Aparakarma
Apara Karma Refers To The Rituals Performed After An Individual's Death For Ancestors Who Have Yet To Reach Pitru Loka. These Rituals Are Essential In Hindu Tradition To Fulfill One's Obligations Towards The Deceased. There Are Three Types Of Runas (debts) That Every Person Is Expected To Repay:
Deva Runa: This Debt To The Gods Is Repaid By Performing Pooja And Yagna, Which Invoke Divine Blessings And Express Gratitude To The Deities.
Rushi Runa: This Debt To The Sages And Teachers Is Repaid Through Spiritual Practices Such As Japa (chanting), Tapas (austerities), Upakarma, Rishi Panchami Vrata And So On Thereby Honoring The Wisdom And Teachings Passed Down Through Generations.
Pitru Runa: This Is The Debt Owed To One’s Ancestors. In The Shodasha Karma (the 16 Essential Rituals Of Life), 15 Are Performed By The Parents. However, The 16th, Which Involves Rites For The Deceased, Must Be Performed By The Son Or Karta (the Doer) When The Need Arises. This Final Rite Is Known As Pitru Runa.
By Performing Apara Karma, Along With Maasikagalu (monthly Rituals), Daana Dharma (charitable Acts), And Vaikunta Samaradhana (rituals Performed For The Soul's Ascension), One Fulfills The Obligation Of Pitru Runa. These Acts Are Seen As Paying Back The Debts To The Ancestors, Ensuring Their Peace In The Afterlife, And Continuing The Spiritual Lineage.
