Unique tradition in Gaya: Perform their own Shraddh while alive! Know the secret of Atma Shraddh

Spiritual News:With the onset of Pitrupaksha, Shraddha and Pindadan have begun for the peace of the soul of ancestors across the country. This time is considered very sacred in Hinduism, because it is believed that the rituals performed during this time lead the ancestors to salvation. But have you ever heard that a person should do his own Shraddha (self -trading) while alive?

There is one such amazing and mysterious temple in Gaya Ji, Bihar, where people perform their Pinddaan while alive. This process is called Atma Shraddh and this tradition is unique in itself in the whole world.

Why is Atma Shraddh performed?

The Janardan Temple altar in Gaya is the only place where a living person performs Pinddaan for himself. This tradition is specially made for those people:

• who do not have any children,
• who will not find anyone to perform Pind Daan after them,
• or those who have taken Sanyas and have given up the attachment to the world.

Such people perform Atma Shraddh in front of Lord Vishnu so that they can attain salvation after death.

Janardan Temple: A divine place

This temple is situated on Bhasmkut mountain, which is to the north of Maa Mangala Gauri temple. It is believed that Lord Vishnu himself accepts Pind Daan here in the form of Janardan Swami. Devotees believe that the Pind Daan performed here reaches the Lord directly.

What is the process of Atma Shraddh?

Atma Shraddh is done under a special three-day process:

• First day: Resolve for Vaishnav Siddhi and atonement for sins on arrival at the pilgrimage.
• Second day: Proper worship, chanting and worship of Lord Janardan.
• Third day: Three pindas made of curd and rice are offered to God.
• Special thing: Sesame is not used in this Shraddha, whereas usually sesame is mandatory in Pind Daan of the dead.

While offering pindas, devotees pray –“O Lord, I am offering this pinda while I am alive. Please grant salvation to my soul in the future.”

Importance of Pind Daan in Gaya

Gaya is considered to be the biggest pilgrimage place for Pind Daan. Lord Rama, Lakshmana and Sita Mata also performed Pind Daan of King Dasharath here on the banks of river Falgu in Treta Yuga. Since then, the tradition of performing Pind Daan in Gaya has been going on and it is considered to be the way to liberation from Pitra Rin.

How to reach Janardan Temple, Gaya?

By Rail: Nearest Station: Gaya Junction (10-12 km away) From here, the temple can be reached by taxi, auto or local bus.

By Air: Nearest Airport: Gaya International Airport (Bodhgaya) (15-18 km away) It is convenient to reach the temple by taxi or cab.

By Road: There is good road connectivity from Patna (100 km) and Bodhgaya (15 km). One can easily travel by private vehicle, taxi or bus.

A wonderful center of faith

This ancient temple built on the rocks is a unique place not only from the religious point of view but also from the spiritual point of view. Thousands of devotees gather here during Pitru Paksha, who offer tarpan for ancestors and themselves.

The Janardan Temple of Gaya is not only a symbol of tradition, but is also the center of faith for every person who wishes for salvation, who wants a balance between life and death.