The globally renowned Pitru Paksha pilgrimage fair in Gaya Ji, Bihar, commenced on September 6 and continues through September 21, drawing pilgrims from across India and abroad to offer prayers for their ancestors. The third day of this solemn fortnight, observed on Ashwin Krishna Pratipada on September 8, 2025, marks the prescribed time to perform Shradh and Pind Daan at Pretshila, Brahma Kund, Ram Kund, Ramshila, and Kagbali. Among these sacred altars, Pretshila holds a particularly exceptional standing and is often referred to in folklore as the mountain of ghosts. According to traditional belief, departed souls who suffered untimely or tragic deaths reside around the Pretshila Pind Vedi, which is regarded as one of the primary altars in Gaya Ji. Rites carried out at this location are believed to grant liberation to these wandering spirits, who in turn shower blessings upon their lineage.
The Sacred Crevices of Pretshila and Scriptural Ties to the Afterlife
Religious traditions hold that conducting funeral offerings at the Pretshila altar brings instant salvation to ancestors, saving their departed souls from wandering between realms. At the summit of this hill lies an enormous rock formation believed to possess a direct metaphysical link with the afterlife. Passages associated with the Garuda Purana explain that souls journey from their realm through fissures and natural crevices located within this rock. Upon receiving the flour dough offerings made by their descendants, the ancestors consume the sacred Pind through these openings and return peacefully to their abode. Performing rites atop this peak is said to liberate even those souls caught in the spectral existence of restless spirits.
The Significance of Clapping Thrice and Outbursts of Laughter
One of the most remarkable rituals witnessed at Pretshila is the custom of clapping and laughing loudly immediately following the conclusion of Pind Daan. Whenever a family member suffers an unnatural or unexpected demise, the household is typically plunged into profound mourning, weeping, and distress. Tradition dictates that during this sacred day, the portals of the ancestral world remain fully open, and performing rites on Pretshila ensures immediate liberation for the deceased. Because the wandering soul attains final release from agony, family members clap three times and burst into collective laughter to visibly express joy and celebrate the successful transition of their ancestor toward ultimate salvation.
Ending the Impurity Period by Scattering Sattu on the Mountain
Another prominent practice dedicated to freeing ancestors from premature death involves scattering sattu, or roasted gram flour, across the slopes of the hill. Deaths caused by vehicular collisions, burns, suicide, or homicide are categorized in the scriptures as untimely deaths. Such passings are traditionally associated with an enduring state of Sutak, or ritual impurity, during which the consumption of sattu is strictly forbidden by custom. This restriction is lifted only after pilgrims reach Gaya Ji and conduct Pind Daan at Pretshila. In commemoration of this spiritual release, pilgrims toss roasted gram flour into the air upon completing their prayers. Pleased by this offering, the liberated spirits convey goodwill to their surviving descendants and ascend toward heavenly realms.
Climbing 676 Steps from Brahma Kund to Seek Final Release
On the third day of the Pitru Paksha pilgrimage, rituals are also prescribed at related altars including Brahma Kund, Ram Kund, Ramshila, and Kakbali, each carrying immense spiritual merit. Situated directly at the base of Pretshila mountain is Brahma Kund, from where pilgrims begin their journey. Visitors must ascend roughly 676 stone steps from Brahma Kund to reach the crest of Pretshila, also recognized as the hill of spirits. Facing the sacred openings within the rocky terrain, pilgrims from multiple Indian states and overseas offer rice and barley cakes. According to enduring lore, the souls residing within these openings accept the offerings directly and attain complete release from bondage, bestowing ancestral peace on the families left behind.
