Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday performed the traditional ‘pind daan’ ritual at the Biraja Temple in Jajpur district, a sacred site believed to be one of the three ‘Gaya Kshetras’ associated with ancestral rites.
Murmu carried out the ritual at ‘Navi Gaya’, a holy pool located within the temple complex, praying for the salvation of the souls of her ancestors. Elaborate security arrangements were made for the President’s visit, with around 600 security personnel deployed in and around the temple premises.
According to Hindu mythology, Jajpur holds special religious 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 an important centre for performing ‘pind daan’.
Before performing the ancestral rites, the President offered prayers at the 13th-century Biraja Temple, where Goddess Biraja is worshipped in the form of ‘Dwibhuja’ Durga—depicted spearing Mahisasura with one hand and pulling his tail with the other.
In view of the presidential visit, all schools in Jajpur town and nearby areas remained closed for the day, officials said.
Later in the day, President Murmu is scheduled to attend the convocation ceremony of Fakir Mohan University in Balasore.
