Narayan Nagbali Puja in Trimbakeshwar
Narayan Nagbali is a three-day Vedic ritual done at Trimbakeshwar for the peace of family members who died an untimely death, and to remove the dosh of harming a snake. It joins two rituals – Narayan Bali and Nag Bali – and is described in the Garuda Purana. It is mainly done at Trimbakeshwar, near Nashik in Maharashtra.
- 3-day puja
- Near Kushavarta Kund
- Based on Garuda Purana
By Pandit Narayan Guruji, Trimbakeshwar · 21+ years of puja · Updated 24 Oct 2026
Meaning
What Is Narayan Nagbali Puja?
Narayan Nagbali is made of two separate rituals done together over three days. The first is for the peace of a soul, and the second is to remove the dosh of harming a snake.
Narayan Bali
Narayan Bali is done for a family member who died an untimely or unnatural death – for example in an accident, by drowning, by a snake bite, or by suicide – or whose last rites could not be done properly. It is believed that such a soul may not find peace.
In Narayan Bali, the last rites are done again in a short form, with a symbol of the person made from wheat flour and with Vedic mantras, so that the soul gets peace and moksha.
Nag Bali
Nag Bali is done to remove the dosh of killing or harming a snake, especially a cobra (naag), in this life or by someone in the family. In Hindu tradition, the snake is respected as a form linked with Lord Shiva.
In Nag Bali, a snake made of wheat flour is worshipped and given last rites with mantras, as a way of asking for forgiveness.
The Narayan Bali rites are described in the Garuda Purana (chapter 40). At Trimbakeshwar, both rituals are done together as Narayan Nagbali.
Narayan Nagbali vs Tripindi Shradh vs Kaal Sarp Puja
These three pujas are often confused. All three are done at Trimbakeshwar, but each one is for a different reason.
| Narayan Nagbali | Tripindi Shradh | Kaal Sarp Dosh Puja | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main reason | Untimely death in the family, or harming a snake | Peace of ancestors of the last three generations | Kaal Sarp Dosh in the kundali |
| Linked with | Pitru dosh and sarp dosh | Pitru dosh, when shradh was not done | Position of Rahu and Ketu |
| How long | 3 days | 1 day, a few hours | 1 day, about 2.5 to 3 hours |
| Checked from | Family history and kundali | Family history and kundali | Kundali |
| Read more | This page | Tripindi Shradh | Kaal Sarp Dosh |
Swipe the table sideways to see all columns.
Is it for you?
Who Should Do Narayan Nagbali Puja?
Narayan Nagbali is usually advised when one of these is true for your family. Not every problem in life needs this puja – Guruji first listens to your family history and checks your kundali.
Main reasons
These are the reasons for which the puja is traditionally done.
- A family member died an untimely death – accident, drowning, fire, snake bite, suicide or any sudden death.
- The last rites could not be done properly, or the body was never found.
- You or someone in the family killed or harmed a snake, knowingly or by mistake.
- An astrologer has found pitru dosh in your kundali.
Signs families often share
These problems are commonly linked with an unpeaceful soul or pitru dosh.
- Delay or problems in having children.
- Marriages in the family getting delayed or breaking.
- Repeated illness, accidents or losses in the family.
- Business or job not growing despite hard work.
- Seeing ancestors or snakes again and again in dreams.
- Constant quarrels and no peace at home.
In the kundali, astrologers look at the 5th and 9th houses, the Sun, and the position of Rahu and Ketu to see pitru dosh. These signs can also have other reasons, so please do not decide on the puja from signs alone. For health problems, always see a doctor.
Not sure if you need it? Tell Guruji about the family history on a call or WhatsApp. He checks the kundali and tells you whether Narayan Nagbali, Tripindi Shradh or another puja is right for you.
The place
Why Is Narayan Nagbali Done at Trimbakeshwar?
Trimbakeshwar is the best-known place in India for Narayan Nagbali. Families come here from all over the country for this puja.
