Abhyudaya is known as material prosperity in Hinduism. Vaieshikasutra
states – righteousness is that from which prosperity and liberation follow. In
seeking prosperity, people of the world should not go against moral principles.
For ensuring prosperity to the family, a special kind of
ceremony to appease one’s ancestors (shraddha) is performed on three main
occasions – annaprashan, when a child is given cooked food for the first time;
upanayana, when a male child is invested with the sacred thread and initiated
into (or equipped with study of) rica (Vedic hymns); and Vivaha (marriage).
This shraddha is also known as nandimukha, because it is believed that the
departed ancestors are pleased and subsequently offer their blessings.
According to Gobhila Sutra, when one offers shraddha to one’s
ancestors – father, grandfather, great-grandfather, etc – the latter are pleased
and that is reflected in their delighted faces. Shodasha Matrikas (sixteen
mothers) are invoked and worshiped on the three occasions. This ceremony is
preceded by the worship of Ganapati and is followed by the worship of matrikas
separately. The symbol of Ganesha is installed in the canopy under which the
sacrificial altar is prepared for the marriage. As ancillary to marriage, this
custom includes mandapapratistha, matrpujana, ayushyajapa and vanasraddha. Some
Smriti texts such as Viramitrodaya prescribe the performance of nandshraddha
along with jatakarma, when the child is born. This ancient rite, however, has
undergone changes, in accordance with local traditions in different parts of
the country.