Narayan Nagbali Puja is a significant Vedic ritual performed to liberate the souls of ancestors and to overcome the negative effects of Pitru Dosha and Nag Dosha. This puja is mainly conducted at Trimbakeshwar in Nashik, Maharashtra, one of the holiest Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The ceremony consists of two main rituals: Narayan Bali and Nag Bali. Narayan Bali is performed to provide peace to the departed souls of ancestors who may have died unnatural or untimely deaths, while Nag Bali is conducted to atone for the sin of killing a snake, especially a cobra, which is considered sacred in Hindu tradition.
The puja involves chanting of Vedic mantras, creation of specific rituals with Pind Daan (offering rice balls), and symbolic representation of departed souls using effigies. In Narayan Bali, an effigy made of wheat flour represents the departed soul, and offerings are made to release the soul from worldly bondages. In Nag Bali, the ritual is carried out with a serpent effigy, symbolizing atonement and forgiveness for harming serpents, which are closely associated with Lord Shiva.
Performing this puja is believed to remove ancestral curses, eliminate obstacles in family life, and bring peace, harmony, and prosperity. It is especially recommended for those facing issues like delays in marriage, childlessness, financial instability, recurring health problems, or misfortunes linked to ancestral karmas. Devotees believe that by performing Narayan Nagbali Puja with full devotion, the blessings of the ancestors and divine powers are invoked, leading to spiritual upliftment and fulfillment of desires.