Narayan Nagbali Puja In Trimbakeshwar
Narayan Nagbali Puja (Pitra Dosh) is a traditional Vedic ritual that takes three days to complete. This ritual includes two types of Puja: Narayan Bali Puja and Nagbali Puja. Each serves a different purpose. Narayan Bali is performed to free oneself from unsatisfied souls, while Nagbali Puja is done to remove the sin of killing a cobra or snake. Both of these rituals are conducted at Ahilya Godavari Sangam and Sati Maha-Smashan, located near the Trimbakeshwar Temple in Nashik, Maharashtra.
The Garuda Purana, an ancient Indian mythological text, highlights the importance of performing Narayan Nagbali Puja. It is believed that conducting this Puja on the sacred land of Trimbakeshwar has a positive impact on the entire family and future generations.
Trimbakeshwar Narayan Nagbali Puja
Trimbakeshwar Temple is a significant spiritual site with many other temples nearby. It is said that visiting Trimbakeshwar can lead to salvation (sadgati). This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a special place for performing the Narayan Nagbali ritual. The ritual is conducted by the descendants of ancient Brahmins, known as Tamprapatradhari Purohits.
Trimbakeshwar is also believed to be the origin of the Ganga Godavari River, which flows from the Brahmgiri hills, located 1,295 meters above sea level, just behind the historic Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple. As one of the holy pilgrimage sites (tirtha kshetra) and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, performing any Puja at Trimbakeshwar is believed to bring positive results.
TYPES OF NARAYAN NAGBALI
- Narayan Bali Puja: Narayan Bali Puja can be performed at specific pilgrimage sites (Teerth Kshetras) across India, with Trimbakeshwar being one of them. This Puja is conducted when a family member has passed away due to unnatural causes such as accidents, suicide, or snake bites. In some cases, if the Shradha (annual death rituals) have not been performed for many years, it can lead to Pitru Dosh (ancestral curse) in the horoscope. To resolve these issues, Narayan Bali Puja is performed.
- Nag Bali Puja: Nag Bali Puja is done to atone for the sin of killing a snake, especially a cobra, which is considered sacred in India. During this ritual, the last rites are performed for the body of a snake made from wheat flour. Nag Bali Puja is exclusively performed at Trimbakeshwar.
Narayan Bali Puja cannot be performed alone; it must be done alongside Nag Bali Puja. Together, these rituals are known as Pitru Dosh Nivaran Puja.
Narayan Bali Puja Mantra: “शस्त्रघातमृताये चा स्पर्शस्पृष्टवा तथैव च तत्तु दुर्मरणम ग्येयम यच्चजातं विधिंविना। अतःतस्य सुतै पौत्रे सपिंडैशुभमिच्छुभिः नारायणबलिं कार्यो लोकगर्धाभिया खग”
Meaning: Narayan Bali Puja is performed when a person dies due to unnatural causes such as firearms, suicide, fatal illness, a difficult life, ghost torment, untimely death (apamrityu), a series of unfortunate events, or curses from parents, spouses, or in-laws. This ritual is considered a Kaamya karma, meaning it is done with a specific desire or purpose.
Reasons for Performing Narayan Bali Puja
There are many reasons to perform Narayan Bali Puja, as described in the ancient Garuda Purana. It is typically conducted in cases of unnatural death caused by infectious diseases (like cholera or flu), natural disasters, or snakebites.
Who Should Perform the Narayan Nagbali Puja?
Narayan Nagbali Puja is mainly performed to remove Pitru Dosh (ancestral curse) from one’s birth chart. This Puja is suitable for those seeking success in business, or those experiencing financial losses, educational difficulties, or marriage-related problems.
Where Should You Perform Narayan Nagbali Puja?
Narayan Nagbali Puja is a special ritual that should only be performed in Trimbak, near Ahilya Godavari Sangam at Sati Maha-Smashan, close to the Trimbakeshwar Temple in Nashik. This Puja cannot be performed anywhere else. According to the “PRASAD YOJNA” (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spirituality Augmentation Drive) of 2016-17, the central government’s Ministry of Tourism has allocated special packages for the development of this place under the scheme.
Narayan Nagbali Puja Dates 2025
The dates for Narayan Nagbali Puja are determined by the Nakshatra (lunar constellation). There are typically 2-3 Muhurats (auspicious times) each month. Pitru Paksha is considered the best period to perform the Narayan Nagbali Puja. It is especially beneficial to conduct this ritual on Pitruda Ekadashi. Additionally, devotees can perform this Puja on the 7th day after the no-moon day (Amavasya).
