Nagabali Puja at Gokarna is a significant religious ritual performed in the town of Gokarna, located in the state of Karnataka, India. This puja is conducted to honor and pacify the souls of deceased ancestors and is believed to rid families of curses or problems caused due to the neglect of proper funeral rites for ancestors. Here are some frequently asked questions about Nagabali Puja at Gokarna:

1. What is Nagabali Puja?
   • Nagabali Puja is a ritualistic offering performed to appease the souls of ancestors who have died unnaturally or prematurely, especially due to snake-related deaths or suicides. It’s believed that performing this ritual helps pacify their souls and provides salvation to the departed spirits.
2. Where is Nagabali Puja performed?
   • Nagabali Puja is primarily performed at the Mahabaleshwar Temple in Gokarna, Karnataka, situated near the Arabian Sea. Gokarna is a renowned pilgrimage site and holds significance for its association with this ritual.
3. When is Nagabali Puja conducted?
   • This puja is usually performed during specific auspicious times according to the Hindu lunar calendar, often during the lunar month of Shravana (July–August). The exact dates may vary, but it’s commonly performed on specific days like Amavasya (new moon day) or Mondays during this period.
4. How is Nagabali Puja conducted?
   • The puja involves a series of rituals performed by priests on behalf of the family members of the deceased. Offerings including food, darbha grass, milk, and other items are made to symbolize appeasing the departed souls.
5. Who should perform Nagabali Puja?
   • Nagabali Puja is usually performed by family members who believe that their ancestors’ souls are restless or haven’t attained peace due to unnatural or untimely deaths. It’s considered a duty to offer this puja to ensure the departed souls find solace.
6. What are the beliefs associated with Nagabali Puja?
   • It’s believed that if proper funeral rites aren’t performed for those who have died unnaturally or prematurely, their souls can remain restless and cause misfortunes or problems for their living descendants. Nagabali Puja is performed to rectify this and bring peace to the departed souls.
7. Is Nagabali Puja mandatory?
   • Nagabali Puja is not mandatory in Hinduism. It’s performed by those who believe their ancestors’ souls are distressed due to improper funeral rites or unnatural deaths and wish to pacify them.
8. Can anyone participate in Nagabali Puja?
   • Participation is typically limited to family members and priests conducting the ritual. However, visitors to Gokarna during this time might witness or observe aspects of the puja as it is conducted in public areas.

Remember, while these FAQs provide an overview, the specifics and significance of Nagabali Puja may vary according to individual beliefs and customs within families and communities.