What Does Bhagavad Gita Say About Shraddha (Ancestor Worship)?

Introduction

Shraddha, or ancestor worship, is a widely practised ritual in Hinduism, where offerings are made to deceased ancestors in the belief that it grants them peace and benefits their souls in the afterlife. Many followers believe that performing Shraddha ensures the well-being of their ancestors and brings blessings to the family. However, according to Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, the Bhagavad Gita provides a different perspective, revealing that these rituals do not lead to salvation but instead trap souls in the cycle of birth and death under Kaal's influence.

Shraddha in the Context of Bhagavad Gita

Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj explains that the Bhagavad Gita does not support Shraddha and other ritualistic practices for attaining salvation. Instead, the Gita clearly states that such actions bind souls to the material world rather than liberating them. The following verses provide clarity on this subject:

Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 9, Verse 25)

• "Those who worship gods go to the gods, those who worship ancestors go to the ancestors, those who worship spirits attain spirits, and those who worship Me attain Me."
• Interpretation: This verse demonstrates that ancestor worship does not lead to liberation. Worshippers of ancestors merely reach the realm of ancestors, from where they are reborn into the cycle of life and death. Only by worshipping the Supreme God can one attain true salvation.

Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 2, Verse 22-23)

• "Just as a person discards old garments and wears new ones, the soul similarly abandons the old body and takes on a new one."
• Interpretation: This confirms the concept of rebirth. The souls of deceased ancestors reincarnate based on their karmic actions, and offering food or rituals to them does not alter their fate. Hence, Shraddha rituals hold no significance in liberating the soul.

Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 15, Verse 4)

• "After attaining the Tatvagyan (true spiritual knowledge), one should search for that Supreme Abode from where souls never return."
• Interpretation: The true goal of human life is to seek liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death. Shraddha rituals do not grant moksha; instead, they mislead devotees into practices that do not align with the path to salvation.

The Illusion Created by Kaal (Satan)

Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj explains that Kaal, the controller of the material world, has deceived souls into believing that Shraddha rituals are beneficial. In reality, these rituals serve Kaal’s agenda of trapping souls in continuous rebirths. The deceased do not receive the offerings made in their name, as their next birth is already determined by their karmic deeds.

According to Kabir Sagar and Ugra Gita, Supreme God Kabir reveals that only true devotion to the Supreme God can liberate souls from the bondage of Kaal. Worshipping ancestors or performing rituals in their name does not change their fate but instead strengthens the cycle of illusion.

The Example of Sage Ruchi (Markandeya Purana Reference)

A significant story from Markandeya Purana illustrates the futility of Shraddha:

• In the Markandeya Purana, the story of Sage Ruchi serves as a critical lesson about the futility of ancestor worship. Ruchi Rishi was a devoted ascetic who, despite his severe penances, was confronted by his ancestors, who appeared before him in a miserable state. They informed him that their liberation was hindered due to the lack of a descendant performing the prescribed rituals for them. Ruchi Rishi told his ancestors that doing rituals like shraddha are against the vedas. To this the ancestors also agreed but they beseeched Ruchi to perform his shraadhs. Disturbed by this revelation, Ruchi Rishi was compelled to marry and continue the lineage to fulfill his ancestors' expectations. 

The Correct Path as per Bhagavad Gita

Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj emphasizes that instead of performing Shraddha, one should follow the true teachings of the Bhagavad Gita:

• Seek a Tatvadarshi Saint (Bhagavad Gita 4:34) – Only a True Guru can provide the correct knowledge and the right mantra for liberation.
• Worship the Supreme God (Bhagavad Gita 8:8-10) – One must engage in true devotion to the Supreme God, who resides in Satlok.
• Abandon Deceptive Rituals (Bhagavad Gita 18:66) – Lord Krishna himself instructs Arjuna to abandon all rituals and surrender to the Supreme God for true salvation.

Conclusion

The Bhagavad Gita does not endorse Shraddha or ancestor worship as a means to attain liberation. Instead, it advises seekers to worship the Supreme God and follow the path of true devotion under the guidance of a Tatvadarshi Saint. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj’s teachings align with this truth, revealing that Shraddha is a ritual created by Kaal to keep souls trapped in the cycle of birth and death. Those seeking salvation should abandon such futile practices and embrace the path of true bhakti as prescribed in the Bhagavad Gita and the teachings of Supreme God Kabir.

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