Panchak Shanti Puja

Panchak Shanti Puja is a sacred religious ritual performed as an expression of श्रद्धा, remembrance, and ancestral duty toward a person who passed away during the Panchak period. According to traditional beliefs, special Shanti rituals may be performed following such a death.

Varanasi has a long-standing religious tradition associated with ancestral rituals. At Pishach Mochan Kund, a Sankalp is performed on behalf of the departed person, followed by prescribed religious rites and prayers for peace, an auspicious onward journey, and spiritual liberation.

What is Panchak?

According to Vedic astrological tradition, Panchak refers to a period when the Moon passes through the latter part of Dhanishtha Nakshatra, Shatabhisha, Purva Bhadrapada, Uttara Bhadrapada, and Revati.

Traditional practices consider this period significant. If a person passes away during Panchak, certain family traditions prescribe specific Shanti rituals for the departed person.

Main Deities & Religious Importance

Depending on the prescribed procedure and family tradition, the ritual may include prayers and worship dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, ancestral deities, and other relevant deities.

Lord Shiva is traditionally worshipped with prayers for peace and spiritual well-being, while Lord Vishnu is revered in prayers for an auspicious onward journey and liberation. Remembering the ancestral deities expresses श्रद्धा, remembrance, and gratitude toward the departed.

Muhurat / When should this Puja be performed?

• When a person passes away during the Panchak period.
• For prayers for the peace and auspicious onward journey of the departed soul.
• When family tradition prescribes Panchak-related Shanti rituals.
• For prayers for family peace, harmony, and well-being.
• When special ancestral rites are recommended by an experienced Vedic Acharya.

Who can perform Panchak Shanti Puja?

A close family member of the departed person may generally serve as the Yajamana.

• Son
• Daughter
• Husband or wife
• Brother
• Other close family members

The appropriate Yajamana should be determined according to family tradition and the guidance of an experienced Vedic Acharya.

Religious Benefits

• Prayers are offered for the peace and auspicious onward journey of the departed soul.
• The prescribed Shanti rituals associated with Panchak are performed according to religious tradition.
• Prayers are offered for the spiritual upliftment and liberation of the departed soul.
• Blessings of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and ancestral deities are sought.
• Prayers are offered for peace, harmony, and well-being within the family.
• The ritual provides an opportunity to fulfill ancestral duties with श्रद्धा and remembrance.
• Prayers are offered for the welfare and auspiciousness of family members.

Spiritual Importance

Panchak Shanti Puja is a sacred ritual performed as an expression of श्रद्धा, remembrance, gratitude, and ancestral duty toward the departed soul. Its primary purpose is to offer prayers for peace, an auspicious onward journey, and spiritual liberation for a person who passed away during the Panchak period, while also praying for the well-being and harmony of the family.

At Pishach Mochan Kund, Varanasi, the ritual is conducted according to the Yajamana's Sankalp, family customs, and relevant religious traditions. Such rituals form part of the broader ancestral practices of Kashi and are traditionally performed with devotion and reverence.

Special Information

• The ritual is conducted under the guidance of experienced Vedic Acharyas.
• Sankalp is performed using the Yajamana's name and Gotra.
• The name of the departed person and their relationship with the Yajamana may be required.
• The date, time, and place of death may be required for the Sankalp.
• The procedure is determined according to family tradition and religious requirements.
• Clean and traditional clothing is generally recommended during the ritual.
• Carrying an additional set of clothing may be advisable when required by the prescribed procedure.

Panchak Shanti Puja is a special religious and Vedic ritual performed with श्रद्धा, gratitude, and a sense of ancestral duty towards the departed soul. Its 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.