In India, there is a rite for everything, from birth to death. There are several religious rituals performed at a child’s birth. Similarly, there are different rituals to be performed upon a person’s death. Pind Daan is one of those funeral rites performed by the family members of the deceased. These rites are performed so that the souls of the deceased can move on and get liberated from the eternal cycle of death and rebirth. It is said that if the Pind Daan rituals are not performed, the souls of the departed never get to rest and they suffer in hell. In turn, the family members of the deceased are also unable to make peace with their lives.
As per the Hindu mythology, this ceremony was first practised by Lord Brahma. The rites are performed at several places considered holy and auspicious. The Barsi ceremony begins with a puja and different mantra chanting. After the ceremony, alms and clothes are given to the needy and poor people. There are many places where Pind Daan rites can be performed. In this blog, we will be looking into the 14 most sacred and revered Pind Daan places in India. So, let’s get right into it.
Popular Pind Daan Places in India
1. Varanasi
The revered city situated at the banks of the River Ganga, which is considered the holiest river in India, Varanasi, is considered one of the holiest cities for Pind Daan parting rites. All the ceremonies regarding the Pind Daan are conducted on the Ganga Ghat, where local pandits and brahmins perform all the necessary rites, chant mantras, and give directions for presenting the offerings. As per the ritual, 7 Pinds are offered; one for the deceased person’s soul and the rest for the ancestors of the family.
2. Gaya
Another popular city for Pind Daan rituals is Gaya in Bihar. Gaya is also considered a holy city for conducting this ritual. Gaya Pind Daan location is on the banks of the Falgu River. All the ceremonies are usually performed at the Falgu Riverbank, which is considered a symbol of Lord Vishnu. It is customary to take a dip in the river before beginning the rites. All the rituals are performed by the local brahmins on the banks of the Falgu River. There are 48 different platforms made for this purpose.
3. Badrinath
Badrinath is an auspicious place for the Pind Daan ceremony. The rituals are usually performed here on the Brahma Kapal Ghat, the banks of the Alaknanda River. People first take a dip in the holy Alaknanda River, and then perform the Pinda Pradanam. The local Brahmins will oversee the ritual and chant mantras to complete the ritual and offer the Pind made of rice.
4. Kurukshetra, Haryana
Sannihit Sarovar is a sacred confluence of seven holy rivers of India, and a highly revered place for Pind Daan ceremonies. Located in the Kurukshetra district of Thanesar, Haryana, it is one of the best places for Pind Daan and even Asthi Visarjan. Devotees first take a dip in the Sannihit Sarovar, then proceed with the funeral rites. Local pandits at the riverbank will oversee all the puja and rituals.
5. Pushkar
The Pushkar Lake in Rajasthan is also a popular Pind Daan and Asthi Visarjan place in India. As per the mythology, the Pushkar Lake emerged from the navel of Lord Vishnu, thus holding great significance. Another legend says that the lake was formed when Lord Brahma dropped a flower in this place. There are 52 ghats constructed around the lake. Pind Daan in Pushkar can be performed at any of the ghats. Local Brahmins will perform and oversee the entire ritual.
6. Avantika, Shaktibeah Tirth
Avantika is a highly auspicious religious destination, favoured for Pind Daan and other religious rituals. Avantika is situated near Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, on the banks of the River Shipra. The place is especially crowded in the Ashwin month for Pind Daan. Local priests will watch over the entire ritual. Devotees will offer Pind to their ancestors and relieve the lingering souls of their departed family members so that they can attain moksha.
7. Mathura
The birthplace of Lord Krishna, Mathura, is also a holy city that is considered very auspicious for conducting the Pind Daan ritual. There are many places in Mathura where the rite of parting can be performed, such as Bodhini Tirth, Vishranti Tirth, and Vayu Tirth, which is on the banks of the Yamuna River. The procedure of offering Pind and chanting mantras is done by the local priests. In the Hindu religion, performing these rites is essential. Grave misfortune befalls those who neglect it.
