Oct 07, 2011 02:59 PM
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(Updated Oct 07, 2011 03:05 PM)
Hindus believe in “Pind Daan” for their dead ancestors specially for those who had “Akal Mrityu’(death before time or by accidents). We owe a duty towards our ancestors called “Pitra Rin”(Debt of Father and Fore-Fathers). Pehowa is the place for such rites. Pehowa is a small town in Kurukshetra District of Haryana. With a population of over 50, 000 Males ratio is little higher to Females . Literacy rate is about 70% well above the National Literacy Level.. Males lead in literacy by about 10%.
MYTHICAL HISTORY:
Pehowa town is estimated to have been built by 895 AD. This site was called 'Prithudaka' in the epics of Mahabharat named after the King Prithu who prayed for the salvation of his father’s soul here. This site is where the tradition of Shraddha to fathers is offered. It is located 27 km west of Thanesar. According to legend the father of King Prithu was nearing his death, he wanted his son to fulfill just one wish of his. He wanted to breathe his last near the river Yamuna Prithudak.
After death of the king his son Prithu made innumerable offerings to God and observed fast too. The place where he is believed to have observed the fast for several days has been named Prithudak Teertha. Many ghats and temples have now been constructed in respect to the honour of the king's sacrifice.
According to another legend Lord Kartikay , after taking round of the Universe as per directions of hi Lord Shiva and Ma Parvathi, removed his skin and handed over to Ma Parvati.A temple,
with 2 rock blocks and an image of Lord Kartikay in marble flanked by 2 oil lamps, was built here. Shri Krishna made Yudhishtir light those two lamps for the 18, 00, 000 people who perished in Mahabharata . The said lamps are burning since the day. Oil is offered to the stone blocks, the marble image and the lamps for relieving pain of Lord Kartikay and of the souls of ancestors. The temple is estimated to be over 4500 years old.
Since the time of Mahabharata, there is anotherHoly Tirth called Shalihotra tirtha, Sarsa , in Pehowa located 26 kms from Kurukshetra town. Sarsa Village
FAMILY RECORDS::
The purohits(priest) who sit around the place in small shops have been keeping records of families visiting the place. I quote " the records were being maintained since Mahabharata of all the people visiting to get the rites performed. These were partly burnt by the Islamic rulers, when massive conversions were made forcibly, to remove any track of the family tree". Still one can find records of at least past 400 years and get the entire family tree.
CAUTION :
Make proper inquiries, to locate your priest without disclosing your real identity .. Settle about the expenses before asking for puja. Always carry change , small coins and smaller currency . A “Pind Daan” may cost you a minimum of Rs.3000/-to 4000/-.
HOW TO REACH: Reach Kurukshetra by train. From there you can go to Pehowa by bus or taxi.
TO STAY:: There is a Dham where Rooms with attached Toilets, Car Parking, Tea and Food service and Shiv temple. There are clean mattresses ( no beds) with pillows and cover sheets, You pay as much as can afford.
This is the only place in India where last rites of any dead person can be performed at any time of an year.
