Where Can You Perform Pitru Shraddha? What are the best place?

According to the Garuda Purana, certain places are considered highly auspicious for performing Pitru Shraddha. The rules of Shraddha state that you do not always need to go to a ghat; you can also perform Shraddha at home. Sit facing the south direction and perform the rituals with complete devotion. However, scriptures describe some pilgrimage sites as especially sacred. Let’s understand their significance:

1. Pitru Shraddha – Gaya – The Greatest Pilgrimage for Ancestors

Among the seven sacred cities, Gaya holds the highest importance for Shraddha. Tradition calls it the greatest pilgrimage for Pitru rituals. It is believed that when a person performs Shraddha, Tarpan, and Pind Daan at the Vishnupad Temple on the banks of the Phalgu River during Pitru Paksha, their ancestors attain liberation. That is why Gaya is also called Mukti Dham. Hindu belief says Shraddha performed here redeems seven generations.

2. Pitru Shraddha – Varanasi – Pishachmochan Kund

Kashi, the city of Lord Vishwanath, holds immense importance for Pitru Shraddha. Performing Shraddha, Tarpan, and Pind Daan at Manikarnika Ghat and Pishachmochan Kund is considered very sacred. Tradition requires one to perform Tripindi Shraddha at Pishachmochan Kund before performing Gaya Shraddha. This place is also called Pitrukund, Matrukund, and Vimal Tirtha. Scriptures state that Shraddha here grants the departed soul a place in Shivlok.

3. Haridwar – Har Ki Pauri

Like Gaya, Haridwar also holds great significance for Shraddha. According to local priests, people mainly perform Shraddha at Kushavarta Ghat and Narayan Shila. At Kushavarta Ghat near Har Ki Pauri, devotees arrive from faraway places to perform rituals. For those ancestors who suffer due to taking birth in ghostly realms, Shraddha at Narayan Shila helps grant them peace and liberation.

4. Badrinath – Brahmakapal Ghat

According to Hindu belief, Brahmakapal Ghat in Badrinath is extremely sacred for Pind Daan. Tradition says Lord Shiva himself was freed from the sin of Brahmahatya at this very place. Devotees visit this sacred site to perform the final Shraddha rituals for their ancestors. Scriptures say Shraddha and Tarpan at Badrinath bear far greater fruits than those performed even at Gaya.

5. Pitru Shraddha – Pushkar – The Sacred Brahma Temple Site

Pushkar holds immense importance because it houses the only temple of Lord Brahma. Along with this, it is also renowned for Pitru Shraddha and Pind Daan. Scriptures narrate that Lord Rama performed Shraddha for his father at this very place. Priests in Pushkar believe that Shraddha performed here benefits seven generations of the family and five preceding lineages.

Performing Pitru Shraddha at Home or Nearby

If you perform Pitru Tarpan at home during Pitru Paksha, you should always face the south direction. This direction represents Yamlok, the realm of the ancestors. Performing Shraddha facing south ensures that the offerings reach the ancestors directly.
The Garuda Purana also states that you can perform Shraddha on riverbanks. Sitting beside a sacred river or ocean, you can offer Tarpan and Pind Daan with full rituals for your ancestors.
The scriptures also mention Gaushalas (cow shelters) as sacred places for Shraddha. After purifying the Gaushala by coating it with cow dung, place the puja items and sit facing south to perform the rituals with complete devotion.
Forests are always considered sacred, as they represent the essence of nature. A person can also perform Pitru Shraddha in the lap of nature, using fruits, flowers, and water available in the forest.