Praying for ancestors' salvation, Hindus head for Gaya

The Hindu holy town of Gaya in Bihar is set to attract up to 400,000 devotees who are coming here to perform the pinda daan, a religious service for dead ancestors, during the fortnight-long pitrupaksh beginning Friday.

"Pitrupaksh has begun amid tight security in view of threats of terrorists and other trouble makers," Gaya District Magistrate Sanjay Kumar Singh told.

Magadh Commissioner Sanjeev Sinha said: "This time we expect more than four lakh people will come to Gaya to offer pind daan for the salvation of the souls of their ancestors during the pitrupaksha period."

Hindus believe offering pinda daan during the pitru paksh period ensures salvation for the wandering souls of their ancestors.

"The soul keeps wandering till this ritual is performed by male descendants of the dead," priest Murari Lal said.

Gaya, about 100 km from state capital Patna, is considered the holiest place for the purpose. Legend has it that Lord Rama and his wife Sita performed this religious rite for his father, King Dasharath, here.

The town drawing a large number of people from all parts of India and abroad every year during pitrupaksh, the 15 days of the waning moon during the Hindu month of Ashwin.

Pinda daan is traditionally offered on the banks of the Falgu river here.

According to a priest, the rituals are conducted at nearly 50 vedis, or altars, the more important ones being Vishnupad, Ramshila, Pretshila, Baiterni, Akshay Vat and Mahabodhi temple.

Gayawal pandas, claiming to be superior priests, perform the rituals.

It is mandatory for the devotees offering pinda daan to shave their heads and take a holy dip and head for the Baitarni pond. However, some rituals are conducted in the Falgu river nearby.

The prayers are performed at the famous Vishnupad temple named after Lord Vishnu.