Significance of Sapindikarana
Sapindikarana is a significant ritual performed in Hindu traditions after death, aimed at helping the departed soul transition to a sensuous body and ensuring that it is nourished in the afterlife. This rite, particularly important on days like the 12th day post-death or the anniversary, involves offering rice-balls and food, allowing ancestors to enjoy these offerings. It serves to honor deceased relatives, alleviate their suffering, and is integral to achieving liberation from ghosthood, thus reinforcing their unity with the living community.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Sapindikarana'
Sapindikarana in Hinduism is a significant post-mourning rite involving water and food offerings to ensure the deceased's nourishment, unity with ancestors, and a successful transition to the afterlife, ultimately aiding liberation from ghosthood.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A ritual that integrates different generational ancestors and is significant in the context of offerings, ensuring that offerings are made to all relevant ancestors.[1] (2) The Amalgamating Rite, which involves offering balls to deceased ancestors, and is performed for a person who has just died.[2] (3) A specific religious ritual related to the performance of shraddha, denoting a significant rite in Hindu traditions for honoring ancestors.[3] (4) A rite associated with the Amalgamating Rite, emphasizing the unity of the deceased with the ancestors.[4]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A ritual mentioned in the text that involves offerings to the ancestors.[5] (2) The reception of a dead person into the community of Pinda-offerings with the other Manes.[6]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) A ritual performed for the deceased, which affects dietary practices and studying rituals for the living.[7]