Gayaji: The sacred town of Gayaji witnessed a blend of faith and politics on Tuesday as Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad, wife Rabri Devi, son Tejashwi Prasad Yadav and daughter-in-law Rajshree performed the centuries-old Pind Daan ritual at the Vishnupad temple. The family joined lakhs of devotees who have thronged the holy site for the annual Pitru Paksha Mela, held to honour ancestors and pray for their salvation.
Gayapal pandas guided the rituals near the 16 altars of the Vishnupad temple, where offerings are made to liberate forefathers from the cycle of rebirth. “Pind Daan has great importance in Moksha Nagri Gayaji. Today Lalu Yadav has arrived with his family and is performing the rituals for his ancestors,” said Chhotu Guput, a local priest.
Over the past two days, more than 250,000 pilgrims have performed rites in Gayaji, with the figure expected to touch 400,000 by the end of the third day of Shraddh. The rituals on Uttar Manas, Kankhal, Dakshin Manas, Udichi and Jihwa Lol altars are considered especially significant, believed to grant the departed souls access to Brahmalok.
But the occasion also sparked political commentary. RJD’s Bodh Gaya MLA Kumar Sarvjeet hailed Lalu’s presence at the shrine while criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Lalu Yadav is blessed. He has reached Vishnupad temple with his family, while Prime Minister Modi does not even come here. PM comes here and leaves after holding a meeting,” he remarked.
