GAYA 
The holy Pitru Kshetra

It is here alone sanyasins are permitted to offer pindas to themselves without any paraphernalia, but by mere raising of the danda. Again here there are certain relaxations in the observance of rituals for the sraddhas and pindas, like privacy is not insisted on in the case of sraddhas , nor the pitrus be invoked as done elsewhere. And in the case of pindas, one can offer at any time, though Bhadrapada dark half is the most auspicious time. For sure, supreme and perfect achievement of the reward, one has to observe certain austerities, like dining once a day, sleeping on the floor, restraining from sinful associations, abstaining from drinks and absorbing in devotional programmes. Those preferring the performance of sraddha here have to do the same in his own place before the commencement of pilgrimage, and if done they are entitled to get better results; for, doing it in their own place serves as a call to the pitrus to visit Gaya along with them for their liberation.

The Mahabharata brings out the glory of this place in a characteristic way fathers should aspire for more sons, the reason being that at least, one of them may go to Gaya and offer pindas for the liberation. 

[ Back ] [ Up ] [ Next ]