A specialised Shraddha offering three pindas for ancestors who may not have received regular rites, usually chosen with guidance from the family priest.
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Lord Vishnu (Narayan) and Ancestors (Pitru)
Narayan Bali
A specialised rite centred on Lord Vishnu, traditionally performed for a departed family member whose final rites could not be completed as usual.
In-person4 to 6 hours; some traditions spread it over 2 to 3 daysAlso: Narayan NagbaliAlso: Narayana Bali Puja
Overview
What is Narayan Bali?
Narayan Bali is a specialised Vedic rite dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Narayan). It is traditionally performed for a departed family member whose final rites could not be carried out in the usual way, for example, after an untimely passing, so that the family can complete their duty with care.
Because it is a specialised rite, families usually decide on Narayan Bali with guidance from their family priest or a knowledgeable Pandit. Practices differ by tradition and region, and in some traditions it is performed together with other rites over more than one day.
In Varanasi, the rite is performed near the Ganga by experienced Pandits. We speak with the family beforehand, explain each step gently, and make sure the arrangements are clear, so the family can focus on remembrance.
ॐ पितृभ्यः स्वधायिभ्यः स्वधा नमः॥
Oṁ pitṛbhyaḥ svadhāyibhyaḥ svadhā namaḥ.
Significance
Traditionally, Narayan Bali is described as a way to offer the rites that could not be completed at the time of a loved one’s passing. By invoking Lord Vishnu and offering pindas and prayers, families seek peace for the departed soul.
For many families, the rite brings a sense of closure. It allows them to honour a loved one fully, in a respectful and structured way, and to move forward with the feeling that their duty has been fulfilled.
Who performs it
- Families whose loved one’s final rites could not be completed in the usual way
- Families advised by their family priest to perform Narayan Bali
- Descendants wishing to complete pending rites for an ancestor
When to perform
- On an auspicious date suggested by the Pandit after consultation
- During Pitru Paksha, as some families prefer
- On certain tithis such as Ekadashi or Amavasya, as per the family’s tradition
Traditionally associated with
- Traditionally performed to seek peace for a departed family member
- Is believed to complete rites that could not be performed at the time of passing
- Families perform it to fulfil their duty with care and devotion
- Can bring the family a sense of closure and peace of mind
These are traditional beliefs associated with the ritual. Pujas are acts of devotion and are not a substitute for medical, financial or professional advice.
How the puja is performed
- 1
Consultation
The Pandit gently understands the family’s situation and tradition, and explains the vidhi and arrangements.
- 2
Purification and Sankalp
The performer purifies with Ganga jal and takes a sankalp with the names and gotra of the departed and the family.
- 3
Vishnu Puja
Lord Vishnu is worshipped with mantras, tulsi and offerings, as the central deity of the rite.
- 4
Symbolic Rites
Symbolic final rites are performed for the departed as prescribed in the family’s tradition.
- 5
Pinda Offering and Tarpan
Pindas and water with sesame are offered with prayers for the departed soul’s peace.
- 6
Havan
A havan is performed with offerings to Lord Vishnu, where part of the vidhi.
- 7
Daan and Concluding Prayers
Daan is offered as per custom, and the rite concludes with prayers for peace.
The exact vidhi varies by region and family tradition, your Pandit will follow your customs.
Samagri (puja materials)
- Idol or image of Lord Vishnu
- Tulsi leaves
- Rice and barley flour for pindas
- Black sesame seeds (til)
- Kusha grass
- Ghee and honey
- Ganga jal
- Kalash and coconut
- White and yellow flowers
- Janeu (for the performer, as per custom)
- Havan kund and samagri
- Leaf plates (pattal)
- Chandan, roli and akshat
- Items for daan, as per the vidhi
Samagri can be arranged on request. We'll share a list suited to your vidhi before the day.
What's included
Usually included
- Experienced Pandit(s) familiar with Narayan Bali vidhi
- Sankalp with the names and gotra of the departed and the family
- Gentle consultation and guidance before the day
- Vidhi as per the family’s tradition
- Guidance on where the rite is traditionally performed in Varanasi
- Samagri can be arranged on request
Not included
- Travel and stay in Varanasi
- Boat hire on the Ganga
- Brahmin bhojan or food daan (can be arranged on request)
- Items given as personal daan
Duration: 4 to 6 hours; some traditions spread it over 2 to 3 days. Inclusions are confirmed for your booking on WhatsApp.
In-person puja
A Pandit performs the ritual at your home, office or chosen venue in Varanasi or Hyderabad. We help with muhurat, samagri and preparation.
Available in
More cities are coming soon.
Narayan Bali across regions
The same ritual goes by different names in different traditions. Whichever name your family uses, we can help.
- Narayan Nagbali
- Marathi
- Narayana Bali
- Sanskrit
- Narayan Bali Puja
- Hindi
- Narayana Bali Karma
- Telugu
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Narayan Bali FAQs
When is Narayan Bali performed?
It is traditionally performed when a loved one’s final rites could not be completed in the usual way. Families usually decide with guidance from their family priest or Pandit.
How many days does Narayan Bali take?
In many traditions it is completed in a single day, while some combine it with other rites over 2 to 3 days. The Pandit will explain the plan for your family’s custom.
How much does Narayan Bali cost?
It depends on the vidhi, number of Pandits, number of days, samagri, boat hire and location. Share your details on WhatsApp for a quote.
Who can perform the rite?
Usually a close family member takes the sankalp. Practices around who may perform it vary, and many families today include daughters. The Pandit will guide you respectfully.
What should we bring to Varanasi?
The names and gotra of the departed and the family, the date of passing if known, and simple, comfortable clothing. Samagri can be arranged on request.
Related
Rituals often explored alongside Narayan Bali
A holy rite in which families offer pindas to honour departed loved ones and ancestors, performed with care by experienced Pandits in Kashi, by the Ganga.
Details Book nowWorship of Lord Vishnu, the preserver, often with Vishnu Sahasranama path, commonly performed on Ekadashi, Thursdays and Purnima.
Details Book nowA calm, devotional puja to honour the ancestors and seek their blessings, traditionally performed when Pitru Dosha is indicated or ancestral rites have been missed.
Details Book now
शुभं भवतु
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