According to the Garuda Purana :
- After death, the soul begins its journey to Yamapuri (the realm of Yamaraj) 13 days after death.
- It takes 17 days to reach Yamapuri and travels there for 11 months, finally reaching the court of Yamaraj in the 12th month.
- During this journey, the soul has no access to food and water.
Performing Pindadan and Tarpan rituals by the son or family members provides nourishment to the soul, fulfilling its hunger and thirst during the journey. This is why Shraddha rituals are considered crucial in the first year after death.