Bhubaneswar, Feb 3: President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday performed the traditional ‘pind daan’ ritual at the revered Biraja Temple in Jajpur district, a site of immense religious importance believed to be one of the three sacred ‘Gaya Kshetras’ associated with ancestral rites.
The President carried out the ritual at ‘Navi Gaya’, a holy pool located within the temple complex, and offered prayers for the salvation of the souls of her ancestors. In view of the high-profile visit, elaborate security arrangements were made, with around 600 security personnel deployed in and around the temple premises to ensure smooth conduct of the programme.
According to Hindu mythology, Jajpur holds special significance as the place where the naval portion of demon Gayasura fell after he was slain by Lord Vishnu. The other two parts are believed to have fallen at Gaya in Bihar and Pithapuram in Andhra Pradesh, making Jajpur a prominent centre for performing ‘pind daan’ rituals.
Before the ancestral rites, President Murmu offered prayers at the 13th-century Biraja Temple, where Goddess Biraja is worshipped as ‘Dwibhuja’ Durga. Due to the presidential visit, schools in Jajpur town and nearby areas remained closed for the day.
Later, the President is scheduled to attend the convocation ceremony of Fakir Mohan University in Balasore.
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