Puja, Rituals & Varanasi (Kashi) Site Tour

Tripindi Shradh

Tripindi Shradh is a special ritual performed for the peace and satisfaction of the souls of ancestors from the past three generations.

What is Tripindi Shradh?

• Meaning: In this ritual, three pindas (rice/flour balls) are offered. These are dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu, and Rudra (Mahesh), and correspond to the three types of ancestral souls (Satvik, Rajas, and Tamas).
• Purpose: This puja is performed to provide liberation to ancestors if their Shradh has not been performed consecutively for three years, or if an ancestor met with a premature (untimely) death.

Key Benefits and Features

• Problem Resolution: It removes obstacles related to Pitru Dosha (ancestral afflictions), domestic disputes, business slowdowns, and child-related problems.
• Best Time to Perform: It can be performed during Pitru Paksha (Shradh fortnight), on any Amavasya (New Moon day), or on other auspicious dates.
• Who Can Perform It: It can be performed by a married couple, an unmarried individual, or a widower/widow.

Narayan Nagbali

Narayan Nagbali is considered one of the most important and sacred rituals in Sanatan Dharma for pacifying Pitru Dosha and ensuring the liberation of ancestors. This procedure is a combination of two distinct religious rituals and spans over 3 days:

1. Meaning of Narayan Bali and Nagbali

• Narayan Bali: This ritual is performed for the peace of ancestors or family members who suffered a premature or untimely death (due to accidents, illness, or suicide). It is believed that due to unfulfilled desires, these souls remain bound to the earthly realm. In this puja, an artificial body is made from wheat flour and its complete symbolic last rites (cremation) are performed to liberate the soul.
• Nagbali: This puja is performed to seek freedom from Sarpa Dosha (serpent affliction) incurred by knowingly or unknowingly killing or harming a snake. In this, an idol of a snake made of flour is cremated following strict Vedic rituals.

2. Who Should Perform This Puja?

According to sacred scriptures (like the Garuda Purana), Narayan Nagbali is highly recommended if a family is facing any of the following problems:

• Continuous failure in career or business along with severe financial crises.
• Unwanted obstacles, delays, or repeated interruptions in marriage despite being of marriageable age.
• Difficulties in conceiving a child, repeated miscarriages, or facing obstacles in continuing the family lineage.
• Constant domestic disputes and a lack of mental peace at home without any concrete reason.
• Severe placement or influence of Pitru Dosha, Nag Dosha, or Kalsarp Dosha in one's birth chart (horoscope).

3. Brief Overview of the Three-Day Ritual

• Day 1: Devotees begin by taking a holy bath in the sacred pond (Kund) and taking a solemn vow (Sankalpa). This is followed by the main Narayan Bali ritual and the symbolic cremation of the flour idol.
• Day 2: This day is dedicated to Nagbali. The cremation of the flour snake is performed, and forgiveness is sought from the Serpent Deity (Nag Devta).
• Day 3: On the final day, special worship, Havan (fire ritual), and Yajna are offered to Lord Ganesha and Lord Vishnu. The fast is broken after giving donations and offerings (Dashdaan) to the Brahmins.

Kalsarp Dosha

Kalsarp Dosha occurs in a horoscope when all seven primary planets (Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn) are hemmed between Rahu and Ketu. This planetary alignment causes continuous struggles, mental stress, and frequent obstacles in a person's life.

To pacify the negative impacts of this affliction, a special remedial puja is performed.

Special Puja Ritual for Kalsarp Dosha Nivaran

This puja is generally completed within 2 to 3 hours:

• Purification: The ritual begins with a sacred bath to achieve physical and mental purification.
• Sankalpa (Solemn Vow): Under the guidance of the head priest, a firm resolution (Sankalpa) is taken to pacify the malefic effects of Kalsarp Yoga.
• Main Worship & Chanting: Prayers are offered to Lord Ganesha, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Shiva. This is followed by a special Rudrabhishek and ritualistic worship of the symbolic idols of Rahu, Ketu, and the Serpent Deity (Nag Devta) made of gold, silver, or copper. Specialized Rahu and Ketu mantras are chanted during this process.
• Visarjan (Immersion): Finally, the ritual is concluded by immersing the serpent idols and sacred puja offerings into holy water.
• Dress Code Rules: Men must wear a Dhoti-Kurta, and women must wear a Saree or Salwar Suit. Wearing black-coloured clothing is strictly prohibited during the puja.

