In Hindu tradition, the period of Pitru Paksha starts from the full moon day of Bhadrapada month.
This year, Pitru Paksha begins on September 29th and concludes on October 14th. Performing Pind Daan during this time is believed to bring peace to the souls of ancestors and aid in their liberation, attaining Moksha.
Let’s explore five revered pilgrimage sites in India where Pind Daan holds special significance.
1. Varanasi: City of Spiritual Liberation
Varanasi, often referred to as the city of Moksha, is described in Hindu scriptures as a place where performing Pind Daan ensures salvation for ancestors.
Those who perform Pind Daan here also make it a point to seek blessings at the revered Baba Vishwanath temple.
2. Gaya (Bihar): Attaining Heaven’s Abode
Situated on the banks of the Falgu River in Bihar, Bodh Gaya is considered a place where performing Pind Daan grants ancestors a place in heaven and liberates them from the cycle of birth and death.
Gaya offers more than 20 locations for performing these rituals and is located 13 kilometers north of Bodh Gaya and 100 kilometers south of the capital city Patna.
3. Brahmkapal, Badrinath (Uttarakhand): Immediate Liberation
Brahmkapal Ghat in Badrinath is believed to yield eight times more spiritual merit than Gaya.
Performing Pind Daan and Shraddh at this site ensures immediate liberation for the departed souls.
It is said to be the very place where Lord Shiva himself attained freedom from the sin of Brahmahatya (killing a Brahmin).
4. Pushkar, Rajasthan: A Sacred Oasis
Pushkar in Rajasthan is a sacred destination renowned for its Brahma temple. The holy Pushkar Lake is said to have originated from the navel of Lord Vishnu.
Pilgrims come from far and wide to perform Pind Daan at the 52 ghats surrounding this divine lake, seeking peace for their ancestors.
5. Haridwar: Moksha by the Holy Ganga
Haridwar, situated on the banks of the Ganga River, is believed to grant salvation to ancestors when Tarpan (offering water) and Pind Daan rituals are performed.
After completing the rituals, devotees often partake in the Ganga Aarti and visit the various temples along the river.
Performing Pind Daan at these revered places is a deeply ingrained spiritual practice, offering solace to the departed souls and bestowing peace upon the living.