Table of Contents
The Garud Puran, one of the most sacred Hindu scriptures, provides a detailed roadmap of what happens to the atma (soul) after death. Specifically, it explains the critical journey of the soul during the first 13 days, a time of transition, judgment, and karmic clarity. Understanding the 13 days after death Garud Puran teachings gives us insight into why rituals like shraddha, tarpan, and pind daan are essential.
🕯️ What Happens Immediately After Death?
According to the 13 days after death Garud Puran, the soul exits the body and becomes a preta—a subtle ghost-like form, neither fully departed nor reborn. For these 13 days:
- The soul stays close to the physical body and loved ones.
- It experiences confusion, pain, and detachment.
- It craves food, water, and recognition, but has no body to enjoy them.
- It is fully aware of all surroundings but cannot interact.
📜 Significance of Each Day (Garud Puran View)
🔹 Day 1–3:
The soul wanders around its home and body. It feels lost and tries to communicate.
🔹 Day 4–9:
The Yamdoots (messengers of death) appear. The soul sees flashes of its life. Karma reflection begins.
🔹 Day 10–12:
Preparation for the journey toward Yamraj’s court begins. The soul may become emotional or resistant.
🔹 Day 13:
This is the Preta Yatra day. If rituals like Pind Daan are performed, the soul transitions peacefully. Otherwise, it risks becoming trapped in Pret Lok.
⚠️ Why the 13 Days Are Spiritually Critical
The 13 days after death Garud Puran explains that:
- This is the soul’s karmic quarantine.
- It watches its family, its body, and its past.
- It depends entirely on the living for peace and guidance.
- No rituals = No liberation.
That’s why shraddha, pind daan, lighting diya, and chanting Garud Puran during this period is not optional—it’s salvation.
🧘♂️ What You Should Do in These 13 Days
To help the soul complete its journey, Garud Puran recommends:
- Recite chapters of Garud Puran daily
- Offer food to cows, dogs, crows, and the needy
- Perform Pind Daan at the river or holy place
- Chant “Om Namo Narayanaya” and “Om Shanti” for the atma
- Avoid parties, loud music, and distractions during these days
🌌 After the 13th Day: What’s Next?
Once these rituals are completed:
- The soul is escorted to Yamraj’s court
- Chitragupta presents its karma account
- Based on its life, it enters Swarg, Narak, or Rebirth
- If the family performs monthly shraddhas and yearly tithi, the soul gains upward mobility in lokas
This entire cycle starts with what you do in those first 13 days—as emphasized in the 13 days after death Garud Puran teachings.