Ramanuja Parakalan swamy, namaskaram.
The enpani audio you are refering to is #615, available at https://www.kinchit.org/kinchit-en-pani/601-650/. But the answer is not in this audio. I too remember our Swamy has addressed this topic; but I am unable to find it yet.
Kamala-amma. namaskaram.
While we continue our effort to identify the correct audio file where our Swamy has addressed your question, let me share with you the gist:
- Last rites is usually performed by the first son. If first son is not around, the second or successive sons can perform. If no sons are near by to do so, then the grandson through the daughter can do. If none of these persons are around, the cremation related rites can be done by ANY male. (please listen to 673 at https://www.kinchit.org/kinchit-en-pani/751-800/ where some of these points are explained).
2. If someone does not have sons, nor grandsons through daughter to perform last rites, does that affect ther person’s journey to Vaikuntha? Not at all!!! Each person’s journey is pretty much determined by one’s own karma. The sons or grandsons doing the rites is because sastram entails them to do so; doing so is benefitial to them. By doing the rites they are not actually doing any special favor to the forefathers. If they fail to do so, the forefathers may not be affected at all.
Since sastram does not require girl children to do the rites, ‘not doing’ is the right thing for them to follow. It does not afffect them nor does it affect the forefathers. (please listen to #885 at https://www.kinchit.org/kinchit-en-pani/851-900/ for some of the points.
I’ll continue to look for the specific audio where your question is addressed, and update you in this thread.
My prayers to acharyan & Perumal that your relative should somehow receive Perumal’s glance at the earliest possible.
adiyen dasan.