Pind daan in Varanasi

It is widely assumed that the Ganges, or Ganga, is sacred in its origin and has the capacity to wash away deadly sin. According to Hindu legend, the geological anomaly may be observed in the directional flow of the river, which is only present in Kashi, a section of modern-day Varanasi. 

An narrative of a fight between Lord Shiva and the powerful river might explain the legend of Lord Shiva halting the Ganges. The energy of the holy river was brutally fierce as it approached the celestial city of Kashi, prompting Lord Shiva to smash his trident, or the Trishul, into its course, thereby halting it just before it went over the city’s boundary.

It is thought that everyone who dies in Kashi achieves salvation, or Moksha, and is liberated from the cycle of rebirth. It is stated that even if one dies elsewhere, as long as the final rites are done here, one is promised salvation. In the absence of this, the least effort necessary to achieve this goal is the immersion of the deceased’s final remains in the holy Ganges, even if the last rituals were performed elsewhere.

According to legend, the location derives its divinity from an occurrence that occurred in ancient times. A demon, or Pishach, came in front of Valmiki, who resided nearby. The demon admitted to living a wicked life on the banks of the sacred Godavari. As a result, he was sentenced to the Pishach Yoni, and he sought repentance. The Pishach gained Mukti after following Valkmiki’s instructions, which included prayer and procession in the Vimal Kund.

Since then, the water feature has been referred to as Pishachmochan Kund or Pishachmochan Talab, and it has had particular importance for the redemption of the deceased.