Prayaschitham

Prayaschitham

As the name suggests, it represents the atonement of one's sins, as one nears the time of death. Some wise men (or women) do this while they are in good health, so that they do not be bed ridden etc.. for a longer time. Although is is mostly done by some one in death deb, visiting Kashi, doing virtuous deeds etc. while one is alive and in good health are all prefaces to this. This karma is performed by the actual individual, who may be dead soon , as an atonement for the purva karmas etc.

One bathes, applies Pundram (as per one's tradition etc.. and sprinkles Thulasi, Ganga Jalam etc.. and does sankalpam, and then does Kaveri (or any river) snanam. The one performs dasha daanam  and then does namaskaaram tot he Brahmanas. If one is really bed ridden or sick, Go Dhanam is performed to help that soul to not suffer too much and reach it's destination (with less trouble).

If the individual itself is not a position to do this kramam, one's Son or any other dear/ near relative can perform this kramam on behalf of the individual.

Prayaschitham Asheshaani Thapa Karma Aathma Kani Vai
Yani Thesham Asheshaanam Sri krishna Anu Smaranam Param

Desc: Praschitham or atonement are of different kinds - one in the form of penance, deeds etc.. But the best form of atonement is the non-stop meditation of Sri Krishna, which would get rid of one's sins and take one to higher planes of realization.

Note: This we have to do this yogam while we are alive and in good health - not when we are close to death and on death beds.