FAQs
What is Narayan Bali Puja?
Narayan Bali Puja is a Hindu Vedic ritual performed for the souls of individuals who have died an unnatural or untimely death (Akal Mrityu). This includes deaths by accident, suicide, drowning, snakebite, murder, certain severe diseases, or those whose funeral rites (Shraddha) were not performed correctly. The purpose is to help these souls, who might be stuck in a state of unrest (Pret Yoni) due to unfulfilled desires or trauma, find peace (Shanti) and liberation (Moksha), allowing them to join the realm of ancestors (Pitra Lok).
Do the rituals and customs of Pitru Paksha vary across different regions of India?
Yes, while the core concept of honouring ancestors during Pitru Paksha is pan-Hindu, specific rituals, food items offered (like specific vegetables or grains), timings, and customs can vary significantly based on regional traditions, community practices, and family lineage (gotra).
Who is obligated to perform the rituals during Pitru Paksha?
Traditionally, the eldest son is primarily obligated to perform the Shraddha rituals during Pitru Paksha. In his absence, younger sons, grandsons, or other male relatives can perform them. In modern times and certain traditions, if there are no male heirs, daughters or other relatives may also perform the rituals, sometimes with variations.
Can Tarpan be performed at Brahmakapal for ancestors who died unnatural deaths?
Yes, Brahmakapal is considered a particularly powerful place for performing rituals, including Tarpan and Pind Daan, for ancestors who suffered untimely or unnatural deaths (Akal Mrityu) or whose souls might be restless. It is believed that performing Shraddha at Brahmakapal grants peace and liberation even to such souls, freeing them from negative states or realms (like Pretayoni) and helping them attain salvation (moksha).[3][5][9] The sanctity of the place is believed to be effective for all types of ancestral appeasement.
Where exactly are the Shraddh ceremonies performed within Gaya? Are there many locations?
Yes, Shraddh in Gaya is not confined to just one spot. It traditionally involves making offerings at several sacred sites called vedis. While practices vary slightly, key locations for performing parts of the Shraddh ritual in Gaya include:
- Phalgu River: Tarpan (water oblations) and sometimes Pind Daan are done on its banks.
- Vishnupad Temple: Offering Pind at the lotus footprint of Lord Vishnu is the central and most crucial part of Shraddh in Gaya.
- Akshayavat (Immortal Banyan Tree): Offerings made here are believed to grant inexhaustible merit. The Panda often performs concluding rituals and receives dakshina here.
- Other Vedis: Depending on the type of Shraddh and the Pandas’ tradition, offerings might also be made at other specific vedis within Gaya, like Pretshila Hill, Ramshila Hill, Mangla Gauri, etc. Your Gayawal Panda will guide you through the sequence of locations for your Shraddh in Gaya.
What are the specific benefits of performing Narayan Bali in Varanasi?
Performing Narayan Bali in the sacred city of Kashi, particularly at Pishach Mochan, is believed to offer profound benefits:
- Effective Liberation: Provides strong support for the liberation (Moksha) of souls stuck due to unnatural death.
- Targeted Relief: Specifically addresses issues arising from Pret/Pishach Yoni at a site dedicated to this purpose.
- Potent Pitru Dosha Removal: The combined power of Kashi, Ganga, and Pishach Mochan effectively mitigates ancestral curses and obstacles.
- Ancestral Blessings: Pacified ancestors bestow blessings for family peace, health, success, and prosperity.
- Spiritual Merit: Performing rites in Kashi accrues significant spiritual merit for the performer.
Why is Pitru Paksha celebrated for 16 days?
The 16-day duration of Pitru Paksha corresponds to the 16 lunar days (tithis) of the fortnight. Each day is dedicated to performing Shraddha for ancestors who died on that specific tithi of any lunar month. The final day, Amavasya, is for those whose death tithi is unknown or who were missed on their specific day
When is the best time to perform remedies for Pitra Dosh?
