Shiro Gaya
(IPLTOURS)
Siro (Head) Gaya in Bihar, Nabhi (Naval) Gaya in Orissaa, Pada(Feet) Gaya in Andhra Pradesh, Matru(Mother)Gaya in Gujarat and Brahma Kapal at Badarinath are the five patriarchal liberating shrines. The Shrines Gaya, Jajpur and Pithapuram to which the Domain King Gayasura spread his Head, Stomach (Naval) and Feet after his demise became famous as Tri (Three) Gaya and Lords Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswar reside in these three shrines. Mangala Gowri, Girija Devi and Puruhoothika established in these places, where the body parts of Sathi fallen and the Fetal presentation perform to the deceased persons in the three shrines attain Brahma Padam. The chanting of the word Gaya Shrad in patriarchal shrad gives Brahmapada and the kith and kin will be blessed by their ancestors. Siro Gaya in Gaya with the feet of Lord Vishnu and Mangala Gowri Sakthi Peeth, Nabhigaya in Orrissa with Brahma in the form of Yagna Vedika Swaroop and Girija Devi Sakthi Peeth and Pada Gaya in Andhra Pradesh where Kukkuteswar and Puruhuthika Sakthi Peeth established are famous as the Three Gaya shrines.
As per legend the shrine, where the head of Gayasura placed treated as Siro Gaya. Siro Gaya is patriarchal and releases all sins. Siro Gaya identified with the foot print of Lord Vishnu. The footprint is significant for the action of Vishnu pressing Gayasur under his feet. This is Vaishnav Shrine and Palguni is the holy river at this Shrine. It is an ancient custom to perform foetus presentation to the ancestral deities and offer the favourite fruit and vegetable of their choice to Lord Vishnu leaving them in their life. The Temples and Ghats at Palguni River have great spiritual significance. Hindus consider some trees as sacred in their Devotees offer large number of prayers and offerings to the Ravi, Ganuga and Banyan trees here. Devotees present foetus beneath the Banyan Tree after performing foetus presentation to their ancestors.
Palghuni River is the confluence of to water streams named Niranjan and Mohini at a distance of 3 km from Buddha Gaya. Palguni is a holy place that pays homage to the souls of the deceased persons. Palghuni is described as the abode of Lord Vishnu in Gaya Mahathyam of Vayu Puran. It is believed that earlier milk flowed in the river. The soul revolves around the foetus to be liberated without rebirth after the death and Hindus believe that the fifteen days of the dark side of the moon in the Telugu month Badrapadha (September) is considered to be sacred to present foetus to their ancestors. Devotees remove their heir at Palguni River, take bath in the river and present foetus to their ancestors at Vishnupad Mandir.
There are several unique attractions in our country and Vishnupad also known as Dharmasila Temple of Gaya is one of such famous attraction for the 16 inches long foot print having the symbols of Conch, Wheel (Chakram) and Mace (Gadha) which are the weapons of Lord Vishnu. Vishnupad is engraved on a solid rock covered with Silver Basin and the sacred place is located on the banks of Palugu river surrounded by rugged rocks on three sides and water on the fourth side. Lord Rama went to Gaya to do Pinda Pradhan to his father Dasarath. The Vishnupad Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is nearly 100 feet height and has eight engraved pillars support the temple. The Shrine is built in an octagonal shape and faces towards east. Golden Flag of nearly fifty kgs on the top of the temple. Akshayabat, the immortal Banayan Tree is the place, where all the funeral rituals of the deceased souls takes place.
Vishnupad’s origin
The holy place Gaya is named after a domain called Gayasur, performed penance and obtain boon that the people visit him will get salvation (Moksha). People started getting salvation by seeing him even after their wrongdoings. Lord Vishnu appeared before him and asked to go to the underworld. He has put his right foot on the head of Gayasur and send him to the Pathal Lok (under world) by imprint his foot on the rock which is visible even today. Gayasur urged for his food. Lord Vishnu given boon that he will not die with hunger and the persons offer food to him will get salvation. This is the reason for Pinda Pradhan at this place to their ancestors. It is believed that the day on which Gayasur does not get food is the last day to the word.
Mangala Gowri Devi in Gaya treated to be the sister of Lord Vishnu. Mangala Gowri is the 16th among the Eighteen Sakthi Peeth. The chest part of Sathi believed to be fallen here. The idol of Mangala Gowri appears in the form of chest. The temple built on the top of a hillock facing east. There is steps and road to reach the temple. There is a small porch in the temple. There are two small idols of Shiva, Mahisasura Mardhini, Durga and Dakshna Kali paintings in the temple. There are other shrines of Maha Kali, Vigneswar, Hanuman and Shiva in the complex. The temple kept open from 6 AM to 8 PM. There are rest houses and hotels near the Shrine. Priests are available to perform Pinda Pradhan available at the Shrine.
The pinda pradhan in Varanasi, Gaya and Prayaga Raj said to be virtuous and giving alms to one is worth more and more of a Crore. Pinda Pradhan in Kashi, Gaya and Prayagaraj will bring good fortune to those who perform it and Nirvan to their elders besides getting fruit of charity. Pilgrims can stay in Varanasi and travel from there to Gaya and Prayagaraj by train or bus to perform Pinda Pradhan. The Life Achievement Award presented to Sri Gayatri Sanatana Nithyanna Dnda Satram disclose their service in Varanasi will be available to all castes for accommodation and meals together arranging travel and necessary arrangements at Varanasi, Gaya and Prayagraj. All of our face book viewers well known that the Mahalaya Paksham started from 21-09-21 and rituals have to perform on the Thidhi (death day ancestors) to attain Nirvana for their souls. The fetus is administered by a Shotriya Brahmin for those who lives abroad or unable to move due to old age. This facility is also available in normal days. The uniqueness of the Mahalayapakshas is well known to our Face book viewers. It is said that the souls of those who were offered with fetuses on the day of death in these fifteen days will attain Moksha. It will only possible with your cooperation by offering donations as much as possible to the service organizations to provide necessary facilities to the pilgrims. Liberate the souls of your ancestral deities performing rituals in Varanasi, Gaya and Prayagaraj by utilising this opportunity.
Pinda pradhan ancestor souls Nirvan