FAQs
How is the Manglik Dosha Pooja performed?
The Manglik Dosha Pooja is usually performed by a qualified Hindu priest and may be done at a temple or at the person’s home. It involves offering prayers and performing various rituals, such as offerings of flowers, food, and other items to the gods and goddesses associated with the planets.
What is the significance of the Alaknanda River at Brahmakapal?
The Alaknanda River flowing past Brahmakapal is considered extremely sacred. Originating near Badrinath, its holy waters are believed to possess purifying powers. Offering Tarpan with Alaknanda’s water directly at Brahmakapal is thought to be highly effective in cleansing sins and granting salvation (moksha) to ancestors. Taking a dip in the river before the ritual is also a common practice for purification. The river’s presence enhances the spiritual potency of the rituals performed on its banks at Brahmakapal
What attire is appropriate for performing Tarpan at the Varanasi ghats?
Men typically wear a clean, white, unstitched dhoti, sometimes with a simple upper cloth (angavastram) or bare-chested. Women usually wear a simple, clean saree (light colors are often preferred). The emphasis is on traditional clothing, purity, and simplicity, avoiding elaborate or black attire
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.
Is Narayan Bali only for recent unnatural deaths or can it be done for ancestors who died long ago?
Narayan Bali can be performed even years after an unnatural death if the family faces persistent issues attributed to Pitru Dosha stemming from that event, or if it’s realized that proper rites were not performed. Performing it in a powerful location like Gaya is considered highly effective regardless of when the death occurred
Are there lifestyle changes recommended for someone with Pitra Dosh?
Yes, respecting parents and elders, maintaining family harmony, engaging in regular charity and service, practicing honesty, avoiding harming others, and leading a righteous life are considered important lifestyle aspects that help mitigate Pitra Dosh alongside specific rituals.
When is the most auspicious time to perform Shradh in Prayagraj?
- Similar to other holy places, the Pitru Paksha (usually September-October) is considered the most potent time for Shradh at the Triveni Sangam. Performing the rites on the specific Tithi (lunar day) of the ancestor’s passing during this period is ideal.
- Other auspicious times include:
- Magh Mela: During the Hindu month of Magh (January-February), when many pilgrims and saints congregate here, performing Shradh holds special significance.
- Amavasya: The new moon day of every month.
- Death Anniversary: The annual Tithi of the ancestor’s passing (Varshik Shradh).
- However, the sanctity of Prayagraj is such that Shradh can be performed beneficially on almost any day with sincere devotion.
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
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.
When offering the Pinds in Prayagraj what is the usual practice immersing them in the Sangam giving to a cow etc?
The most common and widely recommended practice for the final disposal (visarjan) of the offered Pinds during Pind Daan in Prayagraj is respectful immersion into the sacred waters of the Triveni Sangam.
This symbolizes returning the essence to the divine source and is believed to ensure the offerings directly reach the ancestors via the holy rivers. While offering Pinds to a cow (considered sacred) or leaving them for crows (seen as messengers to Pitrs) are practices sometimes seen in other contexts or locations, immersion in the Sangam is the primary method advised by most Pandits here in Prayagraj for completing the Pind Daan ritual.
How can one find a reliable Pandit for Tarpan in Varanasi?
Pandits can often be found directly at the major ghats (like Dashashwamedh, Assi). One can also seek recommendations from their hotel, local contacts, or reputable pilgrimage service providers (online platforms like Prayag Pandits, Mahatarpan, Devaseva, Yatradham list priests or offer booking services). It’s wise to discuss the procedure and Dakshina (priest’s fee) beforehand.
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.
How can one ensure the effectiveness of Pitrudosh Nivaran?
With sincerity, devotion, and adherence to traditional guidelines, ensuring the presence of knowledgeable priests, the ritual’s effectiveness is amplified.
Does Pitra Dosh affect only the person whose horoscope shows it or the whole family?
Pitra Dosh is often considered a familial affliction, meaning its effects can be felt by multiple members of the family descending from the ancestors whose karma caused the dosh, even if it’s prominently visible in one person’s chart.
What kind of lifestyle or behavior should one follow before and after performing Pind Daan?
Pind Daan is a spiritually purifying act. Ideally, one should: Before:
- Eat only satvik food
- Remain celibate the day prior
- Avoid alcohol, non-veg, and tamasic behavior After:
- Donate to Brahmins and the needy
- Feed cows, crows, dogs, and poor (Pancha Yajna)
- Maintain mental peace and cleanliness Following these enhances the effect of the rituals and reflects inner respect for the departed souls.