The 2nd Online Travel , Pitripaksha, Pind Daan in Gaya

Pind Daan is a ritual which is conducted after the death of an individual. Hindus believe that Pind Daan is a must after the death of their loved ones. It is considered to be mandatory and the most vital, ritual of the entire life cycle for the followers of Hinduism.

This ritual is done in order to lead the departed soul to the path of salvation. It is believed that the soul will not have to face the tortures of hell nor fall again into the cycle of rebirth if this activity is performed. Some also say that being the soul of a person who had materialistic inclinations it becomes difficult for him to leave the earth, his relatives, and his possessions. The soul dwells around unsatisfied and unhappy trying to achieve those feelings which are not possible for his form. Hence, Pind Daan shows enlightenment to the soul and lead him towards Moksha.Pind Daan is performed in any of the holy rivers of Hindu culture. People choose the location for performing this ritual based on their capacities and believe. There are many significant places where it is said that this activity gives its best results; Gaya being the most prominent one. Pitru paksha period is also considered auspicious for pind daan.

Mythology says that Lord Rama Chandra came to the banks of Phalgu River (called the Niranjana), accompanied by his wife and younger brother, to offer pind-daan for their father Dasharatha,for the moksha of his soul. The story of Gaya asur, the demon who was granted the wish of being known as the origin of the most sacred place by Lord Vishnu is also known to all.There’s a Vishnu temple known as “Vishnupad temple” which forms the major reason of Gaya being the most sacred place for Pind Daan. In the Purana, Vishnu has said that that the people who worship his footprint present in the temple and sacrifice the ash of the relative in Gaya gives his ancestors the power to attain salvation.  In the Mahabharata, Gaya is referred to as Gayapuri.