Gautam Rishi and the river of forgiveness
According to the story told at Trimbakeshwar, the sage Gautam Rishi lived on Brahmagiri hill. When a cow died by accident in his ashram, he prayed to Lord Shiva to free him from that sin.
Pleased with his prayer, Lord Shiva brought the holy Ganga down to Brahmagiri, where she flows as the Godavari. Shiva then stayed here as the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga.
Because this place is linked with freedom from sin and with peace for the soul, rituals like Narayan Nagbali, Tripindi Shradh and Kaal Sarp puja are done here.
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga
One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Its linga has three small faces for Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh.
Where the Godavari begins
The Godavari begins at Brahmagiri hill. Pind daan and shradh done at its source are given great importance.
Kushavarta Kund
The holy tank near the temple. Families take a holy dip here before each day of the puja.
Families of pandits
Narayan Nagbali has been done here for generations by families of pandits who know the full 3-day vidhi. Pandit Narayan Guruji is the third generation in his family.
Narayan Bali can also be done at a few other holy places, but for the combined 3-day Narayan Nagbali, Trimbakeshwar is the best-known place.
Puja vidhi
Narayan Nagbali Puja Vidhi – What Happens in 3 Days
Narayan Nagbali is done over three days in a row, near the Trimbakeshwar temple. Each day starts with a holy dip in the Kushavarta Kund. Guruji arranges all the puja items and tells the family what to do at every step.
-
1Day 1
Narayan Bali
- Holy dip in the Kushavarta Kund and wearing new clothes.
- Sankalp with the name of the family and the departed person.
- Kalash puja for Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra, Yama and the departed soul.
- A symbolic body is made from wheat flour, and the last rites are done with Vedic mantras.
- Pind daan and shradh for the peace of the soul.
For peace and moksha of the departed soul.
-
2Day 2
Nag Bali
- Holy dip in the Kushavarta Kund again.
- Shradh to complete the rites of Day 1.
- A snake made of wheat flour is worshipped with mantras.
- The last rites of the snake are done, asking for forgiveness for any harm to snakes.
- Puja of the naag and the related doshas.
To remove the dosh of harming a snake.
-
3Day 3
Completion
- Ganesh puja and Punyahvachan for purity.
- Puja of the naag pratima (small idol of a snake).
- Havan and Purnahuti – the final offering.
- Daan to Brahmins and the needy, as Guruji tells you.
- Darshan of Lord Trimbakeshwar.
Blessings for the family and completion of the puja.
The puja takes a few hours every morning on all three days. Guruji tells you the exact time for each day when you book, so you can plan your stay in Trimbakeshwar.
Before you come
Narayan Nagbali Puja Rules – Who Can Do It, Clothes, Food and Stay
Narayan Nagbali has a few simple rules. Following them helps the puja go smoothly. Guruji explains every rule to your family when you book.
Who can do it
- It is usually done by a married couple together.
- A man can also do it alone – for example if he is unmarried or his wife is no more.
- If the wife is pregnant, or a woman wants to do it alone, please tell Guruji first. There are special rules for these cases.
Clothes
- Men: new white dhoti and a white towel (gamcha).
- Women: a new saree in white or a light colour.
- Please do not wear black or green.
- The same clothes are worn for all three days, washed every day.
Food
- Eat only after the puja is over for the day.
- Satvik food during the three days – no onion or garlic.
- No non-veg food or alcohol during the puja, and for some days after, as Guruji tells you.
Stay
- Stay in Trimbakeshwar for all three days of the puja.
- Reach a day before, or very early on Day 1.
- Do not leave Trimbakeshwar until the puja is complete on Day 3.
What to bring
- New clothes for the puja, as above.
- Name and gotra of the family, and the name of the departed person if known.
- Your kundali, if you have one.
- An ID card for your hotel.
Guruji arranges
- All puja samagri for the three days.
- The puja place near the temple.
- Guidance at every step, in Marathi, Hindi or English.
Have a special case? Every family is different. Call or WhatsApp Guruji before booking, and he will tell you what applies to your family.
