Thanks very much for all the replies! I really appreciate your time and input.
I agree entirely that we should not skimp on dakshina. It is especially important because we do not have a structured system which protects our traditions and nourishes the priests.
My anguish is that in many instances the priests themselves vary widely in their interpretation of what rituals should be included in Hiranya Sraadham. It ranges from just a tharpanam to something that encompasses items like Siva puja and abhishekam - which in my opinion are outliers.
To me it highlights the necessity of being knowledgeable so that I do not miss the essentials.
I guess I still do not know what rituals should be included from all the discussions so far and I welcome any input to help me understand that.
Thanks again!
Balakrishnan
Shri Balakrishnan,
I expected some of our members more thorough with the rituals to give reply. But since none has come forward so far, I am just giving what vadhyars here in Thiruvananthapuram, follow.
1. The vaadhyaar (V) and another braahmanan (B) are offered seats (wooden planks). They usually come by scooter with the veshti in normal way, but change over to 'pancakaccham' in the house, wash their feet and then start.
2. The B is usually the pitrus, V being in double role - both visvedeva and guru.
3. With recital of mantras just as in the elaborate sraaddham, the visvedevas and pitrus are invoked (aavaahanam) in the V & B respectively with darbhai, sesamum (eLLu).
4. Then the formal aasanam, sandal paste (candanam) as gandham, tuLaseedaLam are offered with the appropriate mantras and then samastopacaaraartham (as token of all upacaaras) eLLu is sprinkled.
5. The gotra, name, etc., of the pitru is recited and a mantra is recited which means ,"I am giving whatever "hiranyam" (gold) I am able to, in lieu of the proper sraaddham, etc.," and with this the cash is given to visvedevas (V) and the pitru (B).
6. Then, in a separate act, V says the usual mantra for acaarya dakShiNai and takes his vaadhyaar dakShiNai as per rates quoted by him. A regular, family vaadhyaar will inform you beforehand if there is any upward revision of dakshiNais so that there is no "glitch" in the smooth performance.
7. Then according to custom of each house, either full meals is offered, some people make some "bhakshaNams like appam, vaDai, eLLuRuNDai, etc., and in some cases - as my vadhyar preferred - we just make uLunduvaDai, bananas and coffee (without sugar because he is an acute diabetic) and comes in empty stomach early morning after doing his devoojai at home; bananas because, according to him it is mandatory. He says if he goes to any other function he will have to take some food and so comes by 7'o clock in the morning, first appointment.
8. Pradakshinam and namaskaram.
9. Tarpanam as usual.
There is no sivapoojai or abhishekam or any other item.