Gaya/Patna: Monday marks the fourth day of the world-famous Pitru Paksha Mela and the third day of the Gaya Shraddh rituals, with pilgrims performing prescribed Pind Daan at five important Pind-vedis in Gayaji.
According to a Gayapal Panda, the rituals on this day are performed at Uttaramanas, Dakshinmanas, Jihvalol, Udichi and Kankhal. According to Puranic and scriptural traditions cited by the priest, performing Pind Daan at these altars with devotion and following the prescribed rituals is believed to liberate ancestors from the cycle of birth and death and help them attain Brahma Loka.
Rituals Begin At Uttaramanas
The day’s rituals begin with Pind Daan at the Uttaramanas altar. Pilgrims then proceed to Dakshinmanas.
According to the prescribed tradition, pilgrims are required to maintain silence while travelling from Uttaramanas to Dakshinmanas.
After reaching Dakshinmanas, pilgrims perform Pind Daan, Tarpan and Shraddh before proceeding to Kankhal, Udichi and Jihvalol for the prescribed rituals.
The Gayapal Panda said pilgrims from across India and abroad are arriving in Gayaji to perform Pind Daan.
More Than Four Lakh Pilgrims Arrive
According to the Gayapal Panda, more than 400,000 pilgrims have arrived in Gayaji so far.
He said nearly 250,000 devotees had reached Gayaji by the second day of the Pitru Paksha Mela, with pilgrims from other countries also arriving to perform Pind Daan.
“Gayaji is a land of salvation, and the Pitru Paksha Mela is held here annually. This fair holds immense significance; while Pind Daan rituals take place throughout the year, the Pitru Paksha Mela possesses a unique spiritual importance,” the priest said.
Jihvalol Vedi Linked To Lord Vishnu
The Jihvalol Vedi at Gayaji Dham is associated with a legend involving Lord Vishnu, according to the Gayapal Panda.
Ancient scriptures, he said, recount that after slaying the demon Hati, Lord Vishnu washed his mace in the Jihvalol Sarovar. The site is therefore regarded as having particular spiritual significance associated with Lord Vishnu.
Pretshila Rituals For Untimely Deaths
On Sunday, the third day of the fair, pilgrims performed Pind Daan at the Pretshila Pind-vedi.
According to Gayapal Pandas, Pretshila attracts a particularly large number of pilgrims performing rituals for family members who died an untimely death, or Akaal Mrityu. Such deaths are described in the source as including hanging, murder, road accidents and sudden illness.
According to the belief explained by the priests, the souls of those who die prematurely may remain in the Pret Yoni, or realm of restless spirits. Pind Daan at Pretshila is traditionally performed for their liberation and salvation.
Sattu Offered At Pretshila
The Pretshila mountain altar holds significance in Sanatan Dharma, according to the source. Ancient scriptures prescribe the scattering of Sattu, or roasted gram flour, as part of the ritual for the liberation of souls believed to be in the Pret Yoni.
Mohan Kumar, who travelled from Chhattisgarh, said he had come to perform Pind Daan for his parents and other ancestors.
Pushpa Kumari also said she was performing the rituals for her parents and other ancestors.
Tripakshiya Shraddh
Gayapal Pandas said pilgrims undertaking Tripakshiya Shraddh visit the Pretshila Vedi to perform Pind Daan as part of their prescribed rituals.
Depending on their personal vows and convenience, pilgrims undertake the rituals over 17 days, five days, three days or a single day.
