What is Narayan Bali pooja?
Narayan Bali Pooja is a type of Shradh ritual performed in cases of sudden unnatural death caused by chronic illness, accidents, natural disasters, and similar circumstances. The eldest son conducts the ceremony. It should be completed before the final day of the last rites. If missed, it can be done on the first anniversary of the death. When the family faces challenging times due to the presence of Pitru Dosha, Narayan Bali Shradh Pooja is performed for those who died unnaturally.
The detailed steps for Narayan Bali Shradh Pooja are outlined below:
1. Tarpan: Tarpan, a ritual to honour ancestors, is performed first for ancestors, gods, saints, and others. The names of all family members are also recited during Tarpan.
2. Kalash Sthapana: Five Kalash for Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh, Yam, and Pret are established next, and all five Gods are invoked to be present throughout the entire ritual.
3. Chanting of Suktams: Brahma Suktam, Rudra Suktam, Mahesh Suktam, Pret Suktam, and Yam Suktam are performed to seek divine blessings.
4. Pindas (rice or wheat flour balls): Sixteen Pindas are made with rice or wheat flour and offered after the chanting of the Suktams.
5. Havan and Holy Bathing: Havan is performed as a culmination of the pooja after offering the Pindas, followed by sacred bathing in the Ganga.
6. Feeding the Brahmins and Giving Donations: After the sacred dip in the Ganga, food and offerings are given to the Brahmins.