Gaya : The world-famous Pitru Paksha Mela in Gaya has entered its 11th day, with October 5 observed as Ashwin Krishna Dashami and the 10th day of Gaya Shraddha.
According to traditional Hindu rituals, pind daan is performed at the Gaya Sir-Koop vedis on this day. The two ritual sites are located near the Vishnupad Temple and are considered significant places for performing ancestral rites.
The rituals are traditionally associated with prayers and offerings for departed ancestors. Devotees visiting the sites perform pind daan, shraddha and tarpan as part of the Pitru Paksha observances.
Religious Significance Of Gaya Sir-Koop
According to Gayapal priest Gajadhar Lal Katriyar, Gaya Sir and Gaya Koop have a special place in the traditional religious accounts associated with Gaya.
Gaya Sir is located to the south of the Vishnupad Temple, while Gaya Koop lies a short distance west of Gaya Sir. According to traditional belief, Gaya Koop is associated with the navel of Gayasur, while Gaya Sir is associated with his head.
Pind daan at Gaya Sir is traditionally believed to help ancestors attain salvation. Religious belief also associates the ritual with the liberation of ancestors who are believed to be suffering in difficult spiritual states.
Coconut Offering At Gaya Koop
At Gaya Koop, devotees traditionally perform pind daan and offer a coconut as part of the ritual. According to the customary practice explained by priests, devotees are expected not to look back while leaving the site after completing the ritual.
After performing the rituals at Gaya Sir and Gaya Koop, devotees are traditionally advised to visit Sankata Devi Temple. Religious belief associates the visit with peace, prosperity and the wellbeing of the family.
More Than 30 Lakh Pilgrims Visit Gaya
The Pitru Paksha Mela has drawn a large number of devotees this year. According to district administration figures, more than 28 lakh pilgrims had reached Gaya by Saturday evening, while around 3 lakh more devotees arrived on Sunday, taking the total number of visitors beyond 30 lakh.
Priests have advised devotees to follow the prescribed rituals while performing pind daan at the different vedis during Pitru Paksha.
The mela continues to see pilgrims from different parts of the country performing pind daan, shraddha and tarpan for their ancestors.
