Pindam

In Hinduism and some related Dharmic traditions, a Pindam (पिण्डम्) refers to a round ball or mass, typically made of cooked rice, flour, barley, or other grains, offered to the deceased ancestors (Pitris) during Śrāddha rituals and other ancestral rites. The offering of Pindam is a crucial part of these ceremonies, symbolizing nourishment and providing sustenance to the departed souls in their journey after death. It represents a continuation of the bond between the living and the dead, and is believed to help the ancestors attain peace and liberation (moksha).

The Pindam offering is not just a symbolic act; it is a ritualistic obligation for descendants, particularly sons, to perform. The ingredients and specific procedures for preparing and offering Pindam may vary depending on regional customs, caste traditions, and the specific lineage or family tradition (gotra) being followed. Mantras are typically chanted during the offering, invoking the names and lineages of the ancestors.

The size, number, and arrangement of the Pindams also hold significance and vary depending on the specific ritual being performed. For instance, in some traditions, Pindams may be offered to three generations of paternal ancestors: father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. The Pindams are often placed on a bed of Kusha grass, considered sacred, and are later disposed of in a sacred river or body of water, or sometimes left for animals to consume.