Narayanbali Shraddha
The Narayan Bali Shraddha (नारायण बली श्राद्ध) is one of the most powerful Vedic rituals in India performed to liberate wandering or unsatisfied souls, remove ancestral curses (Pitru Dosh), and bring peace (moksha) to the departed.
It is part of the combined Narayan Nagbali Puja — a sacred ritual performed especially at Trimbakeshwar (Nashik, Maharashtra), as prescribed in the Garuda Purana.
🕉️ Meaning of Narayan Bali
Narayan → Lord Vishnu (the preserver and liberator of souls)
Bali → Offering, sacrifice, or symbolic ritual
So, Narayan Bali means an offering to Lord Vishnu to help unfulfilled souls (who may have died unnaturally or whose final rites were incomplete) find peace and liberation.
🌿 Purpose of Narayan Bali Shraddha
According to scriptures, the ritual is performed when:
A person or ancestor has died an unnatural death (accident, suicide, drowning, epidemic, etc.).
The family experiences Pitru Dosh, constant struggles, or misfortune.
Shraddha or Pind Daan was not performed correctly or has been neglected.
The soul of a family member is restless or stuck between realms (preta atma).
Recurring dreams or omens suggest the presence of unhappy ancestors.
The main goal is to release trapped souls and bring spiritual balance to the lineage.
📜 Scriptural Reference
The Garuda Purana — a key text describing life after death — details the Narayan Bali ritual as a way to cleanse sins related to death, violence, or neglect of ancestors, and to ensure the soul reaches Pitru Loka (ancestral realm) peacefully.
🕰️ When It Is Performed
Can be done any time of year, except during Eclipse days and Ekadashi.
The most auspicious times are:
Pitru Paksha (Shraddha fortnight) – usually Sept–Oct.
Amavasya (New Moon) days.
During the months of Shravan, Kartik, or Margashirsha (holy months for Vishnu and Shiva).
Duration: The ritual usually takes 3 days.
🔱 Step-by-Step Narayan Bali Ritual
Performed under the guidance of an experienced Purohit (Vedic priest), usually at a holy site like Trimbakeshwar.
Day 1 – Sankalp & Invocation
The devotee takes a holy bath and performs purification rites.
A sankalp (vow) is taken, stating the intention of the ritual — to free the soul of the departed and atone for family sins.
The priest invokes Lord Vishnu (Narayan) and the departed soul through Vedic mantras.
Day 2 – Narayan Bali Ritual
A wheat flour effigy (Pind or Pratima) representing the deceased soul is prepared and placed on kusha grass.
This symbolic body is offered Pind Daan and Shraddha as though performing final rites for the soul.
Mantras from the Garuda Purana and Narayan Bali Sukta are recited.
Offerings of ghee, honey, black sesame, and rice are made into the sacred fire (havan).
This symbolic cremation helps release the soul from its lingering state (preta yoni) and grants peace.
Day 3 – Pitru Tarpan & Charity
Offerings of water (tarpan) and food (pind daan) are made to the ancestors.
Crows, cows, and Brahmins are fed — representing nature’s messengers who carry offerings to the spiritual realm.
Charity (daan) of food, clothes, and money is done for Brahmins or the needy.
The ritual concludes with prayers for family harmony, prosperity, and peace for the departed.
📍 Major Places for Narayan Bali in India
Place Location Significance Trimbakeshwar Temple Nashik, Maharashtra The most famous site; the ritual is believed to be most effective here as per Garuda Purana. Gaya Bihar Sacred for all Shraddha and Pind Daan rites. Haridwar Uttarakhand Rituals done on the banks of the Ganga. Rameswaram Tamil Nadu Known for ancestral rituals and Moksha rites. Gokarna Karnataka Powerful center for Pitru Puja and karmic cleansing.
🔮 Mantras Commonly Used
Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim PushtivardhanamNarayan Bali Mantra (from Garuda Purana)
Pitru Tarpan Mantras
Vishnu Gayatri Mantra
Om Narayanaya Vidmahe Vasudevaya Dhimahi Tanno Vishnuh Prachodayat
🌺 Benefits of Narayan Bali Shraddha
✅ Grants peace (moksha) to souls who died unnatural deaths.
✅ Removes Pitru Dosh and ancestral curses.
✅ Brings stability, prosperity, and harmony to the family.
✅ Purifies negative energies and resolves karmic obstacles.
✅ Ensures spiritual protection and divine blessings for descendants.
🙏 Spiritual Significance
The Narayan Bali Shraddha is not merely a ritual — it’s an act of compassion and spiritual duty.
It represents:
Helping trapped souls move toward light.
Restoring balance between the physical and spiritual worlds.
Honoring one’s ancestors and accepting the continuity of karma and rebirth.
As the Garuda Purana says:
“He who performs Narayan Bali for the unsatisfied souls liberates seven generations of his lineage.”
Would you like me to describe the full 3-day Narayan Nagbali Puja schedule at Trimbakeshwar — including samagri (items needed), best muhurta (dates), and how to prepare or book a priest (purohit) for it?