The ritual bathing of the Shivling with milk, water, honey and other offerings while Pandits chant the Rudri (Sri Rudram), one of the most loved Shiva pujas.
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Varanasi · Kashi · Banaras
Terahvi in Varanasi
Terahvi, the rite on the thirteenth day after a death, brings the period of mourning to a close with prayers, a havan in many families and a meal offered to Brahmins and relatives.
In Varanasi, a Pandit can guide the family through the rites of the day at home or at a hall, following the family's custom.
ॐ पितृभ्यः स्वधायिभ्यः स्वधा नमः॥
Oṁ pitṛbhyaḥ svadhāyibhyaḥ svadhā namaḥ.
Why Varanasi
Why families choose Varanasi for Terahvi
Families who have performed the last rites in Kashi often complete the Terahvi here too, before returning home.
Varanasi Pandits are well versed in the rites of these thirteen days, including the shayya daan and brahmin bhoj that many families observe.
Local traditions & timing
- Halls and dharamshalas near the ghats can be booked quickly; confirm catering arrangements in advance.
- Tell the Pandit which rites your family observes, such as havan, shayya daan or brahmin bhoj.
- Plan travel back home after the rites, as trains from Varanasi fill up quickly.
Where it's performed
- Your home in Varanasi
- A dharamshala or community hall
- A guest house where the family is staying, where the property allows
Planning tips
- Confirm the thirteenth day with the Pandit, as the counting can differ by custom.
- Share the number of guests so food and daan items can be planned.
- Keep the name and gotra of the departed ready for the sankalp.
About Terahvi
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.
Duration
2 to 4 hours
Pricing
On enquiry
Online option
In-person only
Terahvi in Varanasi: FAQs
Can Terahvi be done in Varanasi if the family lives elsewhere?
Yes. Many families complete the Terahvi in Kashi after the last rites. We arrange a Pandit and can suggest a suitable venue.
Is a havan part of Terahvi?
In many families it is. The Pandit will follow your family's custom for the day.
More in Varanasi
Other rituals families book in Varanasi
Shiva PujasIn-person availableOnline availableMaha Rudrabhishek
Several days (commonly 5 to 11 days, depending on the number of Pandits)
The grandest form of Rudra worship, traditionally 1331 recitations of the Rudram by a large group of Pandits, with abhishek and havan over several days.
Details
Shiva PujasIn-person availableOnline availableLaghu Rudra
6 to 8 hours with 11 Pandits (longer if fewer Pandits)
An elaborate Rudra anushthan, traditionally 121 recitations of the Rudram by 11 Pandits with abhishek, often concluding with a Rudra havan.
Details
Shiva PujasIn-person availableOnline availableMahamrityunjaya Jaap
1 to 11 days, depending on the chant count and number of Pandits
A sankalp-based chanting of the Mahamrityunjaya mantra by Pandits, commonly in counts like 11,000, 51,000 or 1.25 lakh, traditionally sought for strength and wellbeing.
Details
शुभं भवतु
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Book Terahvi in Varanasi
Tell us your dates, where you are staying and your family traditions. We'll confirm Pandit availability and pricing on WhatsApp.