Gaya: Tuesday marks the fifth day of the Pitru Paksha Mela and the fourth day of the Shraddh rituals in Gayaji, with pilgrims scheduled to perform Pind Daan at specific sacred altars associated with the day’s rituals.
According to a Gayapal Panda, the prescribed sequence includes Pind Daan at Dharmaranya, Matangvapi and beneath the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya. While relatively few pilgrims visit the Bodhi Tree for this ritual, Pind Daan at Dharmaranya and Matangvapi is considered essential according to the tradition described by the priest.
Bath In Saraswati River Before Rituals
Tuesday coincides with Ashwin Krishna Tritiya, the third day of the dark fortnight of the Ashwin month.
According to the Gayapal Panda, devotees must first bathe in the Saraswati River before performing Pind Daan at Dharmaranya and Matangvapi.
“On Tuesday, coinciding with Ashwin Krishna Tritiya, Pind Daan will be performed at the Dharmaranya and Matangvapi altars. Before this, it is mandatory for the devotee to bathe in the Saraswati River. Only by doing so does the Pind Daan yield fruitful results and enable the ancestors to attain Brahmalok,” the priest said.
Dharmaranya Linked To Mahabharata
According to the priest, the Puranas contain references to the significance of Pind Daan at Dharmaranya, which is considered the first altar for the day’s offering.
Its significance is also associated with the Mahabharata era. Scriptures, according to the Gayapal Panda, state that Dharmaraj Yudhishthira performed Pind Daan at the site for warriors who died in the Mahabharata war. He is also said to have performed Tripindi Shraddha there.
The ritual is traditionally believed to liberate ancestors from Pret-badha and help them attain Brahmalok.
Pind Immersed In Ashta-Kamal Well
After completing Pind Daan at Dharmaranya, the offering is immersed in a well shaped like an eight-petalled lotus, known as Ashta-Kamal, according to the Gayapal Panda.
Devotees then proceed towards Matangvapi to continue the prescribed rituals.
Pitru Paksha Mela Continues Until October 10
The Pitru Paksha Mela in Gayaji began on September 25 and will continue for 17 days until Mahalaya on October 10.
During the mela, pilgrims from across India and abroad are arriving in Gayaji to perform Pind Daan for their ancestors.
According to Gayapal Pandas, more than 4,00,000 pilgrims have performed Pind Daan in Gayaji so far.
