Bhubaneswar, February 3:On the second day of her six-day tour of Odisha, President Droupadi Murmu visited Shree Khetra Puri and performed the sacred Pinda Daan ritual at the revered Shwetaganga pond. She carried out several other significant rituals, including Tarpan, Shraddha, and Pinda Daan, all of which are believed to help the souls of ancestors achieve salvation and liberation.

Significance of Pinda Daan at Shwetaganga

Shwetaganga, located in the Balisahi area on the western side of the Shree Jagannath Temple, is one of the five holy water bodies, or Panchatirtha, in Puri. This pond holds great spiritual importance, with references in the Mahabharata stating that it originated from the fingernail of Lord Vishnu. It is also believed to have a profound spiritual connection with the River Ganga.

Rituals like Pinda Daan, Tarpan, Shraddha, and other rites of passage are traditionally performed at Shwetaganga. The sacredness of the pond is heightened by its close proximity to the Jagannath Dham. Devotees believe that conducting ancestral rites here ensures that the souls of the departed are blessed by the divine grace of Lord Jagannath.

President’s Visit to Jajpur

Earlier in the day, President Murmu also visited Jajpur, where she offered prayers at the Maa Biaraja Temple. She also performed Pinda Daan at Nabhi Gaya, seeking peace and liberation for the souls of her ancestors.

Pinda Daan at Nabhi Gaya

Nabhi Gaya, also known as Nabhi Gaya Pitrutirtha, is considered a sacred site for the performance of Pinda Daan. This ritual is believed to assist the souls of ancestors in attaining salvation and liberation. Situated near the Maa Biraja Temple in Jajpur, Nabhi Gaya holds immense spiritual significance, particularly in the Gaya tradition. Devotees flock to this site during Mahalaya and Pitru Paksha to conduct ancestral rites. It is believed that performing Pinda Daan at Nabhi Gaya offers the same spiritual merit as doing so at the renowned Gaya, making it a revered destination for such rituals.