8. Ayodhya
The popular pilgrimage site and the birthplace of Lord Rama, Ayodhya, is among the most significant Pind Daan places in India. Many devotees prefer performing the ceremonies in Ayodhya. Majorly, the rituals are performed at the banks of the Saryu River. A local Brahmin resides over the rituals and chants the mantra for the Pind offering. The family members first take a dip in the Saryu River before beginning the funeral rites.
9. Siddhpur
Siddhpur is a revered pilgrimage destination, situated in Gujarat. One of the auspicious places where Pind Daan is performed is at the bank of the Bindu River. The tale of this river’s origination ties to the Hindu mythology. Legends say that the river was formed through Lord Vishnu’s tears. This is why devotees prefer to perform the Pind Daan ritual on the shore of the Bindu River. Kapil Muni Ashram is the most preferred spot on the riverbank.
10. Prayagraj
The holy city where the three holy rivers of India confluence, Prayagraj, is definitely a revered place for the Pind Daan ceremony. Prayagraj is one of the holiest cities in India. The ceremony is conducted on the banks of Triveni Sangam. Just taking a dip in the Sangam washes away all the sins and frees the soul from the cycle of death and rebirth. The rites are performed and presided over by the local priest at the ghat.
11. Puri
One of the destinations of Char Dham Tirth Yatra, Puri in Odisha, is also a popular spot for Pind Daan. Puri is known for the Jagannath Puri Mandir and Rath Yatra festival. Puri is situated on the banks of the confluence of the Mahanadi and the Bhargavi River, which makes it a revered spot for Pind Daan and Asthi Visrajan ceremonies. The ceremony here is performed early in the morning by the local Brahmins. The family members of the deceased are asked to offer the Pind while the Brahmins chant mantras. And as per the customs, family members donate alms and clothes to those in need and poor people.
12. Dwarka
Dwarka is also one of the Char Dham Tirth Sthal and is highly revered for the Pind Daan ceremony. The Dwarkadheesh Mandir is very popular and visited by devotees. The temple is also the place where the Pind Daan rites are performed. The Gomti River submerges into the sea near the temple, and it is also considered a tributary of the Ganga, hence making it a holy place for such ceremonies. All the ceremonies are performed at the Gomti Ghat outside the temple. Priests on the ghat will guide and preside over the ceremony and chant mantras.
13. Haridwar
Haridwar is yet another highly revered pilgrimage destination. Haridwar is situated at the banks of the Ganga, and watching the enchanting evening aarti here is nothing short of mesmerising. It is said that those who are cremated here get liberated from the eternal cycle of life and death. And performing Pind Daan rites here brings everlasting peace to the souls of the departed and great fortune to the family members.
Pind Daan is an important funeral ceremony performed by every Hindu family. If you are also planning on going to any of the above places to perform the rites, you must have a reliable way of transport to save time, money and effort. Chiku Cab is one such reliable transport option offering affordable taxi service to all the above-mentioned cities. They provide flexible taxi services to any of the cities from your location. You can book their services easily by downloading the Chiku Cab mobile app. Download the app today to get the best travel experience without any hassle.
FAQs About Pind Daan Places in India
Q. What is Pind Daan?
A. Pind Daan is a ritual for the departed souls to get liberation from the cycle of rebirth and death. The ritual is performed by the family members of the deceased.
Q. What is Pind?
A. Pind is an offering made to the departed soul and the ancestors of the family. Pind is a rice ball made by mixing wheat flour, milk, and honey. Seven Pinds are offered, one to the departed soul and the rest to the ancestors.
Q. What is the best day for Pind Daan?
A. The Pind Daan is performed during the month of Pitrupaksha or at the death anniversary of the departed.
Q. Can Pind Daan be done anywhere?
A. No. The Pind Daan can only be performed at the banks of any holy rivers in India. Varanasi, Gaya, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, etc., are some cities where Pind Daan rituals can be performed.
Q. Can females do Pind Daan?
A. Yes, Pind Daan can also be done by daughters of the family.
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