The pilgrimage town of Gaya in Bihar finds itself in the spotlight once again. The focus this time is the resistance to the newly introduced e-Pind Daan. Starting from September 6, the 15-day Pitru Paksha festival will commence, attracting pilgrims from across the globe to perform Pind Daan, Tarpan, and Shraddha for their ancestors, praying for their salvation at the revered Vishnupad Temple. This practice has been a profound tradition.
Opposition to Online Pind Daan
The controversy stems from the online Pind Daan initiative launched by Bihar's tourism department, allowing people to book packages and offer Pind Daan from their homes. Shambhu Lal Vitthal, chairman of the Vishnupad Temple management committee, stated their longstanding opposition, emphasizing the absence of any such practice in religious scriptures. He highlighted that the tradition dictates personal involvement in the ritual to truly honor one's ancestors.
Beliefs Surrounding Pind Daan
Although debates persist, traditionalists argue that no texts authorize others to perform the rite on one's behalf. While the Ramayana mentions Lord Rama performing the last rites for Jatayu, an act of gratitude, the distinction between last rites and Pind Daan as well as Tarpan remains significant.
Source: aajtak
Strict Rules of Pind Daan
Pind Daan is governed by stringent regulations allowing no proxy. The offerings are for the soul, an independent energy, detailed in the Mahabharata. The story of Bhishma unfolded when he narrated to Yudhishthira how a mysterious hand emerged during his father's Pind Daan, yet he persevered, upholding the scriptural method by placing the Pind on the offering altar.
The Myth of the Emerging Hand
He recounted how Shantanu's hand, identified by familial markings, emerged from the ground to claim the offering, but refusing it, he adhered to the ritual, receiving his father's blessings in return. This anecdote underscores the belief that the donor should personally execute the ritual.
Origin of Pind Daan Practices
Bhishma also recounted Maharishi Atri granting the knowledge of Shraddha to Sage Nimi, who performed it, influencing other sages to follow suit. Similarly, tales of Lord Rama performing Shraddha for Dasharatha underscore the necessity of personal involvement in this revered practice.
Astrological Pitru Dosha
In astrology, Pitru Dosha is a significant concern, potentially impairing prosperity, as stipulated in the Garuda Purana where remedies are provided. Such texts propagate the belief that performing Pind Daan at Gaya Ji liberates 108 forefathers across seven generations.
While the journey of life concludes with end rituals, the bonds of life in Sanatan Dharma perpetuate through practices like water offerings, known as Tarpan, essential at Gaya Ji, elevating its spiritual esteem.
Gaya holds a paramount position in the domain of Sanatan tradition. As oaths to ancestors are performed here during Pitru Paksha, belief holds that offerings made during 'All-Ancestors' New Moon' at Gaya lead to ancestors' reunion with divinity.
The Vishnupad Temple of Lord Vishnu
The significance of Gaya is augmented by the presence of the revered Vishnupad Temple. It is believed that viewing the footprints of Lord Vishnu here eradicates sorrow and grants ancestors an abode in the celestial realms. Located on the western bank of River Falgu, the temple enthralls both devotees and tourists alike.
Devotees apply red sandalwood paste on the footprints, which represent divine weapons and attributes like the mace, chakra, and conch. While contemporary understanding varies, the tale from Vayu Purana credits an asura with the naming of Gaya, illuminating its historical importance.
The Tale of Demon Gaya
This saga unfolds in the Shweta Varah Kalpa. Amidst an era where dharma prevailed and sin was minimal, the demon Gaya emerged as a formidable figure, eventually achieving mountainous proportions. His singular devotion propelled a transformation, alarming the celestial beings.
As his ascetic practices influenced the cosmic harmony, celestial figures, led by Lord Vishnu, intervened. The Lord's granting of holiness to Gaya initiated a cosmic balance, yet it paved Gaya's spiritual elevation to the pinnacle of sanctity.
Vishnu's Blessing to Gaya
In divine presence, Gaya sought holiness for all who touched him, leading to a divine smile and affirmation from Lord Vishnu. Consequently, Gaya's influence extended across realms, prompting cosmic transformation under the divine gaze.
This transformation aligned with prophecy as Lord Vishnu's divine footprint left an indelible mark on the Vishnupad Temple, an eternal testament to divine orchestration and its embodiment, the sacred terrain of Gaya Ji.
Source: aajtak
