The Procedure of Sr&ddha1 - Verse 1

Sr&ddha is a form of ancestor worship. It is based on the belief in after-death survival of the deceased ancestors and their residence in a particular region called Pitf-loka. It is an important topic and forms an integral part of Hindu Dha?ma£astra. This belief is pre-Vedic as it dates back to the Indo-Iranian period (vide S.B.E. IV, p. 262). Ancestor-worship was regarded essential for the continuation of one's race and prosperity to 562 Vayu Pur&ffl S&ihiap&yana said :