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Pitripaksha Mela
Gaya, a divisional HQ town, is believed to have been blessed by Lord Vishnu with divine powers to absolve one from all his/her sins.
Lakhs of Hindu believers from different parts of India and
abroad gather here or "Pitripaksha Tarpan" or "pindadaan" or offering of prayers for salvation of their ancestors' souls, particularly during the fortnightlong Pitripaksha Mela or festival of souls. The festival is organized in the Hindu calendar month of Ashwin (September-October), and the event is usually inaugurated at a special function held
outside the Vishnupad Mandir.
The famous Vishnupad Mandir is in the centre of the town, built over Lord Vishnu's footprint. This footprint on a rock inside the temple is set in a silver basin.
The 30 - metre high temple is supported by eight rows of beautifully carved pillars which support the pavilion. This pavilion was refurbished in 1787 by Rani Ahalyabai of Indore.
The "pindadaan" ritual is performed at the 48 "Vedis" or altars, spread over different areas
of the town. Besides the Vishnupad Mandir and the sacred Phalgu river, Ramshila, Pretshila,
Akshaywat and Baitarni are other important points where the rituals are performed.
It is believed that the deceased ancestors leave Lord Yamaraja's region for their homes on
earth during the fortnight. The rituals performed during the period, thus, gratify the ancesors' souls for years.
Pitripaksha gives us a chance to repay the debt to our ancestors by gratifying their spirits.
Yamaraja, the lord of death, enables the dead ones to go to the earth and receive offers from
their descendants.
It is believed that one owes three main debts Devarina (debt to gods), Rishirina (debt to
guru) and Pitririna (debt to forefathers). Only after the "pindadaan" is offered to the deceased
ancestor, he attains a position among the "pitris" or Divine Fathers in their abode called
Pitriloka. Generally, the "pindadaan" offered by the son is considered the most desirable and
efficacious.
The Gaya district administration makes special arrangements for the pilgrims coming to the
town during the fortnight. Hotels, guest houses and dharmashalas are places to stay.
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