several steps:
- Purification:
The performer of the rite purifies himself and the place of the ritual.
- Invocation:
The ancestors are invoked through specific mantras and offerings.
- Offerings:
Food, water, and other items are offered to the ancestors.
- Pinda
Dana: Rice balls called 'pindas' are offered to symbolize the physical
body of the ancestors.
- Tarpana:
Water mixed with sesame seeds is offered to quench the thirst of the
departed souls.
- Feeding
Brahmins: It is customary to feed Brahmins and seek their blessings as
representatives of the ancestors.
- Dakshina:
Offering of gifts and money to the priests and Brahmins who participate in
the ceremony.
Importance of the Akshaya Mantra
The Akshaya Mantra is particularly important because it
emphasizes the eternal nature of the offerings. By chanting this mantra, the
performer expresses the wish that the food, drink, and other offerings made to
the ancestors will remain imperishable and continue to benefit the ancestors in
the afterlife.
Conclusion
The Shraddha ceremony, with its detailed rituals and the
chanting of the Akshaya Mantra, plays a crucial role in Hindu practices. It is
a way for the living to honor their ancestors, seek their blessings, and ensure
their spiritual satisfaction. The belief in the imperishability of the
offerings underscores the deep connection between the living and their
forebears, ensuring a continued flow of blessings and support from the
ancestral realm.