Pitra Yadnya ceremonies

Pitra Yadnya ceremonies are performed to honor one's parents and the spirits of one's ancestors. Pitra Yadnya is considered to be the duty and responsibility of everyone (referred to as Sutakirya) since one has been taken care of by one's parents as a child which puts one in debt with them.

After growing up one is expected to take care of one's parents in a practical way during the remainder of their lifetime and to always honor them with good and honest conduct (referred to as Pitra Renam).

When one's parents are deceased, one is expected to take care of them and honor them in a symbolic way by performing certain Pitra Yadnya ceremonies with specific offerings at the auspicious times. The type of ceremonies and offerings may vary according to the circumstances and the character and goal of the ceremony. For example, sometimes the body of the deceased has to be buried first for an indefinite period of time (due to lack of money) before a cremation can take place.

Types of Pitra Yadnya ceremonies (upacara),

1. Mapendem Wau Lampus - prayers for the wellbeing of the soul
2. Mapendem Nyiraman Layon - washing of the body
3. Mapendem Sawa - burial of the body
4. Mageseng (Ngeseng Sawa) - cremation of the body

Each type has a series of specific ceremonies to be performed at auspicious times.