Prayashchit. According to most, it is derived from the word praya (tapas) and chitta (resolve or firm belief). Thus it signifies tapas performed with the firm belief that it will redeem past sins.

Prayashchit. According to most, it is derived from the word praya (tapas) and chitta (resolve or firm belief). Thus it signifies tapas performed with the firm belief that it will redeem past sins.

In Puranas, Sins are classified into five categories: mahapataka (mortal sins), atipataka (highest sins), pataka (great sins), prasangika (due to contact with sinners), upapataka (minor sins).

The five mahapatakas are Brahmahatya - murder of a Brahmin, Surpan - drinking liquor, Svarna-sneya - theft of gold, Guru talpa gamana - sexual intercourse with the wife of one's guru, and Shishu hatya - destruction of an unborn child. Perpetrators of the above became social outcastes or patita.

Then there are sins that are committed unknowingly and those that are committed knowingly. For those committed unknowingly, it is universally agreed that their effects are destroyed by the recitation of Vedic mantras and the performance of penances. However, opinions are sharply divided on sins committed knowingly.

The effects of all sins are destroyed by the performance of prayashchit. According to Yajnavalkya however, prayashchit does not destroy these sins but morally re-arms the repentant, who thus become fit to associate with others again. However, the results of these sins still have to be borne. The expiation of sins is extremely important because of the dread of suffering in one's future birth. This resulted in some very severe penances. Many diseases and natural infirmities were viewed as the consequence of sins from a previous existence.

For this reason, even today loads of pilgrims go to holy places called tirthas to expiate their sins and Brahmins are fed and generously awarded during all ceremonies. When a person is about to die, listening to Vedic mantras is said to rid him of all his sins. The relatives of a dead person immerse his ashes in a holy river so that all his sins are washed away and he goes straight to heaven. The Ganga, Yamuna and Narmada are especially sacred for these last rites.

Fasting of any kind is a very popular form of prayashchit. Sometimes the sinners inflict pain on them by walking on burning coals, sleeping on sharp-edged glass or pointed nails. ‪Since the cow is believed to be sacred, everything connected with it is said to be purifying. The five products of the cow or Panchagavya are to be swallowed during various penances. Reading and reciting Vedic mantras is another form of penance. Religious gifts to Brahmins or the poor are also recommended giving away gold, silver, grain or food equal to one's weight is a common practice even today. Prayashchit is practiced even today. Going on pilgrimage is another form of expiation. In present times, it is usually these milder forms of penance that are observed.
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