Pitru Paksha 2024: 5 Best Pind Daan Locations In Varanasi For Ancestral Rituals

5 Best Places For Pind Daan In Varanasi

1. Dashashwamedha Ghat

Image credit: Varanasi Tourism

Dashashwamedh Ghat, one of the most famous and ancient ghats in Varanasi, is a popular spot for performing Pind Daan. Located close to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, this ghat is always bustling with devotees, priests, and pilgrims. “It is one of the most famous Ghats of Kashi from the religious-cultural and historical point of view. In the Puranas, the name of this ghat is found Rudrasar (Kashikhand). Grand Ganga Aarti is performed every day from 6 pm to 7 pm (summer and winter/sunset time), which is the focal point of tourist attraction”, according to the Uttar Pradesh Tourism portal. The spiritual ambiance of the ghat, with the chanting of mantras and the rhythmic sound of the Ganga river, creates the perfect setting for offering prayers to your ancestors.

2. Harishchandra Ghat

Another important cremation ghat, Harishchandra Ghat, is named after the legendary King Harishchandra, who is known for his dedication to truth and duty. Performing Pind Daan at this ghat is considered very sacred, and it is believed to help the departed souls attain moksha or liberation. According to the Uttar Pradesh Tourism portal, “In the context of naming the ghat, there is a traditional belief that Harishchandra, the king of Ayodhya and the symbol of truth, was sold on this crematorium in Kashi to protect the truth. Due to this belief, the Ghat was named Harishchandra Ghat. The Sati monuments of 15th-16th century AD, obtained from Harishchandra Ghat, bear witness to the fact that there was a cremation ground in 15th-16th century AD.”

3. Manikarnika Ghat

Image credit: Wikipedia

Manikarnika Ghat holds great significance in Hinduism as it is known as one of the main cremation ghats and pilgrim destinations in Varanasi. It is one of the five major and oldest pilgrimages and ghats of Kashi. The Uttar Pradesh Tourism portal states that, “According to the belief, when Shiva Parvati was observing the pond, the gem of Parvati's ear fell in Chakrapushkarni. It was named Manikarnika because of the fall of Parvati's ear gem.” The ghat is believed to be blessed with divine energy, making it one of the most preferred places for ancestor rituals during Pitru Paksha.

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4. Vimal Teerth (Pishachmochan Talab)

Devotees visit this site to take a holy dip in the sacred pond, especially on auspicious days. The pond is primarily used by devotees to perform pind daan rituals for their ancestors. According to the Varanasi Temples portal, Vimal Tirth, also known as Pishachmochan Talab, is a significant teerth in Varanasi, India. It's a popular place for pind daan and other death rituals and is said to be especially important for the salvation of the dead.

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5. Assi Ghat

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Assi Ghat is one of the most popular and most visited ghats in Varanasi. It’s not just a place for rituals but also a spot where people come to soak in the serene environment and meditate by the Ganga river. Performing Pind Daan at Assi Ghat is believed to be highly beneficial for the peace of departed souls. “Assi Ghat, the southernmost ghat at the confluence of the Assi and the Ganga is marked by a huge lingam under a peepal tree”, as per the Uttar Pradesh Tourism portal. The ghat is less crowded compared to Dashashwamedh and Manikarnika, offering a peaceful setting for performing Shradh and Tarpan.

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