President Murmu to perform ancestral rites at Nabhi Gaya, Shwetaganga; know these places’ significance

On her 6-day visit to Odisha, President Droupadi Murmu visited Jajpur on her second day of the tour. There she visited the Maa Biaraja Temple and offered prayers.

After that, she performed Pinda Daan for the peace of the souls of her ancestors and seek their blessings.

She is scheduled to perform another Pinda Daan ritual at Shwetaganga in Puri on Wednesday.

Pinda Daan at Nabhi Gaya

Nabhi Gaya is also known as Nabhi Gaya Pitrutirtha, is believed to be a sacred site where performing Pinda Daan helps the souls of ancestors attain salvation and liberation. 

It is located near the Maa Biraja Temple in Jajpur and holds deep spiritual importance.

It is regarded as an important pitrutirtha within the Gaya tradition, with the belief that the spiritual merit gained by performing Pinda Daan in Gaya can also be attained at Nabhi Gaya. As a result, a large number of devotees visit the site during Mahalaya and the Pitru Paksha period to perform ancestral rites.

Pinda Daan at Shwetaganga

Located in the Balisahi area on the western side of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri Srikshetra, Shwetaganga is one of the Panchatirtha, the five principal sacred water bodies of the holy town.

Considered an extremely sacred pond, its waters are mentioned in the Mahabharata as having originated from the fingernail of Lord Vishnu, and are believed to have an intrinsic spiritual connection with the River Ganga. Rituals such as Pinda Daan, Tarpan, Shraddha and other last rites are traditionally performed at the site.

As Shwetaganga is located within the Jagannath Dham, it is believed that performing ancestral rites here enables the souls of ancestors to directly attain the grace of Lord Jagannath. 

During Pitru Paksha, Mahalaya and other auspicious occasions, a large number of devotees visit the site to perform these rituals.

Also Read: President Murmu offers prayers at Maa Biraja temple in Jajpur during Odisha visit

What is Pinda Daan?

Pinda Daan is a ritual holds deep spiritual significance in Hinduism and is performed to offer peace and spiritual liberation to departed ancestors. It is believed that the ritual helps the soul transition from Preta lok to Pitru lok and ultimately attain moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death.