Abhyudaya is known as material prosperity in Hinduism. Vaieshikasutra states – righteousness is that from which prosperity and liberation follow. In seeking prosperity, people of the world should not go against moral principles.
For ensuring prosperity to the family, a special kind of ceremony to appease one’s ancestors (shraddha) is performed on three main occasions – annaprashan, when a child is given cooked food for the first time; upanayana, when a male child is invested with the sacred thread and initiated into (or equipped with study of) rica (Vedic hymns); and Vivaha (marriage). This shraddha is also known as nandimukha, because it is believed that the departed ancestors are pleased and subsequently offer their blessings.
According to Gobhila Sutra, when one offers shraddha to one’s ancestors – father, grandfather, great-grandfather, etc – the latter are pleased and that is reflected in their delighted faces. Shodasha Matrikas (sixteen mothers) are invoked and worshiped on the three occasions. This ceremony is preceded by the worship of Ganapati and is followed by the worship of matrikas separately. The symbol of Ganesha is installed in the canopy under which the sacrificial altar is prepared for the marriage. As ancillary to marriage, this custom includes mandapapratistha, matrpujana, ayushyajapa and vanasraddha. Some Smriti texts such as Viramitrodaya prescribe the performance of nandshraddha along with jatakarma, when the child is born. This ancient rite, however, has undergone changes, in accordance with local traditions in different parts of the country.