'Shraddh' holds a very important place in Sanatan Dharma.A dead man's soul attains salvation if the shraddh is performed by his son. If Shraddh is not performed then the soul does not rest in peace and undergoes painful experiences. Therefore, it is our duty to help our ancestors attain salvation by performing 'Shraddh'.
'Shraddh' not only liberates the ancestors but it is benedictory for the performer as well, because when we perform 'Shraddh' our ancestors become pleased and bless us with wealth, prosperity and happiness. The 'mantras'chanted during Shraddh ceremony, being indestructible sound energy reaches the dead ancestors' soul through the atmosphere and space.
Shraddh is mainly divided into three types -
DASHGAATRA PINDA DAAN - Performed for ten days beginning from the day on which person has died. 'Ekadashah' is performed on the eleventh day while 'Sapindan' is performed on the twelfth day.
YEARLY SHRADDH OR ANNUAL SHRADDH - This shraddh is performed annually.
PITRA DOSH IN HOROSCOPE - Any horoscope showing a Pitra-dosha indicates that the person in question has not performed Shraddh for his ancestors.If the rituals necessary for its elimination is not performed then a man faces numerous problems and instability in his life.