Posted on: 07 Oct 2022
Shri PVNM Sharma asked:- In the ceremony ritual of ancestors, the priests waste food and if we ask them, they say that the thrown food indicates that they are fully satisfied with the given meals. What to reply to them? They also say that if this ritual is not conducted, the ancestors will curse the family. Is it true? They also say that this ritual must be done through the Vedic hymns recited by us. Is it true?
Swami replied:- You tell them like this “O priest sir! You are more authoritative than us. Hence, we shall follow your words. But, the Veda is the highest authority. Even you shall follow the Veda. Is it not? Then, shall you not follow Veda, which is higher than yourself? Veda says “Annaṃ na paricakṣīta”, which means that nobody shall waste and throw food. When you are not following your authority, why shall I follow your authority?”
It is true that if the annual ritual of departed ancestors is not performed, it is a sin. If you give food, clothes and offering of money to a deserving receiver, that will help you and your departed ancestors. There is no second thought about this. The priest might also have told you to perform the ritual so that he may be benefited by you. However, what he said is perfectly correct.
It is good to do the ritual with the Vedic hymns because God is the author of the Veda. But, Veda means knowledge and not blind recitation. The priest must explain the meaning of the Vedic hymns recited by him. Otherwise, tell him that you will give only food to him and not any offering of money!