What should be the size of the pindas when performing Sharda?

Pt. Shri. Vedavyasacharya

Shrardh

Different traditions say different things. Some say a small size is enough, while others suggest larger pindas. For Pitru, Pitāmaha, and Prapitāmaha, the first three pindas can be larger, and the rest can be smaller.

The Nirnaya Sindhu gives clear guidance:

"Teerthe Darshacha Samprāpti Kukkūṭāṇḍa Pramāṇataḥ Mahālaye Gayā Shraddhe Kuryāt Āmalakopamam Preta Pindastu Dairghīṇa Dvādaśāngula Uchchyate"

This means:

• For Ekoddishta Shraddha (offering only one pinda) and Sapinḍīkaraṇa Shraddha, the pinda should be the size of a Kapittha (wood apple).
• For Pratisāmvatsarika Shraddha (annual Shraddha), the pinda should be the size of a coconut.
• For Shraddha at holy places (Tīrtha Kṣhetras) or on Amavasya, the pinda should be the size of an egg.
• For Mahālaya Shraddha and Gaya Shraddha, the pinda should be the size of a gooseberry (Āmalaka).

All pindas can be the same size, and no text prescribes any variation.

Special case – Preta Pinda (Kaagi Pinda):

• It should not be round.
• It should be elongated or rectangular.
• Its length should be approximately 12 fingers long.

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