What is the importance of the river Ganga in Pitrudosh rituals?

The Ganga holds unmatched significance in pitru rituals because the Puranas describe her as descending from heaven through Lord Shiva’s matted locks, carrying the power to purify all karmic debts. The Garuda Purana specifically states that Tarpan and Pind Daan performed on the banks of the Ganga grant ancestors direct passage to higher realms. Prayagraj, where the Ganga meets the Yamuna and the invisible Saraswati at Triveni Sangam, is considered especially potent. Varanasi and Haridwar are equally revered locations along the Ganga for these ancestral rites.