Pitru Paksha 2023: In Gaya, Pind Daan, Made Of Urad Flour, Is Offered To These 3 Animals – News18

The tradition of offering Pind Daan, during Pitru Paksha, in Brahma Sarovar on the fifth day of Pitru Paksha is quite an old one. It is believed that the Brahma Sarova holds a special significance for the city of Gaya, Bihar. Did you know, that the Pind Daan that is offered in Gaya is made of Urad flour and offered to only three beings?

Pitru Paksha is also referred to as Shradh. As per Hindu beliefs, it is a 16-day period during which people pay homage to their deceased ancestors. It commences on the Purnima (full moon) of Bhadrapada month and concludes on Amavasya (New Moon) of Ashwin month. This year, Pitru Paksha began on September 29 and will end on October 14.

This period is considered significant as it is believed that ancestors visit the living family members and hence, their descendants must serve them and seek their blessings to achieve moksha from the cycle of reincarnation.

As per reports, the Pind Daan is done in the memories of our ancestors and in Gaya, a dog, a crow and Yam are offered the urad flour lump. After offering the Pind Daan, with the help of Kush grass, a mango tree, on the west of Taraka Brahma, is watered and it is believed to have been planted by Lord Brahma.

Out of the three altars, the Brahma Sarovar altar is the main one. As per popular belief, by offering Pind Daan in Brahma Sarovar, ancestors get salvation and attain Brahmalok. It is believed that Lord Brahma was performing yagya in Brahma Sarovar at Gaya on Gayasur and took a bath here.

According to reports, moong dal or urad dal must be offered at the altar. People must also visit Taraka Brahma near Brahma Sarovar and seek blessings. It is believed that by offering Pind Daan in Brahma Sarovar, by circumambulating the well located nearby, the person offering Pind Daan to forefathers also gets the results of the Yagya.

Everyone who comes here to offer Pind Daan to their ancestors to help them attain salvation plants a mango tree here. At the Yamraj Bali, Shraddha Bali and Kagbali, devotees offer Pind Daan and do Tarpan for their ancestors.