Table of Contents
Introduction: Garud Puran – The Book of Death and Dharma
Garud Puran is not just another Hindu scripture; it is the ultimate guide to death rituals, karma, and the afterlife. From the moment of death to the soul’s final destination, Garud Puran death rituals offer detailed explanations of what happens, why it happens, and how it should be performed.
According to Garud Puran, death is not the end, but the beginning of a soul’s journey toward rebirth, judgment, or liberation. This ancient scripture gives us the roadmap of that journey—and teaches us how to perform the right rituals to support the soul.
The Importance of Garud Puran in Hindu Death Rituals
In Hindu tradition, Garud Puran death rituals are considered mandatory for the peaceful departure of the soul. Reciting the Garud Puran near the deceased helps guide the soul and provides spiritual clarity for the grieving family.
Garud Puran describes specific rituals to be performed immediately after death, including washing the body, lighting a lamp, and placing sacred Tulsi leaves in the mouth of the departed. Each of these Garud Puran rituals has symbolic meaning and affects the soul’s progress.
Garud Puran’s Teachings on the Soul’s Journey After Death
According to Garud Puran, after death, the soul is taken by Yamdoots to Yamraj’s court. The Garud Puran death rituals ensure the soul receives proper energy and detachment from worldly attachments.
The journey includes:
- 13 days of pitru yatra (ancestral transition)
- 84 lakh yonis of rebirth
- Chitragupta’s ledger review
- Judgment by Yamraj
- Punishment or reward based on karma
Without the right Garud Puran death rituals, the soul may suffer confusion, attachment, and delay in spiritual elevation.
The First 13 Days After Death: Garud Puran Rituals in Detail
In the first 13 days, Garud Puran death rituals help the soul transition from pret yoni (ghost form) to the pitru loka (ancestral realm).
- Day 1–3: Funeral, cremation, and bone collection
Garud Puran states that cremation must be done within 24 hours. The soul watches its own body burn and feels extreme emotions unless released by mantra chanting from Garud Puran. - Day 4–10: Pind Daan
The family must offer rice balls (pinds) daily to provide the soul with a new subtle body. Garud Puran emphasizes that these death rituals are crucial to move the soul forward. - Day 11–12: Tarpan & feeding Brahmins
According to Garud Puran, feeding cows, crows, dogs, and Brahmins during these rituals helps burn negative karma. - Day 13: Shraddh Ceremony
This is the final day where the soul joins ancestors. Garud Puran recommends a proper feast and daan (charity) to achieve peace.
Astrological Timings for Death Rituals in Garud Puran
Garud Puran death rituals are time-sensitive. Performing them during the right tithi, nakshatra, and muhurta brings blessings. Garud Puran advises consulting an astrologer or pandit to ensure that the rituals are performed under correct planetary influence.
The Role of Karma in Garud Puran Death Rituals
Garud Puran constantly reminds us that death rituals are not just formalities—they are deeply tied to the karma of both the deceased and their family. Performing Garud Puran death rituals with full devotion can neutralize negative karma, and bless the family with protection from pitru dosh.
Garud Puran teaches:
“He who ignores death rituals binds the soul to the earth forever.”
Hell, Heaven, and Moksha: Final Judgement in Garud Puran
After the rituals, Garud Puran describes how the soul stands before Yamraj, and Chitragupta reads out the karmic balance sheet.
Based on Garud Puran death rituals and karmic actions:
- Good souls are rewarded with Swarga (Heaven)
- Sinners face Naraka (Hell) and punishments
- Saints and enlightened beings attain Moksha
Must-Do Items Mentioned in Garud Puran Death Rituals
According to Garud Puran, the family of the deceased must:
- Recite Garud Puran for 13 days
- Offer Pind Daan and Tarpan regularly
- Donate essentials like beds, cows, clothing, and food
- Avoid festivals, shopping, and entertainment during mourning
- Perform annual Shraddha and Pitru Paksha rituals
Modern Misinterpretations vs True Garud Puran Teachings
In modern times, many rituals are skipped or modified. But Garud Puran warns that improper rituals may trap the soul in pret yoni or lead to ancestral curses.
Garud Puran death rituals are not blind beliefs—they are scientific, energetic, and spiritual in nature. Their purpose is to cleanse, elevate, and liberate the soul.
Conclusion: Why Garud Puran Death Rituals Matter in Every Family
Garud Puran death rituals are not just religious traditions—they are the gateway to the soul’s peace. By following the instructions of Garud Puran, families can ensure that their loved one’s soul finds direction, and that their own karma becomes lighter.
Whether you believe in the afterlife or not, Garud Puran urges us to perform every ritual with shraddha (faith), seva (service), and samarpan (surrender).
Learn more about Hindu scriptures on Wikipedia.
Pingback: Garud Puran Stories | Chilling Tales of Karma, Death & Divine Judgment