Did you know, that Gaya, the second-largest city of Bihar is believed to be the gateway to salvation or the land of moksha?

Yes, you heard that right!

Huge crowds throng to this sacred place and offer homage to their ancestors’ departed souls every year during Pitrupaksha. While Gaya is famous as one of the most revered Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu pilgrimage sites; it is known as one of the holiest places for performing the Pind Daan ritual (one of the Shodash Samskara in Hinduism). In this blog, you’ll learn everything about the pind daan ritual performed in Gaya, from its significance to important rituals, pooja samagri needed throughout the procedure, and much more.

What Does Pind Daan Mean in Hinduism?

The tradition of ‘pind daan’ or ‘tarpan’ is one of the highly revered spiritual practices in Hinduism, performed to ensure the attainment of liberation/moksha for the departed souls. In this practice, family members or participants offer ‘the round heap of cooked rice and sesame seeds'- Pind to the poorvaj (ancestors). The three main offerings required for pind daan are: cooked rice, sesame seeds, and water. Pind Daan is performed in the month of Pitrupaksha (September) to liberate our forefathers and deceased loved ones from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Gaya, the sacred city of Bihar, is a popular place for performing the pind daan ritual, performed as a part of funeral rites.

Why is Pind Daan the Most Important Ritual in Hinduism?

Ever wondered why is pind daan an important ritual when the last rites of the deceased are already performed during the funeral? Here’s what you need to learn about the pind daan pooja:

A path to moksha

The ancient practice of pind daan is believed to offer peace, and moksha to the departed souls. As per Hindu scriptures, if enclosed family members of the deceased individuals perform pind daan pooja, their afterlife journey becomes hassle-free and peaceful.

Blessings and peace in the family

Hindu scriptures state that performing pind daan pooja for their ancestors brings prosperity, satisfaction, happiness, success, and peace to the family. On the contrary, not doing the same brings a negative atmosphere, unhappiness, obstacles, and bad luck to the family; which is typically identified in the horoscope as ‘Pitru Dosha, where it’s believed the ancestors remain unhappy causing turmoil to the living members of the family.

Observed during Pitru Paksha

The practice of pind daan is performed during the month of Pitrupaksha (September) or the death anniversary of departed souls. Performed at sacred sites The ritual of pind daan is usually performed in the holiest cities as per Hinduism: Varanasi, Gaya, Haridwar, and Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj. In Gaya, the pind daan ritual is performed at Vishnupad Temple and on the banks of the holy river- Falgu.

Mantra Chanting and seeking forgiveness

The family members of the deceased individuals chant mantras and offer prayers with the instruction of a priest. During pooja, they seek forgiveness from their ancestors and pray to God for their liberation from the human birth cycle.

Why is Gaya Famous for Pind Daan Poojan?

Gaya is home to one of the highly revered, ancient temples of Lord Vishnu—the Vishnupad Temple. As one of the greatest Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain pilgrimage sites, Gaya has emerged as a popular tourist place for those seeking spiritual transformation.

According to the epic folktales from the Ramayana, the pind daan of King Dashratha was performed by his son Lord Ram, daughter-in-law Goddess Sita, and younger son Lakshman on the banks of the holy Phalgu river in Tretayug. Since then, Gaya has been believed to be one of the holiest places on earth for performing pitru tarpan. Similarly, in another tale from the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna guided Yudhishthir about performing the pind daan ritual in Gaya. A pitrupaksha mela is organized every September for 18 days in Gaya. People from all life courses and across the globe visit Gaya to honor their ancestors and deceased family members.

Where and How is Pind Daan Performed in Gaya?

We've got you covered if you are wondering where Pind Daan is performed in Gaya. The procedure is initiated at three revered places- the Phalgu river, the Akshayavat tree, and the Vishnupad Temple.

Here’s a closer look at the process of pind daan practiced at these sacred sites of Gaya:

• Family members of the deceased perform pitru tarpan at the banks of the holy river Falgu People worship the Akshayvat tree while performing the pind daan pooja
• Another ritual included is taking a dip in the Brahma Kund at Gaya before performing the rituals of pind daan It’s usually carried out by priests near the Falgu river or Vishnupad Temple
• The names and gotra of all the ancestors are recited during the poojan
• People also donate clothes or essentials to the needy as part of the ritual

Pooja Samagri for Pind Daan Pooja at Gaya

Here’s a detailed list of pooja samagri needed for performing pind daan pooja in Gaya:

• Pind (a heap of cooked rice and sesame seeds)
• Black sesame seeds/Til
• Barely flour
• Akshat
• Flowers
• Dhoop Deep
• Naivedya
• Tulsi leaves
• Dhruva grass/Doob
• White thread
• Chandan Milk, etc

How Can I Reach Gaya to Perform Pind Daan Pooja?

Finding an accessible mode to reach Gaya for conducting a pind daan pooja to honour your ancestors and loved deceased members of the family? Here’s the way out to reach Gaya with all ease and comfort:

Nearest airport: Jai Prakash Narayan International Airport- Patna, Gaya International Airport (soon to be operational)- Gaya

Nearest railway station: Gaya railway station, Gaya district

How to reach Gaya by air

Jai Prakash Narayan International Airport of Patna is the closest currently operational airport to reach Gaya (approximately 108 km away). The airport operates both domestic and international flights. After reaching the airport, you can hire a taxi or public transport like a train/bus or a traveller from an agent to reach Gaya.

How to reach Gaya by train

Reach at Gaya Railway Station from any of the primary cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, or Bangalore; Rajdhani Express, Poorva Express, and Tejas Express are major trains operational in Gaya. Talking about the capital city, the major trains operational on the New Delhi to Gaya route are: Netaji Express, Neelachal Express, Mahabodhi Express, Poorva Express, and Sealdha Rajdhani etc.

How to reach Gaya by road

There are many state-run and private bus services to Gaya. NH2 connects Gaya to other major cities of India. You can get your bus tickets booked to Gaya by a local bus operator or travel agency.

Like what you read? If you are confused about navigating your way to perform pind daan pooja at Gaya Tirth, let us help you plan it effortlessly. Call us at +91-8510007751 today to get all the answers to all your queries related to Pind Daan at Gaya Vishnupad Mandir.