Badrinath: Pitru Paksha, also known as Shraddha, is a significant period in the Hindu calendar dedicated to honoring one’s ancestors. After Gaya in Bihar, Brahmakapal in Badrinath is a place where Shraddha Karm help ancestors attain salvation.
According to Hindu mythology, it is said that Lord Brahma himself resides at this place. The site is also associated with the legend where Lord Shiva was relieved from the curse of killing Brahma, with Brahma’s head falling off from Shiva’s trident at Brahma Kapal.
A huge crowd of people gathering at Brahmakapal in Badrinath
Brahma Kapal is located just 100 meters north of the Badrinath Temple, making it easily accessible for pilgrims visiting the temple. This pilgrimage site is also known as Kapal Mochan Tirtha. As Pitra Paksha started on Tuesday, 17 November, a large number of devotees reached Badrinath Dham. People across the country and abroad are reaching Badrinath Dham to perform Pind Daan for their ancestors. According to the beliefs, Pind Daan here is more important than Pind Daan done in Gaya and Kashi.
One doesn’t need to perform Tarpan anywhere after performing it in Brahma Kapal
Describing the significance of this place, the priest of Brahmakapal said that it is believed that Lord Shiva roamed the three worlds to get salvation from the sin of Brahmahatya when he beheaded the Lord Brahma. Finally, as soon as he reached Brahmakapal of Badrinath Dham, Lord Brahma’s head fell off from Shiva’s trident and this pilgrimage was called Brahmakapal. It is believed that whoever performs Pinddaan for his ancestors here, after that he does not need to perform Pind Daan and Tarpan anywhere else.
The priests of Badrinath shrine said that for the growth of the lineage, one must worship the ancestors, the first Pind Daan starts from Gaya and the last Pind Daan is performed at Badrinath Brahmakapal.
Brahma Kapal and its association with Mahabharata period
Brahma Kapal in Badrinath holds a significant place in Hindu mythology and is closely associated with the Mahabharata. According to the legends, this sacred site is where the Pandava brothers performed rituals to atone for the sins of killing their kin during the Kurukshetra war. After the great battle, the Pandavas visited Brahma Kapal to offer Shraddha (rituals for the departed souls) for their ancestors and those who died in the war. It is also said in the Mahabharata that ancestors become happy just by visiting the Brahma Kapal area.
Pitra Paksha began on 17 Sep this year
In 2024, Pitra Paksha begins on September 17 and concludes on October 21. This sacred time spans 16 lunar days during the month of Ashwin, starting from the Pratipada Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the Bhadrapada month. During Pitra Paksha, rituals and offerings are made to pay homage to departed ancestors. It is believed that performing these rites brings peace to the souls of the ancestors and ensures the well-being of future generations. The period is marked by various rituals, including offering food, clothing, and dakshina (donations) to Brahmins, as well as feeding cows, dogs, and crows.