Muhurat
Narayan Nagbali Puja Dates 2027
Narayan Nagbali starts on a day chosen from the Hindu panchang and then runs for three days. Below are the Amavasya, Pushya nakshatra and Shravana nakshatra days of 2027 at Trimbakeshwar – the days most often chosen to start this puja. Guruji confirms the final muhurat for your family.
January 2027
- 7Thu · Amavasya
- 10Sun · Shravana
- 23Sat · Pushya
February 2027
- 6Sat · Amavasya + Shravana
- 19Fri · Pushya
March 2027
- 5Fri · Shravana
- 8Mon · Amavasya
- 18Thu · Pushya
April 2027
- 2Fri · Shravana
- 6Tue · Amavasya
- 15Thu · Pushya
- 29Thu · Shravana
May 2027
- 6Thu · Amavasya
- 12Wed · Pushya
- 26Wed · Shravana
June 2027
- 4Fri · Amavasya
- 8Tue · Pushya
- 23Wed · Shravana
July 2027
- 4Sun · Amavasya
- 6Tue · Pushya
- 20Tue · Shravana
August 2027
- 2Mon · Amavasya + PushyaKumbh Amrit Snan – very crowded
- 16Mon · Shravana
- 29Sun · Pushya
- 31Tue · AmavasyaKumbh Amrit Snan – very crowded
September 2027
- 12Sun · ShravanaKumbh Amrit Snan – very crowded
- 26Sun · Pushya
- 30Thu · Amavasya
October 2027
- 10Sun · Shravana
- 23Sat · Pushya
- 29Fri · Amavasya
November 2027
- 6Sat · Shravana
- 19Fri · Pushya
- 28Sun · Amavasya
December 2027
- 3Fri · Shravana
- 17Fri · Pushya
- 27Mon · Amavasya
- 31Fri · Shravana
Amavasya, Pushya or Shravana dayKumbh Amrit Snan – avoid
How the date is chosen
- The start day comes from the panchang. Amavasya, Pushya and Shravana days are the most chosen, and some tithis and periods are avoided.
- Pitru Paksha is a popular time for pujas for ancestors, so it gets very busy.
- Guruji also looks at your family – for example a recent death, a wedding or a pregnancy in the family.
- In 2027, Trimbakeshwar is very crowded on the Simhastha Kumbh Amrit Snan days (2 Aug, 31 Aug, 12 Sep).
Narayan Nagbali Puja Cost
The dakshina for Narayan Nagbali is not the same for every family. It depends on a few things, which Guruji explains clearly before you book. There are no hidden charges.
What decides the dakshina
- Whether the puja is done only for your family or with other families.
- The number of departed persons named in the sankalp.
- The naag pratima and special samagri used in the puja.
- Daan and Brahmin bhojan on the last day, if your family wants it.
Included
- All puja samagri for the three days
- Pandits and the puja place near the temple
- Guidance at every step, in Marathi, Hindi or English
Not included
- Travel, hotel stay and your meals
Benefits of Narayan Nagbali Puja
These are the benefits that families pray for and believe in when they do this puja.
- Peace for the departedThe soul of the family member gets peace and moksha.
- Relief from pitru doshThe blessings of the ancestors return to the family.
- Freedom from sarp doshForgiveness for any harm done to a snake.
- Peace at homeLess fighting, and more calm in the family.
- Obstacles easeIn marriage, children, work and health, as families believe.
- Peace of mindA feeling that a duty to the ancestors has been done.
After the Puja
- Eat simple, satvik food for some days, as Guruji tells you.
- Do the yearly shradh of your ancestors in Pitru Paksha.
- Feed the needy and give daan on Amavasya when you can.
- Do not harm snakes, and do Nag Panchami puja every year.
- Keep faith and keep working – the puja is a spiritual remedy, not a replacement for effort or medical care.
