Pitrapakhsa: A
Fortnight of Ancestors’ Soul
In Hindu Pilgrimages, Gaya
(Bihar, India) has a high importance, not only for having an ancient Vishnupada
temple but also for an unique fortnight long annual festival of offering
‘Pindadaan’called ‘Pitrapakhsa’ (A fortnight of ancestors’ souls).Many pilgrims
from all over India and aboard are offering Pindadaan at 43 to 48 Vedis (Spot) spread
over the southern and northern parts of this scared and holy city.
The Pindadaan is regarded as
an obligatory and compulsory ritual for the final redemption and deliverance of
ancestors’ souls. According to an ancient explanation when the war between
demons and Gods was going on Lord Shiva killed Tripurasura, the leader of
demons. Then the son of Tripurasura-Gayasura vowed to take revenge and attacked
Devloka-the city of Gods
and defeated them. Then Lord Narayana jumped into this war and that war
continued for 100 years. But finally, Gayasura had had to surrender before the
Lord Narayana. Seeking tranquillity Gayasura sent a peace proposal to the
Narayana. According to Lord Narayana will the Gayasura turned himself into a
stone. But he had no desire to go to heaven. The Narayana then, fulfilled his
two wishes.
First, he made his foot print on a stone
turned Gayasura’s head and second whoever offered Pindadaan on that foot print
( or on behalf of anybody) would go to heaven peacefully. Since then, this
ritual has been continuing. The ritual which starts from Vishnupadam ends at
Akshay Bat (a tree). This holy ritual’s period ranges between a single day and
the entire fortnight. But most of the Hindu pilgrims prefer this fortnight long
rituals conducted with full concentration and under observance of Pandas (the
temple priest).
Author: - Satish KRT
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