Shraddha Mahima · काशी
No rite left undone
When there is no son or daughter, or no one in the family able to perform them, the Shraddham and the rites after death can still be done at Kashi. A learned Brahmin performs them on the family's behalf, in the departed person's name and gotram.
Shraddha in Kashi
Kashi, also called Avimukta, is the city Lord Vishwanatha is said never to leave. The Skanda Purana's Kashi Khanda and the wider Puranic tradition count it among the most sacred places for rites to the ancestors. With Prayag and Gaya, it forms the Tristhali, the three teerthas traditionally visited for pitru karyam.
Tradition holds that a Shraddham done on the banks of the Ganga at Kashi, with tila, darbha and pindam, gives lasting satisfaction to the pitrus. It is believed to bring blessings of peace and continuity to the family that offers it. Many families make a once-in-a-lifetime Kashi Teertha Shraddham for all ancestors on both sides.
When there is no son or daughter
The Dharmashastras give an order of who may perform the rites. It begins with the son, then grandson and great-grandson, then the wife, daughter and daughter's son. After them come the brother, nephew and other relatives of the same line. Further down come the acharya, a disciple or a friend.
The tradition stresses that the rites should not be left undone. Where no one in that order is able to act, the family or a well-wisher may appoint a qualified Brahmin as pratinidhi (representative). He takes the sankalpam in the departed person's name and gotram and performs the rites in full. Tradition holds that the offerings reach the departed just the same.
Practices differ between families and sampradayams. Our purohits follow your family's tradition and will discuss it with you before the rite.
How it works
- Share the detailsThe departed person's name, gotram, date of passing and the rites needed.
- We assign a purohit at KashiA Vedic Brahmin who performs the rite as karta on your behalf.
- The rite is performedOn the ghat, with sankalpam in the departed's name. Join by video if you wish, or receive photos, prasadam and Ganga jal.
- Every year, if you chooseWe perform the annual Shraddham on the tithi and contact you before each date.
Rites a Brahmin can perform for you
Danams with any rite
Choose them here and they are carried to the booking form when you press Book with a Brahmin karta.