Pind Daan at Varanasi FAQs
What should one bring for the Pind Daan ritual?
Most items are arranged by the purohit, but it’s good to bring:
- A photo of the deceased (optional).
- Clean white clothes for males, and sober-colored clothes for others.
- Til (sesame), rice, honey, ghee, if preferred from home.
Donations and offerings like vastra, fruits, dakshina, etc., are also customary.
Can Pind Daan in Varanasi remove Pitru Dosh?
- Yes, when done with sincerity and proper mantras, Pind Daan in Kashi can help mitigate the effects of Pitru Dosh in the horoscope.
- Additional rituals like Tripindi Shraddha or Narayan Bali may be recommended if Pitru Dosh is severe.
- A knowledgeable astrologer or Pandit can advise the correct remedy
What are the spiritual benefits of performing Pind Daan in Varanasi?
- Helps ancestors attain moksha (liberation) or better rebirth.
- Removes Pitru Dosh from family members’ horoscopes.
- Brings peace, prosperity, and harmony in the household.
- It is considered an act of ultimate filial duty (Pitru Rina)—fulfilling one’s debt to the forefathers.
- Ensures blessings and protection from ancestral spirits.
When to do Pind Daan in Varanasi or kashi?
Pind Daan can be performed on any day of the year in Varanasi, but there are specific periods considered more auspicious for conducting these rituals. The most favorable times include:
- Pitru Paksha: This is a 16-lunar day period in the Hindu calendar when Hindus pay homage to their ancestors. In 2024, it is falling on 17th September till 2nd October.
- Amavasya: The no moon day is considered significant for Pind Daan, especially the Amavasya of the Hindu month of Magha, Vaishakha, and Kartika.
- On the death anniversary: Performing Pind Daan on the annual death anniversary of the deceased is also considered beneficial for the peace of the departed soul.
View our Pind daan in Varanasi or Kashi Package here.
What happens to the Pindas after the ritual is complete?
- After offering Pindas, they are usually immersed in the Ganga River at sacred ghats like Manikarnika.
- Alternatively, they may be placed on a Peepal tree or offered to cows, birds, or fire, depending on the custom followed.
- The act signifies symbolic nourishment of the soul, helping it ascend toward peace.
Where in Varanasi should the Pind Daan be performed?
Holy sites in Varanasi for Pind Daan include:
- Manikarnika Ghat (most auspicious).
- Panchganga Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat.
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple premises (for special blessings).
Some devotees also prefer doing it at Ganga banks near Assi Ghat for peaceful settings.
What is the significance of performing Pind Daan in Varanasi?
- Varanasi, also called Kashi, is considered the city of Lord Shiva and a gateway to moksha.
- Performing Pind Daan here is believed to liberate ancestors from the cycle of birth and death.
- The sacred river Ganga, which flows through Varanasi, purifies the soul and helps in attaining peace for the Pitrus.
- Scriptures like the Garuda Purana and Skanda Purana recommend Kashi as one of the most spiritually potent sites for Pind Daan.
Is advance booking required for Pind Daan in Varanasi?
- Yes, it is highly recommended to make advance arrangements with a reliable and knowledgeable Kashi Pandit.
- Especially during Pitru Paksha, Amavasya, or festival periods, ghats become crowded and purohits are booked early.
- Booking in advance ensures personalized attention, proper arrangements, and smoother execution of the rituals
How long does the entire Pind Daan ritual take in Varanasi?
The full process usually takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on:
- Number of ancestors being remembered.
- Specific dosh nivaran rituals (if any).
Devotees are advised to reach early in the morning, usually before sunrise or during Brahma Muhurta for maximum spiritual benefit.
Can Pind Daan be done for multiple ancestors at once?
Yes, it is common to perform Pind Daan for:
- Three generations (father, grandfather, great-grandfather).
- Three maternal generations, and even for both parents’ lineages together.
The Pandit will chant specific mantras for each ancestor, invoking their names and Gotras during the Sankalp.