Poorly illuminated, it will be crossed by lifeless sullage as an offering to the ancestors. An epicentre where Hinduism finds its pulse, with an equal rotation of rituals bridging existence on earth with that in heaven, stands Tripindi Shradh in Varanasi, one such profound rite said to have freed innumerable souls across the ages. Herein is a guide designed with a thorough coverage of every aspect of this commutation rite.
The special thing is that it is a ceremony that takes place at three cosmic layers simultaneously:
1. Physical Dimension
Considered physical when performed through the three pindas, the ritual in itself establishes a sacred geometry, organizing the ceremony’s manifestation into its energy triangle.
2. Ancestral Dimension
Certain vibrations of mantras reach out to Pitru Loka, creating a bridge for soul passage.
3. Divine Dimension
The waters of the Ganga in Varanasi are said in ancient Agama texts to augment the effects of the ritual.
The Trifold Path: Complete Breakdown of Tripindi Shradh in Varanasi Ritual
Phase 1: Purification
● Ganga Snan at Dawn
The performer dips three times in the Ganges at Brahma Muhurta (4-5 AM), chanting specific mantras for each immersion to purify body, speech, and mind.
● Sankalpa
Holding sacred grass (kusa), the performer states the intention of the ritual, naming ancestors four generations back.
Phase 2: Main Ritual (Pind Daan)
The centre of the ceremony, with all precise preparations made:
● Creation of Sacred Space
Drawing a complicated yantra (mystical diagram) by the priest with rice, flour, turmeric, and vermilion to create a grid of energy for the ritual.
● Pinda Preparation
Three pindas are made from particular materials:
● First Pinda: Rice mixed with black sesame seeds and ghee (representing the gross body)
● Second Pinda: Rice mixed with milk and honey (representing the subtle body)
● Third Pinda: Rice mixed with water and tulsi (representing the causal body)
Phase 3: Liberation
Moksha Daan (Soul Soul—The Ceremony) is the process of pacifying the soul along with an offering of water (tarpana). Tarpana is offered by means of sprinkling water, chanting the full set of 108 names of the deceased, and using a special copper vessel decorated with a mango leaf.
Dakshina and Dana
Ending with some donations:
● To Brahmins, seven kinds of grains
● White cloths and umbrellas (symbolizing shade)
● Cows or their symbolic counterparts
Energy Patterns and Quantum Physics Modern physics really attests that the triangular formations of the pindas can become even clearer with the standing wave patterns that create immeasurable subtle energy fields, thus supporting ancient perceptions about ritual geometry.
Research has found that the molecular structures of water from such Tripindi Shradh in Varanasi places are modified as per the tests of Dr. Emoto’s ice crystals, as documented by IIT-BHU.
Psychological Anthropology Results Works of literature mention that dramatic alterations could be noted in the patterns of EEG produced by ritual performers while they were performing the ritual, where a considerable increase of theta waves was evidenced from the deep meditation and the affinity with the ancestors.
That is the psychological arc followed by the ritual, which is very similar to modern grief therapies: acknowledgment → processing → release.
Magnetic Anomaly This is the reality of being placed upon a geological fault line, which the whole city is; it boasts very specific electromagnetic fields that increase the effectiveness of any ritual.
Microbial Alchemy Bacteriophages found only in the water of the Ganga may possibly explain the so-called “purifying” properties of Ganga water.
Collective Consciousness More than 3000 years of seamless worship have conditioned powerful thoughtforms that in turn support the ritual.
List of Must-Haves: Essential Checklist
● Sacred Substances
● Black sesame (1 kg)
● Pure ghee (500g)
● Special shradh rice (unbroken)
● Application of Ritual
● Copper kalash-water pot
● New white cloth (3 m)
● Certain flowers—lotus, marigold
● Genealogy Records
● Names—ancestors’ names (3 generations)
● Gotra (lineage)—gotra information
● Death dates, if known.
Nowadays, spiritual organizations offer modified Tripindi Shradh in Varanasi that include:
● Digital Documentation
High-definition video recording with subtitles explaining each and every step of the ritual for overseas families.
● Eco-Friendly Options
Biodegradable pindas and solar-powered Homa Kundas.
● Genealogy Research
Professional assistance tracing ancestors over seven generations back.
1. Can Tripindi Shradh be performed for ancestors that passed away suddenly or violently?
Yes, in Varanasi, Tripindi Shradh is very strong for the souls treated to untimely or traumatic deaths. Specific mantras from the Garuda Purana are part of the ritual to help liberate those souls from attachments to the Earth. It was reported by numerous families that disturbing dreams stop appearing after performing this ceremony for ancestors that died due to accidents, wars, or suicide.
2. How soon after the death is Tripindi Shradh in Varanasi supposed to be performed?
The ceremony pretty much can be done at any time. However, the most propitious times occur:
● During the first Pitru Paksha after the death (approximately 6-18 months post-death)
● Death anniversary (tithi) for 3 continuous years
● During transitional periods of astrology, when the planets are indicating unrest amongst the ancestors
3. Can non-Hindus perform Tripindi Shradh in Varanasi?
The ritual allows healing for whoever wishes for it, notwithstanding the religion practiced. The priests at Dashashwamedh Ghat have been known to create adaptations for:
● Christians
● Muslims
● Jewish Families.
The much sought-after intention—salutation to the ancestors—transcends any kind of religious barrier.
4. If we don’t know the names or gotra of our ancestors, what happens next?
Priests in Varanasi have developed good redress for the situation:
● Using Pitru Amavasya as the name of the unknown ancestor for unfound lineages.
● While in the context of the unknown ancestor, conducting at certain platforms at Manikarnika
● Genealogy research services chasing up to records through temple archives
● The energies of Varanasi will, however, be able to make the shradh work with really very little information.
5. How do we know if our ancestors got the tripindi shradh in Varanasi?
Look for these signals within 40 days post-ritual:
● Dreams wherein the ancestors look at peace, sometimes smiling, sometimes blessing
● Sudden resolution of long-standing issues within the family
● Finding coins, flowers, or any of the signs related to the departed
● sudden feeling of lightness or resolution regarding the ancestor
Young people have been saying lately that they could smell the favourite scent of the ancestor or hear their voice during the Ganga’s aarti.
Our journey started in January 2018 with an Instagram account created to share short snippets from the daily life of Varanasi.
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