The most auspicious time is during Pitra Paksha (the 16-lunar-day period dedicated to ancestors). Other suitable times include Amavasya (new moon day), particularly Somvati Amavasya, or the death anniversary (tithi) of the specific ancestor. Pujas like Narayan Bali can often be performed at other specific times as advised by priests.
When is the best time for Pind Daan at Brahmakapal Badrinath?
The ideal time is when the Badrinath temple is open (late April/early May to Oct/Nov). The most auspicious period is Pitru Paksha (the 16-day fortnight dedicated to ancestors, usually Sep/Oct). Performing Pind Daan on the ancestor’s specific death anniversary (tithi) or during Amavasya (new moon days) within the open season is also highly beneficial. It is often recommended to perform Pind Daan at Prayagraj, Kashi, and Gaya before performing it at Brahmakapal, which is considered the final place.
What is the typical process for performing Pind Daan in Haridwar?
The general process, guided by a Pandit in Haridwar, usually involves:
- Purification: Taking a holy bath (Snan) in the Ganges River at one of the designated Ghats.
- Wearing Appropriate Attire: Donning clean, white traditional clothes like a dhoti and kurta.
- Sankalpa: Making a vow or resolution to perform the ritual for specific ancestors.
- Invocation: Praying to deities like Lord Ganesha and Lord Vishnu, and invoking the ancestors.
- Pinda Preparation: Making Pindas (round balls) typically from rice flour, barley flour, honey, ghee, milk, and black sesame seeds.
- Pinda Offering: Offering the prepared Pindas to the ancestors while chanting specific mantras provided by the Pandit. Seven pinds are often offered, with one specifically for the recently deceased.
- Tarpan: Offering water mixed with black sesame seeds to quench the thirst of ancestral spirits.
- Brahmin Bhoj (Optional but recommended): Offering food to Brahmins, which is believed to satisfy the ancestors further.
- Dakshina: Offering fees/gifts to the presiding Pandit.
Can women perform Pitrudosh Nivaran rituals?
Traditionally, male descendants perform these rites. However, in some regions and families, women too partake, especially if no male heirs exist.
Where exactly is Tarpan performed in Prayagraj?
The primary and most auspicious location is the Triveni Sangam itself – the actual point of confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. Devotees usually hire boats from nearby ghats (like Kila Ghat, Saraswati Ghat, Ram Ghat) to reach the Sangam point in the middle of the river, where priests (Prayagwals) conduct the Tarpan ritual from the boat. Rites can also be performed at the ghats along the banks.
Is Tarpan always performed along with Pind Daan in Varanasi?
Tarpan (water offering) is an essential component of the larger Pind Daan (food offering) and Shraddha rituals. When performing Pind Daan in Varanasi, Tarpan is invariably included. However, one can perform Tarpan as a standalone ritual, especially daily Tarpan or during specific occasions like Pitru Paksha, without necessarily performing the full Pind Daan ceremony each time
What is the cost of Pind Daan in Varanasi or Kashi?
The cost of Pind Daan in Varanasi can vary based on several factors including the type of rituals performed, the number of days, and the services included. Generally, the cost ranges from:
- Basic Package: Around INR 4,000 to INR 7,000 for a one-day ritual including the services of a pandit and the required puja materials.
- Comprehensive Package: Can go up to INR 13,000 or more for multi-day ceremonies with additional services like boat rides, accommodation & airport pickup and drop.
Contact us to know more.
Do I need to book the ritual space or Pandit in advance for Brahmakapal?
Booking the specific space at Brahmakapal Ghat isn’t required as it’s an open platform. However, booking a qualified Pandit in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons (like Pitru Paksha, May-June, Sep-Oct). This ensures the availability and smooth conduct of the Pind Daan ceremony. Booking can be done via online pilgrimage portals, local contacts, or sometimes through your accommodation provider in Badrinath.