Pind Daan in Varanasi

Legend of Lord Shiva stopping River Ganges can be explained by an account which reiterates a confrontation between Lord Shiva and the mighty river. According to the narrative, the force of the holy river was violently intense as it neared the divine city of Kashi, thus compelling Lord Shiva to strike his trident, or the Trishul, into its path, effectively slowing it just as it crossed over the periphery of the city. It is believed that a person who dies in Kashi attains salvation, or Moksha, and is freed from the cycle of rebirth. Even if one dies elsewhere, as long as the last rites are performed here, it is said one is granted salvation. Failing this, the least effort required to ensure this end is the immersion of the last remains of the departed in the holy Ganges, even if the last rites were carried out elsewhere.

There are several locations in Varanasi for Pind Daan practice, such as Dasaswamedh, Panchganga , Varuna , Manikarnika , and Assi . One of the most important places for the performance of Pind Daan in Varanasi is Pisachmochan Talab, or Vimal Teerth.