With the Shraddh Paksha starting on Monday, people have started arriving at Brahmakapal in Badrinath to make ritual offerings to their ancestors.
It is believed that ancestors offered tarpan at Brahmakapal attain salvation. The departed ancestors are offered rice at this place, unlike in other places visited by people for offerings to their ancestors.
Situated on the right bank of the Alaknanda at Badrinath, Brahmakapal is famous as among the most desirable places for Shraddh rituals.
It is believed that lord Shiva had himself secured release from the sin of Brahmahatya (murder of a Brahmin) at this place. Since then, this place has been famous as a site that ensures liberation of ancestors offeredtarpan here.
Teerth Purohit Mahesh Sati states that once lord Shiva had severed the fifth head of Brahma.
The severed fifth head of Brahma got stuck on Shiva’s trident and got separated from the trident at Brahmakapal in Badrinath.
When Shiva sough lord Vishnu’s advice, he was told to do Brahma’s Shraddh at Brahmakapal.
Shiva did as advised and was then absolved from the sin of Brahmahatya.