The Soul's Journey After Death

The cycle of birth and death creates a longing to understand the mysteries behind it. Especially the question, “What happens after we die?” resides in the hearts of many, however, not in fear, but longing.

In the Vedic tradition, death is not the end. It is a transition from one state of being to another. According to the Garuda Purana, one of Hinduism’s sacred texts, the soul begins a journey immediately after leaving the body. This journey spans space, time, karma, and memory.

The First 13 Days

According to the Garuda Purana, the soul, after death, remains close to the earth for a few days. It watches and listens. It begins to detach slowly but gently. At this time, the rituals performed by the soul's family, especially the near and dear ones, help ease its confusion and sorrow.

On the thirteenth day, a special rite known as the tehravin or sapindikaran is performed, marking the moment when the soul fully separates from its earthly identity. It is lovingly sent forward, guided by prayers, mantras, and sacred offerings.

Crossing the Vaitarni

In the weeks that follow, the soul is said to journey toward the Vaitarni River, a mythical threshold between this world and the next. For a person who has followed the path of Dharma, of truth, duty and compassion, would cross without a hitch, while others may struggle. But the prayers of the ones living matter. Each offering made during the Pind Daan is said to ease the soul’s journey. Even after death, the love and Shraddha (faith) guide the soul.

Pitrloka: The Ancestral Realm

If the soul finds peace, it reaches Pitrloka, the realm of ancestors. Here, it rests, receives offerings from descendants, and blesses them in return. This is why we continue to offer pindas year after year to nourish the soul in its subtle form and keep the connection alive. This cycle continues until the soul is ready for moksha, ending the cycle of birth and death by renouncing earthly attachments, becoming free.

The rituals are there to help the living honour the journey too, in a way of walking alongside the soul for one last time with the depth of love and intention.

Why This Matters

The Sanathan culture and rituals teaches us not only the way to live life, but also the way to process grief, to feel close to the ones we have lost and to accept that nothing is truly ever gone. The soul continues, transformed and unbroken. The rituals are there to help the living honour the journey too in a way of walking alongside the soul for one last time with the depth of love and intention.

From the Earth to the Eternal: The Journey Every Soul Must Take

All rivers, no matter where they begin, eventually flow into the sea.

"नदीनां सागरः गतिः"

All rivers end in the ocean.

In the same way, every soul moves toward its source, to the eternal. This simple yet profound truth reminds us that rituals like Shraadh and Pind Daan are not just customs, but sacred ways of honouring that soul's journey home.