Tripindi Shraddha ("three pindas", also spelled Tripindi Shradh) is a kamya shraddha, a special shraddha performed with a particular intention, in which offerings are made for ancestors of the past three generations. It is commonly performed when annual shraddha has not been kept up for some years, when there is uncertainty about whether past rites were done correctly, or when a family wishes to remember all its departed together, including those whose names have been forgotten.
Unlike the annual shraddha for a specific person, Tripindi looks at the family line as a whole. It takes a single morning, and it is often the right first step for families who feel a duty towards their ancestors but are unsure where to begin. If you are deciding between Tripindi and Narayan Nagbali, we will gladly explain the difference and help you choose; you will find a full comparison in our knowledge section.
Why at Trimbakeshwar
Trimbakeshwar sits where the Godavari, revered as the Ganga of the South, rises from the Brahmagiri hills, and Kushavarta Tirth is regarded as its sacred source. Rites for ancestors performed near a holy river's source have special meaning in Hindu tradition, and Trimbak has long been a centre for pitru karya (ancestral rites). Its purohit families perform Tripindi in a procedure distinctive to this kshetra, alongside Narayan Nagbali and Kaal Sarp Shanti.
Significance
Shraddha is the act of offering to one's ancestors with shraddha, faith. In the regular annual rites, offerings are made for named ancestors on specific dates. Tripindi Shraddha is different: it is offered for the departed of three generations together, known and unknown, so it is often chosen when annual rites have lapsed or when the family is unsure of the details.
In the tradition followed at Trimbakeshwar, three pindas (balls of cooked rice, barley flour, black sesame and ghee) are offered with prayers associated with Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra (Shiva). Tarpan, the offering of water with sesame, is made for ancestors on the father's and mother's sides, and the rite concludes with daan and the feeding of cows, crows and the needy where possible.
In the scriptures
Shraddha and pind daan are among the oldest rites in Hindu practice, described in the Puranas (notably the Garuda Purana) and in the Dharmashastra literature. The Trimbak priestly tradition cites the Dharmasindhu, a widely used handbook of rites, in connection with performing rites for the peace of the departed at Trimbakeshwar. The specific form of Tripindi performed here has been handed down through the practice of the town's purohit families.
Why devotees perform it
Families commonly perform Tripindi Shraddha when annual shraddha has been missed for several years, when they are unsure whether past rites were complete, when an astrologer has mentioned Pitru Dosh, or simply when they wish to honour all their ancestors together. It can be performed by men and women, married or unmarried. A married couple often sits together. If you are not sure whether Tripindi or a different rite fits your situation, tell us and we will explain the options plainly.
- Remembering and honouring ancestors of three generations together
- When annual shraddha has been missed for some years
- Seeking peace for departed family members whose names or dates are not known
- When an astrologer has pointed to Pitru Dosh
- Offering gratitude to the family line before an important new beginning
- Fulfilling one's duty to ancestors at a sacred river source
How the pooja is performed
Holy bath and sankalp
After a bath at Kushavarta Tirth, the pandit guides you through the sankalp in your name and gotra, naming the purpose of the shraddha.
Ganesh pujan and preliminary worship
Ganesh pujan, kalash sthapana and the preliminary worship prepare the space for the shraddha, with prayers to Lord Vishnu.
Tarpan
Water with black sesame is offered for ancestors on the father's and mother's sides as the pandit recites their names where known, and on behalf of all unknown ancestors.
Offering the three pindas
The three pindas are prepared and offered with prayers associated with Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra. This is the heart of the rite.
Daan and conclusion
The rite concludes with daan, offerings for cows, crows and the needy where possible, and the visarjan of the offerings as the pandit directs.
Before you come
- Arrive the evening before if travelling from outside Nashik; the rite is performed in the morning. We will confirm the time on WhatsApp.
- Clothing: white or light-coloured traditional clothes are customary for ancestral rites: a dhoti and upper cloth for men, a saree or salwar suit for women. Avoid black. Bring a change of clothes for after the bath.
- Bring: a photo ID, and the names of departed family members on both sides if you know them. A family elder can often help you write these down. If names are not known, the rite can still be performed.
- Food: simple sattvic food the day before is traditional; many families avoid onion, garlic, non-vegetarian food and alcohol.
- Please tell us privately about sutak, menstruation on the planned date, or pregnancy, so we can advise you or change the date.
What we arrange
- Pooja samagri for the shraddha, including materials for the pindas
- The rite performed by our family pandits, with guidance at every step
- Sankalp in your name and gotra
- A call before booking to understand your situation
- Help choosing a suitable date
Dakshina covers the pooja as described. Ask us about samagri and stay.
Questions devotees ask
What is the cost of Tripindi Shraddha at Trimbakeshwar?
The current dakshina is shown at the top of this page, with what it covers listed under What we arrange. A small advance may be requested to confirm your date.
Can Tripindi be done if we don't know our ancestors' names?
Yes. Tripindi is offered for known and unknown ancestors of three generations, which is one reason many families choose it.
What is the difference between Tripindi Shraddha and Narayan Nagbali?
Tripindi is a one-day shraddha for ancestors of three generations, often chosen when regular shraddha has lapsed. Narayan Nagbali is a three-day rite for a family member who died an untimely death, together with atonement for harm to a serpent. Our knowledge section has a detailed comparison, and we are happy to advise.
Can women and unmarried people perform Tripindi Shraddha?
Yes. Tripindi can be performed by men and women, married or unmarried. Married couples often sit together.
Is Tripindi only done during Pitru Paksha?
No. Pitru Paksha is a popular time, but Tripindi is performed on suitable dates throughout the year. We will help you choose one.
How many family members can attend?
Family members are welcome to attend and pray. Usually one person or a married couple sits as karta, while others take part in the prayers. Let us know how many will come so we can plan.
How often should Tripindi Shraddha be performed?
Most families perform it once. Some traditions repeat it after many years if the family feels the need. We will not push you to repeat it; ask us if you are unsure.
Can it be done during mourning or periods?
Traditionally, one does not sit for the rite during sutak after a birth or death in the family, and women traditionally do not sit for it during menstruation. Customs vary, so please tell us privately and we will guide you.
