PILGRIMS LAUGH ALOUD AFTER PIND-DAAN

PILGRIMS LAUGH ALOUD AFTER PIND-DAAN

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RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-------------------------During the world-famous *Pitru Paksha* fair, Pretshila is considered the most mysterious and a major center of faith among the 45 *Pind-vedi* sites in Gaya. Religious belief holds that performing *Pind-daan* here for those who met an untimely death grants them liberation from the *Pret Yoni* (the realm of restless spirits) and leads to *Moksha* (salvation).

This is why thousands of pilgrims from across the country and abroad visit Pretshila during *Pitru Paksha* to perform *Shradh* and *Pind-daan* for their ancestors. The traditions here differ from those at other *vedis* (ritual sites). After the *Pind-daan* ritual, pilgrims offer *sattu* (roasted gram flour), laugh aloud, and seek the liberation of their ancestors while viewing the footprints of Lord Brahma.

According to religious beliefs, the Pretshila *vedi* holds special significance on the first day of the dark fortnight of the *Ashwin* month (*Ashwin Krishna Pratipada*). Pilgrims first bathe and perform *Tarpan* (offering water to ancestors) at *Brahmakund*, located at the foothills of the mountain. Subsequently, they ascend the approximately 975-foot-high Pretshila mountain to perform *Pind-daan* according to prescribed rituals. This entire ceremony is conducted for the peace of the ancestors' souls and their salvation.

Located about eight to ten kilometers from Gaya city, Pretshila holds a significant place among the *Panch-Tirthas* (five sacred pilgrimage sites). It is believed that performing *Pind-daan* here for those who died due to accidents, drowning, fire, poisoning, natural disasters, or other unnatural circumstances liberates them from the *Pret Yoni* and secures the grace of Lord Vishnu.

According to local lore, this place was known as *Pret Parvat* (Mountain of Spirits) in ancient times. It is said that when Lord Shri Ram visited Gaya to perform the *Shradh* of his father, Maharaja Dasharatha, the site became known as *Pretshila* upon being touched by Him. Since then, it has been revered as a *Mokshadayini Vedi*—a sacred site that bestows salvation. One of the most distinctive traditions at Pretshila is the offering of *sattu* (roasted gram flour) into the crevices of the main rock. Devotees offer *sattu* made from a blend of seven types of grains, including barley and gram. Religious belief holds that this act satiates restless spirits and brings them peace; this tradition has been observed with devotion for years.

Perhaps the most unique tradition at Pretshila is the act of bursting into loud laughter after performing *Pind Daan* (ritual offering for ancestors). This is not viewed as an occasion for mourning, but rather as a celebration of the ancestors attaining salvation and bliss. Devotees believe that following the ritual, their ancestors find a place at the feet of Lord Vishnu; thus, they laugh aloud to express their joy. This custom is considered a hallmark of Pretshila.

There is a religious belief that the footprints of Lord Brahma are imprinted on the summit of Pretshila. Local traditions also mention the presence of three golden lines here; devotees bow before them, regarding them as symbols of divinity. Legend has it that during *Satya Yuga*, the entire mountain was made of gold, but it transformed into stone with the changing of eras.

After completing the rituals, many devotees tie old clothes or personal belongings of their deceased kin to a specific tree located here as a mark of reverence and remembrance. Priest Suryakant Mishra explained that Pretshila is counted among the *Panch-Tirthas* (five sacred pilgrimage sites), and visiting this place is considered essential.

According to him, Lord Brahma performed *Pind Daan* here after bathing in the *Brahma Sarovar*. He noted that the tradition of offering *sattu* made from seven grains symbolizes the satiation of souls. The laughter following the *Pind Daan* signifies the belief that the ancestors have secured a place at the feet of Lord Vishnu.

Priest Dharmendra Giri mentioned that an idol of Lord Vishnu is enshrined at the summit of Pretshila, and Lord Vishnu himself bears witness to the *Pind Daan* ritual. He explained that the mountain is believed to bear the footprints of Lord Brahma and three golden lines, and that performing *Pind Daan* here grants liberation from the *Pret Yoni* (the realm of restless spirits).

Meanwhile, Gayawal Panda Manoj Dhami stated that among the *Panch-Tirthas* (five sacred sites), places such as Brahmakund, Pretshila, Ramshila, and Kagbali hold special significance. He noted that there is a specific ritual of *Pind Daan* at Pretshila for those who have died due to fire, accidents, poisoning, natural disasters, or other unnatural circumstances.

Ajay Kumar, a pilgrim from Delhi, shared that he had come to Pretshila with his wife, praying for the peace of his ancestors' souls and their liberation from the *Pret Yoni*. He mentioned the belief that all deities, including Lord Brahma, reside here. Dayal Rai, who arrived from Nepal, said he had come to perform *Pind Daan* at Pretshila for the peace of the souls of those who lost their lives in a recent disaster; his eyes welled up with tears as he remembered his ancestors.

Vishn Das, visiting from Jammu and Kashmir, said that after performing *Pind Daan* for his parents, son, and daughter, he felt as though his loved ones had found a place at the feet of Lord Vishnu. Similarly, devotee Meena Devi stated that she had come to Pretshila to pray for the peace of her parents' and in-laws' souls, as well as for the liberation of family members who had met with an untimely death.