Lord Vishnu and the ancestors (Pitru)
The rites of the thirteenth day after a death, which traditionally complete the period of mourning with prayers, a havan, pind daan and a meal offered to Brahmins and relatives.
Overview
Terahvi is the ceremony held on the thirteenth day after a death, marking the end of the formal mourning period in many North Indian families. It usually includes the rites of the eleventh and twelfth days, such as sapindikaran, in which the departed is joined with the ancestors, followed by a havan and a meal offered to Brahmins, relatives and the community.
Customs vary widely between regions and families. Some complete the rites on the twelfth day, others on the thirteenth, and South Indian families observe their own sequence of rites over a similar period. The Pandit speaks with the family first and follows their tradition.
Our Pandits conduct Terahvi at homes, halls and at the ghats in Varanasi, and in Hyderabad at homes and halls, guiding the family through each step with care.
ॐ पितृभ्यः स्वधायिभ्यः स्वधा नमः॥
Oṁ pitṛbhyaḥ svadhāyibhyaḥ svadhā namaḥ.
Traditionally, the rites of the thirteenth day are believed to help the departed soul join the ancestors and find peace, completing the family’s duties of the mourning period.
Terahvi also marks the family’s return to daily life. Relatives and friends gather to remember the departed, and the family receives their support and blessings.
These are traditional beliefs associated with the ritual. Pujas are acts of devotion and are not a substitute for medical, financial or professional advice.
The Pandit takes a sankalp with the name and gotra of the departed and the chief mourner.
Where part of the family’s tradition, pind are offered to unite the departed with the ancestors.
A havan is performed with prayers for the peace of the departed and the wellbeing of the family.
A meal is offered to Brahmins, and daan is given as per the family’s custom.
The family shares a meal with relatives, and the Pandit guides them on the annual Shraddha.
The exact vidhi varies by region and family tradition, your Pandit will follow your customs.
Samagri can be arranged on request. We'll share a list suited to your vidhi before the day.
Usually included
Not included
Duration: 2 to 4 hours. Inclusions are confirmed for your booking on WhatsApp.
A Pandit performs the ritual at your home, office or chosen venue in Varanasi or Hyderabad. We help with muhurat, samagri and preparation.
More cities are coming soon.
The same ritual goes by different names in different traditions. Whichever name your family uses, we can help.
People also search for
Many families observe it on the thirteenth day, while others complete the rites on the twelfth. The Pandit counts the days as per your family tradition.
It is the rite in which the departed is ritually joined with the ancestors through the offering of pind. It is usually performed before or during Terahvi.
Yes. Some families perform the pind rites at the ghats and the havan and meal at home or a hall. We can help plan both.
It depends on the rites included, number of Pandits and samagri. Share your details on WhatsApp for a quote.
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शुभं भवतु
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Share your preferred date, location and family customs on WhatsApp. We'll confirm Pandit availability and pricing before you book.