Narayan Nagbali – Key Facts
- What it is
- Narayan Bali + Nag Bali, done together
- Done for
- Untimely death in the family, harm to a snake, pitru dosh
- Scripture
- Garuda Purana, chapter 40
- Where
- Trimbakeshwar, about 28 km from Nashik, Maharashtra
- How long
- 3 days in a row, a few hours each morning
- Start days
- Amavasya, Pushya or Shravana nakshatra
- Done by
- Usually a married couple; a man alone in some cases
- Clothes
- New white dhoti; white or light saree – no black
- Puja by
- Pandit Narayan Guruji, 21+ years at Trimbakeshwar
Questions
Narayan Nagbali Puja – FAQs
What is Narayan Nagbali Puja?
Narayan Nagbali is a three-day Vedic ritual done at Trimbakeshwar near Nashik. It joins two rituals: Narayan Bali, for the peace of a family member who died an untimely death, and Nag Bali, to remove the dosh of killing or harming a snake. The Narayan Bali rites are described in the Garuda Purana.
Why is Narayan Nagbali Puja done?
It is done for the peace and moksha of a family member who died an untimely or unnatural death, when last rites could not be done properly, when someone in the family harmed a snake, or when pitru dosh is found in the kundali.
How many days does Narayan Nagbali take?
Narayan Nagbali takes three days in a row. Day 1 is Narayan Bali, Day 2 is Nag Bali, and Day 3 is the completion with Ganesh puja, naag pratima puja and havan. The puja takes a few hours every morning.
Is Narayan Nagbali done only in Trimbakeshwar?
Narayan Bali can be done at a few holy places, but the combined three-day Narayan Nagbali is mainly done at Trimbakeshwar, where the Godavari begins and the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga stands.
Who can perform Narayan Nagbali?
It is usually done by a married couple together. A man can also do it alone, for example if he is unmarried or a widower. If the wife is pregnant or a woman wants to do it alone, please ask Guruji first, as special rules apply.
What are the Narayan Nagbali dates in 2027?
The puja usually starts on an Amavasya, Pushya nakshatra or Shravana nakshatra day. In 2027 these include 7, 10 and 23 January, 6 and 19 February, and 5, 8 and 18 March. Avoid the Kumbh Amrit Snan days of 2 August, 31 August and 12 September. Guruji confirms the final muhurat.
What is the cost of Narayan Nagbali Puja in Trimbakeshwar?
The dakshina depends on whether the puja is only for your family, the number of departed persons in the sankalp, the naag pratima and samagri, and any daan. All samagri and the puja place are included; travel and stay are not. Guruji tells you the exact dakshina before booking.
What should I wear for Narayan Nagbali?
Men wear a new white dhoti and towel, and women wear a new saree in white or a light colour. Black and green are avoided. The same clothes are worn for all three days, washed each day.
Can Narayan Nagbali be done during Pitru Paksha?
Yes. Pitru Paksha is a popular time for pujas for ancestors, so Trimbakeshwar is very busy then. In 2027, Pitru Paksha is from 15 to 29 September. Book early if you want these days.
What is the difference between Narayan Nagbali and Tripindi Shradh?
Narayan Nagbali is a three-day puja for an untimely death in the family or for harming a snake. Tripindi Shradh is a one-day puja for the peace of ancestors of the last three generations, when their shradh was not done.
Can Narayan Nagbali be done online?
Because it includes pind daan and rites in which the family takes part, Narayan Nagbali is usually done in person at Trimbakeshwar. If a family member cannot travel, ask Guruji what is possible.
How do I book Narayan Nagbali Puja in Trimbakeshwar?
Call or WhatsApp Pandit Narayan Guruji on +91 81778 98047. Share your name, gotra, city and the reason for the puja. Guruji checks the details, suggests a start date and confirms your three days.
Talk to Pandit Narayan Guruji
A third-generation pandit at Trimbakeshwar with 21+ years of experience and more than 60,000 pujas. He studied Vedic rituals at Banaras Hindu University and guides families in Marathi, Hindi and English.
Also read: Kaal Sarp Dosh · Simhastha Kumbh 2027 in Trimbakeshwar