It is considered necessary to have a Brahmin feast in any ritual of Hinduism. Mainly in Pitru Paksha, the Shraddha ritual is considered complete only when the Brahmin is fed on the date of Shraddha. It is a tradition that is considered the perfection of any ritual.
Through Brahma Bhoja, food goes to the ancestors and their souls get peace. It is believed that when a satisfied Brahmin partakes of food served with full devotion and right customs, the souls of the ancestors present anywhere are satisfied.
In the Garuda Purana, the importance of Brahmin Bhoj during Shraddha Paksha has been described and it has been called a compulsory act. At the same time, it is also necessary to follow some of its necessary rules along with the Brahmin feast, otherwise this feast is not considered acceptable. Let us tell you what is important to keep in mind if you are hosting a Brahmin feast during Pitru Shraddha.
Serve food made with purity
You need to keep in mind that the Brahmin’s feast should always be prepared with purity. The food should be completely sattvic and should not use any kind of tamasic things like garlic, onion.
The woman who prepares food should also have a pure mind and should never cook food with bad thoughts. Not only this, it is also necessary to purify the miscreants, such as Brahmin feasts should not be made during periods. It is mentioned in the Garuda Purana that if food is prepared for a Brahmin in a negative environment, then it is neither acceptable to the ancestors nor does it get the full fruit of Shraddha Puja.
The correct order of serving Brahmin food
In Pitru Paksha, there is a special order of serving food in the Brahmin feast, which is considered necessary to follow. For this, Brahmins should sit facing the south direction and Panchbali Karma is necessary before serving food. In which food should come out for cows, crows, dogs, ants and gods.
If possible, serve the Brahmin in a food plate. You should avoid having a banquet in iron or steel utensils. Keep in mind that you should never serve food to a Brahmin with your left hand.
Serve food and water together
Whenever you serve a Brahmin feast, it is necessary to keep water first. It is considered a mandatory rule for a Brahmin to have water along with food. They always start by sipping food and water and even after finishing the feast, they sip the plate with water. A feast served without water is not considered complete.
Dakshina is necessary after the Brahmin feast.
After feeding the Brahmin, it is considered necessary to give him dakshina. This is the most essential stage of the banquet without which the banquet is not acceptable even to the ancestors. After respectfully feeding the Brahmin in Pitru Paksha, take his blessings by giving Dakshina according to your ability. At the end of the feast, pray to the Brahmins with folded hands and ask for forgiveness for any mistakes or omissions.
If you also feed Brahmins during Pitru Paksha, then it is necessary to follow its rules. So that the grace of the ancestors also remains and the feast is acceptable to the ancestors along with the Brahmin.
