On the sacred occasion of Mahalaya or Sarvapitru Amavasya, we are performing a very special Pitru Homa at the Kalabhairav Temple in Kashi, offering prayers for our ancestors and seeking blessings for our entire family lineage.

Sarvapitru Amavasya, also known as Mahalaya Amavasya or Pitru Paksha Amavasya, marks the culmination of the sacred period dedicated to our ancestors. It is a particularly important day to honour all departed members of our family, including ancestors whose names or dates of passing are unknown, and those whose annual ancestral rites could not be performed.

This special Homa brings together our gratitude for those who came before us, our prayers for their peace, and our Sankalpa for the well-being of the generations to come.

Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026

Time: 08:00 PM IST | 10:30 AM EDT | 07:30 AM PDT | 04:30 PM CEST | 03:30 PM BST

Location: Kalabhairav Temple, Kashi Varanasi

To find your local time - check here

Why Performing This Homa in Kashi Is So Special

Kashi is revered in Hindu tradition as the sacred city of Lord Shiva and a place deeply associated with moksha-spiritual liberation. Families have long come here to perform ancestral rites and offer prayers for the onward journey of their departed loved ones.

For this occasion, our Pitru Homa will take place at the Kalabhairav Temple, bringing our ancestral prayers to the temple of the deity revered as the guardian of Kashi.

Kalabhairav - The Guardian of Kashi

Lord Kalabhairav is a powerful manifestation of Lord Shiva, revered as the Kashi Kotwal-the divine guardian and protector of Kashi. Devotees seek his blessings for protection, courage, spiritual strength and freedom from fear.

There is a particularly meaningful connection between Kalabhairav and the intention of this Homa. In the Kalabhairava Ashtakam, he is praised as “Karma Pasha Mochakam”-the one who releases us from the bonds of karma. The hymn also celebrates him as a bestower of both worldly fulfilment and liberation.

Kalabhairav Archana - A special Archana offered in your name at the Kalabhairav Temple, with prayers for protection, courage and the well-being of your family.

Pitru Deepa Daan at Kalabhairav Temple - Sponsor a lamp at the temple in remembrance of your ancestors, with prayers for their peace and Kalabhairav’s blessings for your lineage.

Kalabhairava Ashtakam Parayanam - Dedicated recitation of the Kalabhairava Ashtakam, with your Name and Sankalpa (Video will be provided)

Kalabhairav Temple Seva - Contribute towards templeapproved puja materials and daily worship, dedicating this act of service to the memory of your ancestors.

Mahalaya Amavasya Pitru Tarpan - (only 10 slots as Kashi is crowded on this day to do the tarpan) A special Pinda Tarpanam will be performed in sacred Kashi for a departed family member or loved one.

Their name and your Sankalpa will be shared with the priest so that the ritual can be performed specifically on their behalf.

Prayers will be offered for their peace and spiritual wellbeing.

A video of the Pinda Tarpanam will be sent to you after the ritual. 

Anna Dhaan - Feed People in Kashi - Sponsor meals for people in need in Kashi, dedicating this offering to your ancestors with gratitude and prayers for their peace. (Video will be sent)

Brahmana Bhojanam - Sponsor a meal for a priest or Vedic scholar in Kashi as an offering in remembrance of your ancestors. (Video will be sent)

Ganga Deepa Daan in Kashi - Lamp offering at a designated place on the banks of the Ganga, with prayers for the peace of your departed loved ones. (Video will be sent)