According to Sanatan tradition and mythology, the salvation of ancestors can only be attained through ‘Asthi Pujan’ and ‘Pind Daan’ performed at the Sangam. Therefore, the role of Pandas, also known as ‘Prayagwals’, in Prayagraj, who have been granted the right to perform these rituals on the banks of Sangam, becomes crucial.
Since ancient times, the Pandas have been leading the work of worship and prayer at the sacred Sangam site organising Kaplwas during the Magh and Maha Kumbh Melas.
The tradition of bathing and organising the Maha Kumbh at the Triveni Sangam is deeply rooted in history. In the Sanatan tradition, Prayagraj is called the best pilgrimage site and is the king of the seven ‘Mokashadayani’ cities.
Ancient texts highlight the significance of ‘Asthi Daan’ and ‘Pind Daan’, stating that salvation for ancestors is only possible through these rituals.
Rajeshwar Guru, a Prayagwal from the Sangam area, explains that the ghats of ‘teerth purohits’ and the ‘yajamans’ are divided region-wise based on long-standing traditions and mutual consent. The teerth purohits of each region conducts the Asthi Pujan and Pind Daan for their ‘yajamans.
The rituals are first performed in Prayag, followed by Kashi and Gaya. He also shared that Bhagwan Shri Ram, after returning from Lanka, performed the Pind Daan for his father, Maharaj Dashrath, in Gaya.
Pilgrims, especially during Pitru Paksha, come to Prayagraj throughout the year to perform Tarpan and Pujan for the salvation of their ancestors.
Panda Rajeshwar Guru revealed that all Prayagwals maintain a detailed family-wise record of their yajamans. These records document the pilgrimages of many generations of families.
For ease of identification, the pandas of Prayagraj have adopted distinct flags and symbols passed down through generations. These flags and symbols help patrons identify their respective pandas. Tirth Purohit. Some are ‘Padas’ two ‘tumri’, others with a crooked neem, some with a katar, and others with a ‘Sehri’. These flags can be seen from a distance at the ashrams near the Sangam.
Prayagwals perform a variety of sacred rituals including Ganga Pujan, bathing donations, cow donations, venidan, Asthi Pujan, pind daan, Mundan, and Kalpwa at the Sangam.
Rajeshwar Guru further shared that the Prayagwals have been conducting these pilgrimages for Kalpwas during the Magh Mela, Kumbh, and Maha Kumbh at the Sangam. They also arrange for tourists and help fulfil the vows and resolutions of Kalpwas for their patrons.
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