Second Shraddha Story

The Garuda Purana mentions a dialogue between Bhishma Pitamah and Yudhishthir, where Bhishma explains the importance of performing Shraddha rituals during Pitru Paksha (the fortnight dedicated to ancestors). He shared that the knowledge of Shraddha was first imparted by Sage Atri to Maharishi Nimi, whose son had suddenly passed away. Grieving his son’s loss, Maharishi Nimi began invoking his ancestors. In response, the ancestors appeared and told him, "Nimi, your son has already found his place among the Pitru Devs (ancestral deities). By feeding and worshipping your departed son, you have essentially performed the Pitru Yagna." From that point, Shraddha became an important ritual in Sanatan Dharma. Maharishi Nimi then started practicing Shraddha rituals, followed by other sages. According to some beliefs, Yudhishthir himself performed Shraddha for the soldiers who had died during the Mahabharata war after their last rites were completed.