Auspicious Days to Perform Narayan Nagbali Puja in 2025:
- January 2025: 2, 8, 11, 15, 18, 29
- February 2025: 4, 7, 14, 17, 26
- March 2025: 3, 6, 10, 17, 21, 25
- April 2025: 3, 6, 9, 13, 27, 30
- May 2025: 4, 10, 15, 31
- June 2025: 6, 15, 21, 27
- July 2025: 1, 4, 12, 25
- August 2025: 1, 9, 15, 24
- September 2025: 1, 11, 14, 17, 20, 25, 29
- October 2025: 3, 8, 11, 24, 30
- November 2025: 5, 8, 11, 14, 22, 26
- December 2025: 2, 5, 11, 15, 19, 29
IMPORTANCE OF NARAYAN NAGBALI PUJA
- Narayan Bali Puja is performed to fulfill the unfulfilled desires of ancestral souls, who may cause problems for the next generation if their wishes are not satisfied.
- This Puja helps the soul achieve the highest state of Moksha (liberation). It provides relief to the soul of a deceased person who has faced an unnatural death.
- During the Narayan Bali Puja, a dummy body made of wheat flour is created. The Pandit (priest) uses mantras to address the soul’s unfulfilled desires. The ritual gives the soul a symbolic body and allows it to be freed in the afterlife.
- The dates for Narayan Nagbali Puja should be chosen based on the Nakshatras. Pitru Paksha is an ideal time to perform this Puja, and Pitruda Ekadashi is particularly beneficial for the ritual.
NARAYAN NAGBALI PUJA VIDHI
Day 1:
Narayan Nagbali Puja is a three-day ritual. According to the scriptures, a male can perform the Puja individually, but females cannot perform it alone.
- Preparation: Start by taking a holy bath in Kushavarta Kund and wear new clothes—men should wear a dhoti, and women should wear a saree. Avoid wearing black or green sarees.
- Temple Visit: Offer prayers at the Trimbakeshwar temple, then begin the Puja. After worshipping Lord Shiva, devotees proceed to Ahilya Godavari Sangam to perform the Narayan Nagbali Puja.
- Puja Setup: The priest (Pandit Ji) will place gold idols of Lord Vishnu and Vaivasvata Yama on two bowls.
- Rituals: The Puja begins with Pradhan Sankalpa (main intention), Nyas (consecration), and Kalash Puja (worship of the sacred pot). Draw a line with a darbha knife to the east of the bowls and lay out darbhas (sacred grass) towards the south. Sprinkle water on the darbhas while chanting mantras.
- Deity Worship: Worship Lord Surya (Sun), Ganesha, and Vishnu, followed by the five gods: Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lord Mahesh (Shiva), Yama, and Tatpurusha.
- Further Rituals: Perform Agni Sthapana (establishing the sacred fire), Purusha Sukta Havan (fire ritual), Ekadashi Vishnu Shraddha, Panchdevta Shraddha, Balidan (sacrifice), Palashvidhi, Pind Daan (offering to ancestors), and Paranshar.
- Pinda Offering: Offer ten pindas (rice balls) with honey, ghee, and sesame seeds on the darbhas. Apply sandalwood paste to the pindas and immerse them in a river or other water body.
This completes the first day’s rituals.
Day 2:
- Preparation: Take a holy bath in Kushavarta Kund again and wear the same clothes.
- Sapindh Shradha: Begin with the worship of Lord Vishnu. Invite Brahmins in odd numbers—either one, three, or five.
- Puja Rituals: Chant the names of Lord Vishnu, Brahma, Shiva, and Yama, and offer four pindas.
- Pinda Offering: The fifth pinda is offered to the body in the form of Lord Vishnu. Donate clothing, jewels, a cow, and gold to one Brahmin.
- Water Offering: The Brahmins then pour water mixed with darbha, sesame seeds, and tulsi leaves into the palms and offer it to the devotee.
Day 3:
- Swastipunyahwachan: On the third day, perform the “Swastipunyahwachan” ritual, which involves worshipping Lord Ganesha to remove any remaining negative energies from the previous Puja.
- Snake Deity Worship: Worship a small golden deity of a snake and donate it to a Brahmin.
- Final Offerings: Finally, distribute bhog (food offerings) and food at the Brahmin’s place.
With the blessings of Lord Shiva, the Narayan Nagbali Puja is completed.
BENEFITS OF NARAYAN NAGBALI
Narayan Nagbali Puja offers many benefits, including:
- Family Harmony: It brings satisfaction and positive energy to the entire family.
- Health and Success: The Puja promotes good health and success in life, whether in education or other pursuits.
- Business and Career: It helps fulfill dreams related to business or career goals.
- Fertility: The ritual is beneficial for couples facing difficulties in having children.
- Ancestral Salvation: It aids in the salvation of the souls of ancestors.
- Pitru Dosh Relief: The Puja helps in removing the harmful effects of Pitru Dosh (ancestral curse).
Narayan Nagbali Puja Cost
The cost of Narayan Nagbali Puja depends on the Havan (fire ritual) and the materials (Samgri) used by the Tamprapatradhari Guruji. After the Puja is completed, the amount of Dakshina (offering) given is up to the devotee (Yajmana).