Gayaji: The seventh day of the Pitru Paksha Mela in Gayaji saw more than one lakh pilgrims perform the sacred ritual of Pind Daan at the Solah Vedi, or 16 altars, within the Vishnupad temple complex on Saturday. According to belief, offerings made here ensure that ancestors attain Vishnu Lok, the abode of Lord Vishnu.
The Solah Vedi are regarded as the “salvation gate” of forefathers. Rituals include Gajkarna-Tarpan with milk, offered at each of the altars — named after deities and sages such as Kartik, Surya, Indra, Agastya and Kashyap. Tradition holds that Brahma once invoked 16 gods during a yagya on the body of Gayasur, and each created an altar at the spot, giving rise to the unique ritual.
So far, more than 15 lakh pilgrims have participated in the fair this year, with official figures noting 3.41 lakh offerings on Friday alone. The district administration has said the number is expected to cross 20 lakh before the conclusion of the fortnight-long observance.
“On the Ashwin Krishna Shashthi tithi of Gaya Shraddha, there is a ritual of performing Pind Daan at the 16 altars of Vishnupad temple. By doing so, ancestors attain Vishnu Lok,” explained Gajadhar Lal Katariyar, a Gayapal Panda.
The Pitru Paksha Mela, among the most significant Hindu rituals dedicated to ancestral salvation, continues to draw devotees from across India and abroad, reaffirming Gayaji’s place as a centre of pilgrimage and ritual tradition.
