As soon as the life force leaves the human body, it becomes free from all worldly bonds. The soul proceeds towards the afterlife, while the body perishes on Earth. However, according to the Garuda Purana, before the person's soul moves to the other world, it comes to their family one definite time. It is believed that when death approaches, the person relinquishes life with sorrow due to the affection and attachment of their family, which is why the soul comes among the family once.
The Garuda Purana states that after death, the Yamdoot take the soul to Yamlok, where the soul is shown the details of its life. The sins and virtuous deeds performed by it are evaluated. Based on actions, it is determined whether the soul will go to Naraka Lok or Swarga Lok.
It is also mentioned that the soul returns to the same house where it left its body within 24 hours of death. From here, an important phase of the next 13 days begins. The soul resides with its family or nearby for about 13 days, where it watches its relatives, friends, and acquaintances mourn. Many people sometimes feel its presence, but most ignore it, considering it an illusion.
Pind Daan is performed after death to ensure the peace of the deceased's soul. It is believed that Pind Daan helps the deceased in the formation of the ghost body. After the body is formed, the soul feels very hungry, so Pind Daan is performed on the tenth day to satisfy the deceased's hunger. Additionally, it is mentioned that food, etc., should be offered for the deceased on the eleventh and twelfth days. During these days, lamps, grains, water, and clothes are said to be provided.
After being satisfied with Pind Daan, the soul begins its journey to Yamlok. It is believed that the journey to Yamlok is determined by karma; the more sins committed, the harder the path, and the more virtue, the simpler and more pleasant the path. This is why it is said that the fruits of good and bad deeds must be experienced not only before death but also after death.