What is the difference between Narayan Bali and Kaal Sarp Dosha Nivaran Puja?

These are two distinct rituals that are often performed together but address different problems. Narayan Bali is specifically for souls who died an unnatural death — it liberates the trapped soul and makes subsequent Shraddha effective. Kaal Sarp Dosha Nivaran is for the living person whose birth chart has Rahu and Ketu aligned on opposite ends with all other planets between them — this chart position causes delays, obstacles, financial loss, and relationship problems. In practice, Narayan Nagbali combines Narayan Bali (for the ancestor) with Nagbali (offerings to serpent deities) and is commonly performed together with Kaal Sarp Dosha puja because families believe the afflictions may be interlinked across generations. The combined ceremony is typically 3 days.