Manglik Dosha

Manglik Dosha (also known as 'Mangal Dosha') occurs when the planet Mars is positioned in the 1st, 4th, 7th, 8th, or 12th house of an individual's horoscope. Due to this affliction, problems such as delays in marriage, stress in marital life, mutual discord, or a decline in the spouse's health can arise.

To completely pacify the negative impacts of Manglik Dosha, sacred scriptures prescribe special remedial pujas and remedies, which are performed at many prominent Shiva temples.

Mool Shanti Puja

According to Vedic astrology, when a child is born under any of the Gandmool Nakshatras (Ashwini, Ashlesha, Magha, Jyeshtha, Mool, or Revati), they are affected by the Gandmool Dosha. Among these, the 'Mool Nakshatra' is considered to have the most profound influence. Mool Shanti Puja is performed to pacify the intense effects of this asterism and to ensure a prosperous and happy life for both the child and their parents.

As per the sacred scriptures, if this puja is not performed at the right time, its negative impacts can affect the child’s health, the financial stability of the parents, or the lives of siblings.

When Should Mool Shanti Puja Be Performed?

• Most Auspicious Time: The most ideal and effective time to perform this ritual is exactly on the 27th day after the child's birth, when the same Mool Nakshatra recurs.
• Alternative Timing: If for some reason the puja cannot be performed on the 27th day, it can be conducted in the future whenever the same Nakshatra returns (after consulting an auspicious Muhurat), or on the child's birthday.

Vastu Shanti Puja

Vastu Shanti Puja is a highly significant Vedic ritual performed to eliminate negative energy from a home, shop, or commercial establishment, and to usher in happiness, prosperity, and peace of mind.

Whether it is a new home (Griha Pravesh) or an established commercial property, if the construction does not align with the ancient architectural scriptures, it creates architectural flaws (Vastu Dosha). This can lead to financial distress, persistent illnesses, and frequent domestic disputes.

When and Why Should Vastu Shanti Puja Be Performed?

• In a New Building: It is considered essential to perform Vastu Shanti alongside the housewarming ceremony (Griha Pravesh) before shifting into a new house, flat, or office.
• In an Existing Property: It is performed to rectify structural defects without undertaking physical demolition, or if a family has been experiencing continuous setbacks since moving into the property.
• Warning Signs: Unexplained losses in business, financial instability despite hard work, or family members remaining under constant stress.

Navgraha Shanti Puja

Navgraha Shanti Puja (Planetary Pacification) is a highly significant Vedic ritual performed to pacify the nine planetary deities (Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu) and to seek their benevolent and favourable blessings.

When a planet is weak, debilitated, or adversely placed in an individual's horoscope, it brings obstacles, mental stress, illnesses, and financial constraints into their life. Through the Grah Shanti Puja, the malefic influences of these planets are mitigated, paving the way for happiness, prosperity, and success.

When Should Navgraha Shanti Puja Be Performed?

• Planetary Mahadasha or Antardasha: It is highly recommended when an individual is undergoing Shani ki Sade Sati / Dhaiya, the Mahadasha of Rahu or Ketu, or the unbeneficial Antardasha of any malefic planet.
• Continuous Obstacles in Life: When success eludes a person in their career, marriage, or business despite immense hard work and dedication.
• Auspicious Dates: Performing this puja during an auspicious Muhurat, Amavasya (New Moon), Purnima (Full Moon), or the sacred days of Navratri is considered exceptionally rewarding.

Sri Trailanga Swami Ji

Sri Trailanga Swami Ji was a Hindu yogi and mystic famed for his spiritual powers. It is believed that Sri Trailanga Swami Ji was an incarnation of Lord Shiva, and he is referred to as “The Walking Lord Shiva of Varanasi”.