FAQs
What rules to follow for asthi visarjan in Prayagraj or Allahabad?
Certain rules and customs are traditionally followed during asthi visarjan in Prayagraj:
- The asthis should not be placed on the ground while traveling to the tirthsthal (holy place).
- A white dhoti should be carried for the male family members performing the ritual.
- The kalash containing the ashes should not touch the ground.
- The ritual should be performed with reverence and as per the guidance of a knowledgeable pandit.
- It is important to perform the ceremony with devotion and to follow the prescribed Vedic rituals to ensure the peace of the departed soul.
These rules are meant to show respect to the departed soul and ensure the proper completion of the ritual as per Hindu traditions.
How is the Tarpan ritual typically conducted on the Varanasi ghats?
Guided by a local Pandit (priest), the performer (Karta), after a purificatory bath in the Ganga and wearing appropriate attire (like dhoti for men), usually faces south. Using Kusha grass and a vessel (often copper), they take Ganga water mixed with black sesame seeds (kala til), barley (jau), and sometimes flowers or rice. Reciting specific mantras and the names/gotra of the ancestors, they pour the water offering (anjali) from specific parts of the hand into the Ganga, praying for the satisfaction and liberation of the Pitrus.
Are there any specific preparations or rules I need to follow before and during the Shradh ritual?
Yes, certain rules enhance the sanctity:
- Purity: Take a bath (preferably in the Ganga) before the ritual. Wear clean, simple clothes (often white dhoti for men, simple saree for women; new unwashe,d clothes are sometimes specified for rituals like Tripindi Shradh).
- Diet: Maintain a simple vegetarian (Sattvic) diet on the day of Shradh. Avoid non-vegetarian food, onion, garlic, alcohol, etc., during the Pitru Paksha period if possible, or at least on the day of the ritual. Some observe fasting until the ritual is complete.
- Conduct: Maintain a solemn, respectful, and devotional attitude throughout. Avoid arguments or negative thoughts.
- Hygiene: Traditionally, shaving and haircuts are avoided during Pitru Paksha until the Shradh is completed.
- Family Participation: Ideally, the eldest son performs the rites, but other male members can participate. In the absence of male heirs, women can also perform Shradh.
What services are included in the Asthi Visarjan package in Prayagraj?
Asthi Visarjan packages in Prayagraj typically include the services of a knowledgeable pandit, pooja materials, a private boat ride (usually a hand boat) to reach Sangam, and rituals like Asthi Pooja, Ganga Pooja. It sometimes also includes pind daan, tarpan, gau daan and 84 daan but comes at an extra price. These packages aim to ensure that the ritual is performed with due respect and adherence to Vedic traditions.
What is the Pind Daan procedure typically followed at Brahmakapal?
After a purifying bath (often in Tapt Kund or Alaknanda), the devotee, usually wearing a white dhoti, sits facing south at the Brahmakapal ghat. Guided by a Pandit, they take a Sankalpa (vow). Pindas (rice balls, usually 7) are prepared and offered to ancestors, invoking their names and lineage while chanting specific mantras. Tarpan (water offering) is also usually performed. Finally, the Pindas might be offered into the Alaknanda River or placed at a designated spot as per the priest’s instruction.
How much does Pind Daan typically cost in Haridwar?
The typically cost of pind daan in Haridwar cost vary significantly based on the elaborateness of the ritual, the number of Pandits involved, the specific Ghat chosen, and included services (like puja materials, Brahmin bhoj, etc.). Indicative costs found are:
- Basic puja with samagri and Pandit dakshina: Around ₹2,800 – ₹3,100.
- Standard packages often range from ₹5,100 to ₹7,100.
- More elaborate packages involving multiple Pandits or additional rituals like Gau Daan can range from ₹11,000 to ₹25,000 or even higher.
- Online services performing the ritual on your behalf might range from ₹5,100 to over ₹30,000.
It’s crucial to clarify inclusions (Pandit fees, samagri, specific rituals) beforehand.
What is the estimated cost for performing Shradh in Prayagraj including Pandit Dakshina?
- Costs can vary widely based on:
- The specific Pandit and their lineage/reputation.
- The elaborateness of the ritual performed.
- Cost of Samagri.
- Boat charges to the Sangam.
- Dakshina for the Pandit.
- As a general guideline, a basic Pind Daan ritual at the Sangam might range from approximately ₹3000 to ₹7000, including basic Samagri and Pandit Dakshina. More elaborate rituals like Tripindi Shradh or those involving multiple Brahmins would cost significantly more, potentially ₹10,000 and upwards.
