Dashkriya (Dashah) — 10-Day Post-Death Ritual at Ramkund, Nashik
Dashkriya, also known as Dashah, is one of the most comprehensive and important Hindu post-death rituals. This 10-day ceremony is performed to purify the soul of the departed, help them attain moksha (liberation), and bring peace to the family. At Ramkund on the Godavari River in Panchavati, Nashik, this ritual holds supreme significance due to the sacred nature of the location.
Why Dashkriya at Ramkund, Nashik?
- Sacred River: The Godavari at Ramkund flows southward (Dakshinavahini), making it one of the most auspicious places for post-death rituals.
- Mythological Significance: Lord Rama performed the Shraddha of King Dasharatha at Ramkund, establishing it as the holiest site for ancestor rituals.
- Generational Expertise: The Panchakshari family has been performing Dashkriya at Ramkund for six generations (150+ years), with complete mastery over all 10 days of Vedic rituals.
- Kumbh Mela Site: Ramkund hosts the Kumbh Mela every 12 years, making it one of India's most spiritually charged locations.
Day-by-Day Dashkriya Procedure
- Day 1 — Padya Pooja & Darshan: The ceremony begins with washing the feet (Padya) and offering prayers. The family takes Sankalpa (sacred vow) for the 10-day ritual.
- Day 2 — Ubtan & Pind Daan: Sacred paste (Ubtan) is applied, and the first Pind Daan is performed with rice balls offered to the departed soul.
- Day 3 — Vajra Pooja & Pind Daan: Vajra (thunderbolt) worship is performed along with Pind Daan to strengthen the soul's journey.
- Day 4 — Gopal Puja & Pind Daan: Lord Krishna (Gopal) is worshipped, and Pind Daan continues with specific Vedic mantras.
- Day 5 — Vaikuntha Pooja & Pind Daan: Prayers to Lord Vishnu for the soul's entry into Vaikuntha (heaven). Pind Daan with expanded rituals.
- Day 6 — Mahalakshmi Puja & Pind Daan: Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped for the family's prosperity. Pind Daan with special offerings.
- Day 7 — Kalsarpa Pooja & Pind Daan: If applicable, Kalsarpa dosh remedies are performed. Pind Daan continues.
- Day 8 — Mahamrutyunjay Jap & Pind Daan: 125,000 chants of the Mahamrutyunjay mantra for the soul's protection. Pind Daan with Havan preparation.
- Day 9 — Narayan Bali & Pind Daan: Narayan Bali ritual to free the soul from worldly bonds. Final Pind Daan with expanded offerings.
- Day 10 — Grand Havan & Pind Visarjan: The climax — a grand Havan (fire ceremony) with 108 offerings. Pind Visarjan (immersion of rice balls) in the Godavari. Shanti Path concludes the ceremony.
What is Included in Dashkriya?
- 10 consecutive days of Vedic rituals at Ramkund
- Daily Pind Daan with specific mantras for each day
- Grand Havan on the final day with 108 offerings
- All materials (samagri) provided — no need to arrange anything
- Experienced pandits trained in the Panchakshari tradition
- Daily updates with photos (Standard & Premium packages)
Who Should Perform Dashkriya?
Dashkriya is performed by the eldest son or the closest male relative of the departed. If the family wishes, the pandit can perform the rituals on behalf of the family with their Sankalpa (intention). This is especially helpful for families living abroad or unable to attend all 10 days.
Dashkriya vs Other Post-Death Rituals
| Ritual | Duration | Purpose |
| Dashkriya | 10 days | Complete purification and liberation |
| Tripindi | 3 days | Peace for 3 generations |
| Narayanbali | Multi-day | Liberation from worldly bonds |
| Terava | 1 day (13th day) | Completion of mourning period |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Dashkriya be performed if the death occurred many years ago?
Yes. Dashkriya can be performed at any time after death, even if many years have passed. The rituals help bring peace to the departed soul regardless of when the death occurred.
What if family members cannot attend all 10 days?
We offer Online Dashkriya where family members can participate via live stream. The pandit performs the rituals on behalf of the family with their Sankalpa. Daily photo and video updates are provided.
Is Dashkriya the same as Antim Sanskar?
Antim Sanskar refers to the cremation ceremony performed on the day of death. Dashkriya is the 10-day purification ritual that follows Antim Sanskar.
What is the difference between Dashkriya and Shraddha?
Dashkriya is a 10-day immediate post-death ritual. Shraddha is performed annually (Varsh Shraddha) or during Pitru Paksha to honor ancestors.
Book Dashkriya at Ramkund, Nashik
To book Dashkriya or to learn more about the 10-day ritual, contact our pandits at +91 9822660945 via WhatsApp or phone. We serve families across India and worldwide with complete Dashkriya arrangements.