Story of

Brahma Kapal

Famous folklore of Brahma Kapal

Image of Pind daan in brahma kapal badrinath

Despite the fact that Brahma is usually depicted with four heads looking in four directions, legend has it that he once had five heads, with the fifth looking upwards. However, he is claimed to have only had one head at first. The cosmos did not exist at the time, and Brahma was self-sufficient and content.

Manmada, the husband of Rathi Devi, was begging for Lord Brahma’s blessings when Lord Brahma became glad and handed him three arrows that when used on anyone will make them more addicted to romance. To see if the god’s wish was working, he used one of the arrows on Lord Brahma himself.

According to the residents of the Brahma Kapal-Badhrinath kshethram, regardless of how lonely Lord Brahma was at the time, he began to want for company. He separated himself at this point to produce a female form known as Satarupa (the one with a hundred beautiful forms). 

Brahma was immediately drawn to Satarupa as he laid his gaze on her. Satarupa attempted to flee in all directions to avoid Brahma’s sight, but was unable since Brahma developed a head in each direction. 

Finding no other way, Satarupa began ascending, but Brahma also sprouted an upward-looking head. Shiva was aware of all that was going on. 

Because Satarupa arose from Brahma, Shiva believed Satarupa was a daughter of Brahma and hence it was wrong for Brahma to be fascinated with her. 

As a result, Shiva severed Brahma’s head that was looking upwards, allowing her to flee him. As an extra punishment for Brahma’s immoral behaviour, Shiva cursed him and ordered that no legitimate worship of Brahma be performed. 

Since then, only Vishnu and Shiva of the Trinity’s three Gods have been worshipped, while Brahma has been virtually completely neglected. 

It is also believed that since then, Brahma has been attempting to atone for his misdeeds by reciting the four Vedas incessantly.
Some may wonder why Brahma, who understands all the vedas, did such a dumb thing as stare on SataRupa. 

The answer is found in the Manmadha. Was granted the wish of having three arrows that strengthen one’s desire for romance in order to see if the wish would function or not. 

Because of that Effect, Manmadha used one of the Arrows on Lord Brahma himself, who was behaving strangely.

The fifth head of Lord Brahma was cursed by Lord Shiva and was cut with the trishul in Badrinath and the fifth head of Lord Brahma got Mukthi in that place so the place in Badrinath is famous as Brahma Kapal and the rituals of pinda pradhan is done over here and it is said that once we perform pind pradhan in this place those people will get mukthi and those people will never get rebirth.

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Qs)

What is the significance of "Brahmakapali Teerth" located in Uttarakhand?

On the banks of the river, Tarpan, Bhoj, and Pind Daan are done suitably for the emancipation of the ancestors. Some special locations in the country have been designated for this purpose. In the country, about 55 locations are regarded as essential during Shradh Paksha.

So it is reported and believed that after conducting Shradh in Gaya, the final Shradh is conducted in Badrikashram, Uttarakhand’s ‘Brahmakapali’. After Gaya, it is the most important location. It is also said that those ancestors who do not get salvation in Gaya or elsewhere find redemption here by doing Shradh. This location is near Badrinath Dham, on the banks of the Alaknanda River.

As a result, the importance of the Brahmakapali Teerth is linked to the narrative. The Pandavas’ Story

Pind Daan was also done here by the Pandavas for the sake of their families’ tranquillity. The Pandavas, according to Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran, sinned killing the gotra after killing their siblings and sisters in the fight. While on the Swargarohini Yatra, the Pandavas offered their forefathers in the Brahmakapal to atone for the sin of killing the gotra. The Puranas claim that this place is home to famous ascetics and saintly souls. Great spirits reside here in subtle form, according to Shrimad Bhagwat Purana. Pind Daan, which is done at Brahma Kapali, is the last. After then, no Pind Daan or Shradh Karma for the ancestor is performed. Lord Brahma is said to reside in the shape of Brahma Kapal. Brahma had five heads once upon a time, one of which was cut off and dropped here. On the banks of the Alaknanda river, a boulder in the shape of Brahmaji’s head can still be found. Every year during Pitru Paksha, there is a large throng from Bhadrapada Shukla Purnima to Ashwin Krishna Amavasya. Brahma Kapal is considered the ultimate pilgrimage (Mahatirtha) for achieving ancestral salvation. In the Puranas, it is stated that after donating Pind in Brahmakapal, Pind Daan is no longer required. Gaya, Pushkar, Haridwar, Prayagraj, and Kashi are also ideal for Pind Daan, according to Skanda Purana, but Pind Daan done in Brahmakapal in Bhu-Vaikunth Badrinath Dham is eight times more productive than others. Shiva was set free from the guilt of slaying Brahma on the Brahma Kapalal, because he had decapitated Brahma’s fifth head.

According to the Puranas, salvation is attained by Brahmagyan, Gaya Shradh, death in a cowshed, and residency in Kurukshetra.

Where is Brahma Kapal located?

Brahma Kapal, located on the banks of the Alaknanda River, is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site in Badrinath.

Is there a way to get darshan via the internet?

No, there isn’t an option for online darshan.

Is it permissible to bring cell phones and other electronic devices into the temple?

No. In the temple, all electronic devices are prohibited (viz. mobile, camera, laptop). At the temple’s entrance, there is free storage for the same.

Is there a facility for the disabled and the elderly?

No. There are no such amenities available. A wheelchair, however, can be made accessible upon request.

Is there a good time to visit Brahma Kapal?

The ideal time to visit the temple is from May to June and September to October. It is highly recommendable to avoid late winters and monsoon seasons.

What is the climate like in the summer?

Summers in Badrinath are pleasant, with a somewhat cool climate, and typically continue from May through June. During these months, the temperature ranges from a pleasant 7°C to a scorching 18°C.

How are the winters in Brahma Kapal?

Winters in Badrinath (November to February) are frigid, with average temperatures hovering around 5°C. During the winter, temperatures can drop below zero, and snowfall is common. These months are ideal for those who enjoy cold weather.

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