Varanasi Pind Daan

Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is not just the spiritual capital of India, but also the most sacred place to perform Pind Daan. Pind Daan is a sacred ancestral ritual that offers peace to the departed souls. For centuries, people from across India and abroad used to come to this holy city to perform last rites and rituals for their ancestors on the banks of the Ganga River in Varanasi. It is believed that performing Pind Daan in Varanasi liberates the soul from the cycle of rebirth and grants them Moksha (salvation).

What is Pind Daan?

Pind Daan is a Hindu ritual in which rice balls (pindas) as food and sesame seeds, and holy water are offered to the ancestors. It is an act of devotion and gratitude that is performed to satisfy the soul of the deceased. According to Hindu scriptures, this offering helps the soul attain peace and assists in its journey to the afterlife.

Why Perform Pind Daan in Varanasi?

Varanasi is one of the Sapta Puri of the seven holiest cities in Hinduism. The city is directly associated with Lord Shiva, the destroyer of evil and the liberator of souls. According to The Garuda Purana and Skanda Purana, performing Pind Daan in Kashi ensures eternal salvation, especially if done at specific places like:

• Manikarnika Ghat (considered the most sacred cremation ghat)

• Assi Ghat

• Tulsi Ghat

• Hanuman Ghat

Best Time for Pind Daan in Varanasi

While Pind Daan can be performed any time of the year, it is especially powerful during:

• Pitru Paksha (a 16-day period usually in September-October)

• Amavasya (new moon day)

• Mahalaya Amavasya

• Mokshada Ekadashi

How is Pind Daan Performed in Varanasi?

• Holy Dip in Ganga: The ritual begins with a purifying bath in the Ganges.

• Puja and Mantras: A qualified purohit (priest) chants specific mantras for the peace of ancestors.

• Offering of Pindas: Rice balls mixed with black sesame seeds and ghee are offered along with prayers.

• Tarpan and Daan: Water is offered with mantras (Tarpan), and donations (daan) are given to Brahmins and the poor.

• Visarjan: The pindas are immersed in the Ganges, marking the release of the soul.

The entire process typically takes around 1 hour and should be done under the guidance of an experienced priest.

Cost of Pind Daan in Varanasi

The cost of Pind Daan in Varanasi varies based on the ritual's complexity, location (ghat or temple), and services included. On average:

•  It costs around 5000 to 6000 including everything.

Pind Daan Pooja

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Some services like MahaTarpan also offer online Pind Daan, where the rituals are performed on behalf of the family, and the photos/videos are shared for transparency.

Online Pind Daan in Varanasi

People living abroad or unable to travel, many trusted platforms like MahaTarpan offer online Pind Daan services in Varanasi. With experienced priests, live video options, and transparency in rituals, families can fulfil their spiritual duties from anywhere in the world.

Importance of Pind Daan

Satisfies Ancestors: A way to express gratitude and seek blessings.

Removes Pitrudosh: Believed to eliminate ancestral curses or unfulfilled karma.

Brings Peace and Prosperity: Ensures well-being and spiritual growth in the family.

Our View

Varanasi is counted among the seven holiest cities in Hinduism, making it a highly revered place to perform ancestral rites like Pind Daan. Carrying out this ritual in Kashi is believed to hold deep spiritual significance, as it not only honors one’s forefathers but also strengthens the bond across generations. Surrounded by the sacred chants of Vedic mantras, the soothing aroma of incense, and the eternal flow of the Ganga River, devotees experience a divine presence that is said to guide the departed soul towards salvation.

If you're planning to perform Pind Daan for your ancestors, Varanasi is the most powerful and spiritually fulfilling place to do so.