Shraddh and Asthi Visarjan are three rituals that Hinduism associates with death. Pind Daan is a ritual to honor ancestors and help their souls achieve salvation. This practice was allegedly started by Lord Brahma. Pind Daan is vital as it liberates the departed soul and brings peace to those who remain. The ceremony must be performed in order to release the souls from suffering and bring peace to the survivors.
Pind Daan is a Hindu ritual that Hindus perform at sacred and auspicious places. This ceremony also includes Pooja, chanting Mantras, and the recitation of Mantras. Alms are also given to the needy. Pind Daan ceremonies are very popular in India. Also, it is necessary for those natives who have Pitra Dosh in Kundali.
Let’s take a look at the top 10 most popular places for Pind Daan.
Pind Daan locations in India
1. Varanasi
Varanasi is located on the banks of Ganga, the holy river. It is also a well-known pilgrimage center. It is believed to be the home of Lord Shiva and Lady Parvati. The ceremony is performed at Ganga Ghat by the majority of people with the assistance of local Brahmin Panits, who chant Mantras. Pind is rice made with wheat flour, milk, and honey. There are seven Pinds or offerings. One is for the souls of the departed, for whom one leads the ceremony; the others are for the ancestors.
2. Gaya
Gaya is found in Bihar. People perform Pind Daan here, as it is believed that Lord Vishnu is represented by the Falgu River. The ceremony is performed by the Brahmin priests on one of the 48 platforms. Pind is a mixture of rice, wheat flour, and dried dairy. During the ceremony, mantras are chanted. This ritual is believed to release the soul of its suffering and bring it peace.
3. Badrinath, Brahma Kapal
Badrinath, Uttarakhand is home to the Brahma Kapal Ghat. It is located on the banks of the Alaknanda. It is considered very auspicious for Pind Daan rituals. These rituals are very similar to those performed in other locations. Local legend says that Lord Brahma lives here. Pind Daan can be done at this location for the souls of those who have passed away to receive salvation from the death-birth cycle. According to mythology, Lord Shiva was able to get relief from the sin Brahmahatya. The curse had struck him when he killed Lord Brahma’s fifth head, and the head was stuck to his finger. This is when it finally fell to the earth.
4. Sannihit Sarovar, Kurukshetra
Sannihit Sarovar is in Thanesar in Kurukshetra district, Haryana. This lake is believed to be the confluence of seven holy rivers. It is therefore very lucky for Pind Daan ceremonies. This is believed to be Lord Vishnu’s permanent residence. Legend has it that all Tirthams gather at this place on Amavasya Day. Those who perform Shradh in this area during a solar eclipse, and then take a dip in the tank, can receive the reward of performing 1000 Ashwamedh sacrifices. The local priests and Pandas can provide information on their ancestors to anyone who visits this spot. They have been keeping records about pilgrims for many years.
5. Pushkar
According to legend, the holy Pushkar lake in Rajasthan was formed by the navel of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that the lotus flower dropped by Brahma here was what gave rise to it. Here are 52 ghats, and there are also bathing platforms on which devotees can perform Pind Daan. These are usually performed in Ashwin (September to October).
6. Avantika, Shaktipeeth Tilth, Ujjain
This is Madhya Pradesh, near Ujjain, on the banks of the Shipra River. It is one of the 52 Shakti Peethas. It is dedicated to Goddess Durga. Also known as Maa Avanti, or Avantika. According to legend, Sati’s lower lip was found here.
7. Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
Mathura is a well-known pilgrimage town and the birthplace of Lord Krishna. It is the preferred place for Hindu death rituals. These are held at the Vishranti Tirth or Bodhini Tirth or Vayu Tirth along the Yamuna River.
8. Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
Ayodhya was the birthplace of Lord Rama. It is a holy city, and one of the most popular destinations for the Pind Daan ceremony. Bhaat Kund is where Hindus can perform these rituals, with the assistance of a Brahmin priest. Seven pints of rice balls are made and then offered to the ancestral spirits. The rice is mixed together with milk, sesame seed, honey, and oats. People perform rituals after taking a dip into the river. Before returning home, they give alms and distribute them to the poor.
9. Siddhpur, Gujarat
Siddhpur, Gujarat, is a popular pilgrim center that has many temples and Ashrams. This holy Bindu lake is believed to have been formed from Lord Vishnu’s tears. It is located near the banks of the Saraswati River. Pind Daan can be performed on the shores of the Bindu Sarovar. Most people prefer to perform such rituals at the Kapil Muniashram.
10. Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh
Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in India. This is the place where you can see the Triveni Sangam or the confluence of three holy rivers, Yamuna and Saraswati. Here are the final rituals. The belief is that the water here cleanses one of all sins, and the soul is freed from the cycle of birth-death. According to a famous online astrologer Mr. Deepak Chopra, New Moon or Amavasya day is best for Pind Daan ceremonies or in Pitrapakcha. Aadi Amavasya/Aadi Amavasai is the best day for such ceremonies. It falls on July 28, 2022.
