What are the 5 deaths of Panchak?

The phrase 5 deaths of Panchak refers to a widespread Hindu belief that if a person dies during Panchak kaal (the 2.5-day period when the Moon transits the last five nakshatras), five consecutive deaths may occur in the same family unless the proper Panchak Shanti ritual is performed. The five types of Panchak correspond to the five nakshatras involved: Mrityu Panchak (death-related, Dhanishta nakshatra) — risk of additional deaths in the family; Agni Panchak (fire-related, Shatabhisha nakshatra) — risk of fire-related destruction; Raja Panchak (authority/legal, Purva Bhadrapada) — risk of government penalties or legal troubles; Chore Panchak (theft, Uttara Bhadrapada) — risk of theft or loss of property; Roga Panchak (disease, Revati nakshatra) — risk of chronic illness spreading in the family. The Dharma Sindhu prescribes the cremation-time remedy of making five effigies (putlas) from kusha grass and cremating them alongside the deceased — each effigy symbolically satisfies one nakshatra, preventing the cascading deaths. This is why families are advised to immediately consult a qualified Brahmin when a death occurs during Panchak to determine the exact nakshatra and perform the appropriate shanti puja. Prayag Pandits provides emergency Panchak Shanti consultation on +91 77540 97777.