Panchak Shanti Puja

In Vedic astrology, Panchak generally refers to the period when the Moon passes through the latter part of Dhanishtha and the Nakshatras of Shatabhisha, Purva Bhadrapada, Uttara Bhadrapada, and Revati. Traditional Hindu practices consider this period significant for certain religious and ritual considerations.

When a person passes away during Panchak, some regional and family traditions prescribe special Panchak Shanti rituals. These rituals involve taking a Sankalp in the name of the departed person and offering prayers to Lord Narayana, ancestral deities, and other relevant deities for peace, spiritual well-being, and liberation.

At Narayani Shila, Haridwar, the ritual is performed by experienced Vedic Acharyas according to the family's religious tradition and the specific requirements of the Sankalp.

Main Deities & Religious Importance

• Lord Narayana
• Ancestral Deities

Worship of Lord Narayana holds special religious significance in this ritual. Prayers and offerings for the ancestral deities are performed with devotion and reverence for the peace and spiritual well-being of the departed soul. Lord Ganesha is worshipped at the beginning of the ritual with prayers for the successful completion of the religious ceremonies.

Muhurat / When should this Puja be performed?

• After a death occurring during the Panchak period
• At the traditionally prescribed time after the death
• According to the guidance of an experienced Vedic Acharya
• At an auspicious time determined according to the family's religious tradition

The procedure and timing of Panchak Shanti may vary according to regional customs and family traditions. Guidance from a qualified Vedic Acharya is therefore appropriate.

When should this Puja be performed?

• When a person has passed away during the Panchak period.
• To offer prayers for the peace and spiritual well-being of the departed soul.
• To seek pacification of religious concerns traditionally associated with Panchak.
• To pray for peace, harmony, and well-being within the family.
• When a Vedic Acharya recommends Panchak Shanti according to the relevant tradition.

Religious Rituals Performed

Depending on the family tradition and prescribed Vedic procedure, the ritual may include:

• Swasti Vachan
• Purification and Sankalp
• Gauri-Ganesha Puja
• Kalash Sthapana
• Worship of Lord Vishnu and ancestral deities
• Special Panchak Shanti mantras and rituals
• Special prayers for the departed person
• Pind Daan and Tarpan, according to requirement and tradition
• Havan and Purnahuti
• Aarti and peace prayers

Main Mantras

The mantras used during Panchak Shanti Puja may be selected according to the ritual procedure, family tradition, and guidance of the Vedic Acharya.

• ॐ नमो नारायणाय॥
• ॐ पितृभ्यो नमः॥
• ॐ गणपतये नमः॥

Benefits

According to religious belief, the ritual is performed with prayers for:

• Peace and spiritual well-being of a person who passed away during Panchak.
• The departed soul's spiritual journey and liberation.
• Pacification of religious concerns traditionally associated with Panchak.
• Peace, harmony, and well-being within the family.
• Fulfilling the family's devotional and ancestral responsibilities toward the departed.
• Spiritual peace and well-being for family members.

Spiritual Importance

Panchak Shanti Puja is a sacred ritual performed with devotion, reverence for ancestors, and a sense of religious responsibility toward the departed. Its primary spiritual purpose is to offer prayers for the peace, spiritual journey, and liberation of the departed soul and for the peace and well-being of the family.

At Narayani Shila, Haridwar, the ritual connects devotees with ancestral traditions through the worship of Lord Narayana and ancestral deities. Experienced Vedic Acharyas perform the prescribed religious rites according to the Sankalp of the devotee.

Special Information

• The ritual is conducted by experienced Vedic Acharyas according to traditional Vedic procedures.
• Sankalp is performed using the devotee's name and Gotra.
• The name of the departed person and relationship with the devotee may be required.
• Date, time, and place of death may be required for the ritual Sankalp.
• Pind Daan and Tarpan may be performed according to requirement and family tradition.
• Required ritual materials can be arranged for the ceremony.
• If the devotee cannot be physically present in Haridwar, a remote Sankalp arrangement may be available according to the applicable religious procedure.

Who can perform Panchak Shanti Puja?

Generally, the son, family members, or close relatives of the departed person may perform Panchak Shanti Puja according to their family tradition and the guidance of a Vedic Acharya. If the primary family member cannot be physically present, an appropriate religious arrangement may be made after consultation with the Vedic Acharya.

Information Required for the Puja

The following information may generally be required for the Sankalp and religious procedure:

• Devotee's name and Gotra
• Name of the departed person
• Relationship with the departed person
• Date and time of death
• Place of death

Panchak Shanti Puja is a special Vedic ritual performed with श्रद्धा, ancestral duty, and a sense of religious responsibility towards the departed soul. Its primary purpose is to pray for the peace, spiritual well-being, and liberation of the soul that departed during the Panchak period, along with prayers for the happiness, peace, and welfare of the family.