After performing Gaya Shraddha, should one still continue to perform the annual Shraddha every year?

Pt. Shri. Vedavyasacharya

Shrardh

A common belief is:
👉 If we perform Shraddha at holy places like Gaya,
our ancestors attain salvation, and
👉 there is no need to perform yearly Shraddha again.

But this is not correct.

Understanding the Types of Shraddha

There are two types:

Naimittika Shraddha
👉 Done on special occasions or at holy places like Gaya
Nitya (Annual) Shraddha
👉 Done every year for ancestors

What should be done?

👉 Even after performing Shraddha at Gaya,
you must continue to perform annual Shraddha every year

👉 This should be done as long as a person is alive

What happens if not done?

A scripture called Shraddha Prakasha says:

👉 One must perform Shraddha throughout life
👉 If not done, it leads to dosha (sin)

It is also said that such a person becomes a Pitrighataka
(one who neglects duties towards ancestors)

Then what is the benefit of Gaya Shraddha?

👉 Ancestors become more satisfied
👉 They may get a better birth or higher state
👉 You don’t need to repeat Shraddha again in Gaya, but
👉 Annual Shraddha must continue

Conclusion

👉 Gaya Shraddha is important but not a replacement
👉 Annual Shraddha is compulsory every year
👉 Both have their own purpose

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