Gaya: The four-day Tripakshik Gaya Shraddha began at the famous Vishnupad Temple in Gaya on Thursday, coinciding with the fifth day of the Pitru Paksha period.
Devotees from different parts of the country gathered at the temple from the morning to perform pind daan and other prescribed rituals for their ancestors. The rituals are being performed with prayers for the salvation and peace of departed family members.
Pind Daan Performed at 16 Sacred Vedis
Pind daan rituals are being conducted at the 16 vedis located within the Vishnupad Temple complex.
Devotees are offering pindas according to prescribed rituals before having darshan of the Vishnu Charan. The sacred vedis hold an important place in the traditional Gaya Shraddha rituals.
The temple premises witnessed a steady flow of devotees from the morning as families arrived to complete the prescribed rituals.
Vishnu Charan Darshan and Ancestor Rituals
According to religious tradition, performing pind daan in Gaya is associated with prayers for the salvation of ancestors.
Along with the Vishnupad Vedi, rituals are also being performed at Rudra Pad and Brahma Pad within the temple complex.
The religious ceremonies continued throughout the morning as priests assisted devotees in carrying out the prescribed rituals.
Four-Day Ritual to Cover Different Vedis
The Tripakshik Gaya Shraddha will continue for four days, with pind daan rituals being performed at different vedis according to the traditional sequence.
On the first day, rituals are being conducted at Vishnupad, Rudra Pad and Brahma Pad.
The subsequent stages will include rituals at other important vedis, including Kartikeya Pad and Dakshinagni Pad, as part of the traditional Gaya Shraddha process.
Arrangements Made for Devotees
The Vishnupad Management Committee and district administration have made arrangements to facilitate devotees visiting the temple for rituals and darshan.
With a large number of devotees expected during Pitru Paksha, efforts are being made to manage movement inside the temple premises and ensure that religious ceremonies are conducted smoothly.
Devotees Arrive From Across the Country
Gaya witnesses a significant influx of devotees during Pitru Paksha, when families traditionally visit the city to perform pind daan and Shraddha rituals for their ancestors.
The four-day Tripakshik Gaya Shraddha is an important part of the religious calendar during Pitru Paksha, with devotees completing rituals at different sacred sites and vedis associated with Gaya’s ancient Shraddha tradition.
