Wed Sep 18 03:00:24 UTC 2024: ## Pilgrims Flood Badrinath for Pind Daan and Tarpan during Pitru Paksha
**Gopeshwar, September 17 (HS):** As Pitru Paksha commences, Badrinath is witnessing an influx of pilgrims seeking to perform Pind Daan and Tarpan, rituals dedicated to the departed ancestors. On the first day of Pitru Paksha, Tuesday, thousands of devotees gathered at Brahma Kapal to perform these rites, seeking liberation for their ancestors.
Brahma Kapal holds immense significance in Hindu beliefs, making it a popular destination for these rituals. Every year, devotees from across India travel to Badrinath during Pitru Paksha. Brahma Kapal priests Umesh Sati, Sharad Sati, and Rakesh Sati reported that over 3,000 people performed Pind Daan and Tarpan on the first day, with many more inquiring about the auspicious timings for the rituals.
Dr. Harish Gaud, Media Incharge of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, stated that after a slight dip in travel during the monsoon, the number of pilgrims is expected to increase with the onset of Pitru Paksha and Navratri.
According to the Yagnavalkya Smriti, performing Shraddha rituals pleases ancestors, who in turn bless the living with long life, wealth, knowledge, heaven, liberation, and prosperity.
Legend states that Brahma, while captivated by the beauty of his own creation Shatrupa (Saraswati), was cursed by Shiva for the act of Brahma-hatya (the killing of a Brahman). Shiva attempted to cleanse himself of the sin by visiting various holy sites but was unsuccessful. While returning to his abode in Kailash, Brahma’s fifth head fell at Brahma Kapal in Badrinath, on the banks of Alaknanda, where Shiva ultimately attained liberation from the curse.
According to the Shrimad Bhagavat Mahapuran, the Pandavas also performed Pind Daan and Tarpan at Brahma Kapal after the Mahabharata war to atone for their sins of patricide and Brahmanicide. While Gaya, Pushkar, Haridwar, Prayagraj, and Kashi are considered auspicious for Pind Daan, Brahma Kapal in Badrinath is believed to yield the greatest benefits.
First Piper 