- Crucially, discuss and agree upon all costs (Pandit fees, Samagri, boat charges, any extra Daan) before commencing the ritual to ensure clarity and avoid misunderstandings.
What is the role of the Ganga River in Narayan Bali performed in Varanasi?
While Pishach Mochan Kund is central for the specific Pret Mukti aspect, the Ganga River remains fundamentally important. A purifying bath in the Ganga before the ritual is common. Parts of the ritual, like Tarpana (water offerings) or concluding rites, might be performed at the Ganga ghats, leveraging the river’s immense purifying power and connection to liberation.
Why is Prayagraj considered a significant place for Shradh?
Prayagraj is revered as the Tirtharaj, the king among all pilgrimage sites. The confluence of the three sacred rivers – Ganga, Yamuna, and the subterranean Saraswati – creates an unparalleled spiritual energy here at the Triveni Sangam. Performing Shradh, especially Pind Daan and Tarpan, at this Sangam is believed to multiply the merit manifold. The Puranas state that offerings made here reach the ancestors directly and grant them immense satisfaction, helping them attain higher realms or liberation (Moksha). Lord Brahma himself performed the first Yagna here, consecrating this land
Do I need a Pandit to perform Tarpan in Haridwar?
While the basic act of offering water can be done individually if one knows the procedure and basic intentions, having a knowledgeable Pandit (Tirth Purohit) from Haridwar is highly recommended, especially during specific events like Pitru Paksha or Shradh. The Pandit ensures the correct mantras are chanted, the procedure is followed accurately according to Vedic guidelines, and specific Sankalpas (resolutions) are made, enhancing the ritual’s efficacy. Pandits are readily available at major Ghats like Kushavarta.
When is the best time to perform Tarpan at Brahmakapal Badrinath?
The best time aligns with the Badrinath temple opening season, typically from late April/early May to October/November, before heavy snowfall closes access. Within this period, Pitru Paksha (the 16-lunar day fortnight dedicated to ancestors, usually falling in September/October) is considered the most auspicious time, drawing large crowds. Performing Tarpan on the specific death anniversary (tithi) or during Amavasya (new moon days) occurring within the open season is also highly recommended for enhanced spiritual merit
For which types of death is Narayan Bali specifically recommended in Haridwar?
It is specifically recommended for individuals who died due to:
- Accidents (vehicle, fire, etc.)
- Suicide
- Drowning
- Murder or attack (by humans or animals)
- Snake bite or poisoning
- Certain epidemics (historically, like cholera)
- Falling from a height
- Death in a foreign land or unknown location where proper rites couldn’t be performed.
- Any death considered ‘untimely’ or ‘unnatural’ (Akal Mrityu / Durmaran).
When is the best time to perform Asthi Visarjan in Haridwar?
Asthi Visarjan should ideally be performed as soon as possible after cremation. Traditionally, it’s often done on the 3rd day, but if circumstances prevent this, it should generally be completed within 10 or 11 days. If there’s a longer delay, it’s advisable to perform it after completing the Tirtha Shraddha. There isn’t a specific “inauspicious” time; the key is to perform it respectfully when feasible
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
How does performing Shradh in Prayagraj differ in significance or procedure from Gaya or Varanasi?
While all three (Gaya, Varanasi/Kashi, Prayagraj) are supreme Tirthas for Shradh, they have nuances:
- Gaya: Considered the primary and most powerful place specifically for Pind Daan (known as Gaya Shradh). It’s believed Lord Vishnu himself is present here as Gadadhar, directly accepting the Pindas. Liberation (Moksha) for ancestors is strongly associated with rites at Gaya, especially at Vishnupad Temple and Falgu River.
- Varanasi (Kashi): The city of Lord Shiva, focuses on overall Moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death) for souls who die here or whose final rites/Shradh are performed here, particularly Pind Daan/Tarpan on the Ganga Ghats like Manikarnika. The emphasis is on liberation through Shiva’s grace.
- Prayagraj: The Tirtharaj, emphasizes the immense merit gained by performing Shradh at the Triveni Sangam. The confluence of the three holy rivers provides unique power for satisfying ancestors (Pitru Tripti) and washing away sins of both ancestors and descendants. It’s highly effective for general Shradh, Pitru Dosh remedies, and gaining blessings for family well-being.