Varanasi
Historical
Importance of Varanasi
Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with a history spanning over 3,000 years. It has been a significant center for knowledge, philosophy, culture, and devotion. The city is renowned for its contributions to Indian arts and crafts, serving as a pilgrimage site for Jains and being the birthplace of Parsvanath, the twenty-third Tirthankar. Vaishnavism and Shaivism have co-existed harmoniously in Varanasi, further enriching its cultural tapestry.
Moksha
& mentions in Ancient Texts
In Hindu belief, Varanasi holds a unique place as the city where liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and rebirth can be attained. It is said that dying in Varanasi grants the soul immediate liberation. The city’s association with Lord Shiva, who is believed to have founded it, adds to its spiritual significance. The Ganges River, which flows through Varanasi, is considered to purify the soul and aid in achieving moksha.
Places of
Importance in Varanasi
Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and a major pilgrimage site.
Dashashwamedh Ghat: One of the oldest and most significant ghats, known for its vibrant Ganga Aarti ceremonies.
Sarnath: Located nearby, it is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment.
- Tulsi Manas Mandir: This temple marks the place where the poet-saint Tulsidas composed the epic ‘Ramcharitmanas’.
Benefits of
Performing Pind Daan, Shradh Karm in Varanasi
Performing Pind Daan and Shradh Karma in Varanasi is deeply significant due to its ancient religious traditions. According to Hindu scriptures, these rituals have been practiced here since time immemorial, guided by Vedic rites. Conducting these ceremonies in Kashi—considered Lord Shiva’s own city—ensures liberation (moksha) for departed souls, freeing them from the cycle of rebirth. Additionally, rituals at the holy Ganga Ghats amplify spiritual benefits, purifying ancestors’ souls and bringing peace and prosperity to their descendants. It’s believed that ancestors receive salvation through these rituals, bestowing blessings, family harmony, and lasting spiritual merit upon performers.
Pind Daan, a Hindu rite for the dearly departed ancestors is one of the most important religious events held along the banks of the sacred Ganga. Pind Daan or Hindu religious tribute to the dearly departed ancestors is a way for living family members to assist the soul of a deceased relative in achieving Mukti or escape from the karmic cycle of birth and rebirth. Brahmin pandits perform the rite by offering pind, or rice balls made with wheat flour, oat flour, dried milk, and honey. Seven pinds are usually offered by Hindu priests. One of these is offered directly to the soul of a loved one who has passed away.
The remainder is for the ancestors or according to the wishes of the ritual family. The Hindu religious ritual of Pind Daan is claimed to have begun with Lord Brahma, and it has since become a Hindu religious responsibility for the deceased family and ancestor spirits.
Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is one of the world’s oldest towns and is known as the Land of Pilgrimage. For centuries, Hindus have travelled to this location because of its religious significance and historical sites. The Hindu religious ceremony of Asthi Visarjan, which is performed for the dearly departed, is the city’s most well-known feature. The immersion and dispersal of the deceased person’s ashes and bones in the flowing waters of a holy river in India is required for this Hindu religious respect to the deceased. The holy river Ganga, also known as the Ganges River, is found in Varanasi and is considered the holiest of Indian rivers.
Best Packages:
Performed for unknown pitars, to bring Moksha to them. Includes Guide Support & Tripindi Shradh Poojan at Ganga ghat.
This Special Package includes Hotel Stay, Guide Support & Pind daan at the spiritual spots.
Performed to bring peace and happiness to the family, includes 3 day poojan with multiple brahmins & Gau daan.
Tarpan in Varanasi is performed for bringing happiness and relieve the performer and his family from any problems or pains that may arrive.
The term ‘trup’ refers to a person’s ability to please others. The basic word ‘Trup’ was used to create the term ‘Tarpan.’ Tarpan is the act of offering water to God, the Sages, the souls of ancestors, and human people and gratifying them with it.
The goal of tarpan is for God, departed ancestors’ spirits, and other entities whose names are uttered throughout the ritual to give pleasure on us.
For the departed father, grandpa, and great-grandfather, as well as the mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, the rite is done. Its purpose is to nurture, protect, and sustain the dead’s spirits on their journey from the lower to higher realms, prior to their reincarnation and reappearance on Earth. Depending on caste customs, the rites are done between the 11th and 31st day following death, and at regular intervals thereafter. A shraddha ritual is held on the first year death anniversary to allow the departed (preta) to be inducted into the assembly of forebears.
If a family is suffering from untimely or uncertain deaths of their loved ones, or if ancestral rituals like Pind daan, Shradh or Tarpan is not performed regularly for a long time, or incase there is Pitru Dosha in the birth chart of a family member, then Narayan bali pooja is performed. Narayan bali pooja benefits the family and frees the family members from such mishappenings and negative or paranormal events. This pooja is performed for a duration, ranging anywhere from 3 days to 7 days.