There was something deeply spiritual about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s relationship with Heeraba Modi, his mother.
“A glorious century rests at the feet of God,” India’s Prime Minister tweeted when she left the world at the age of 99 three years ago.
She lived a life of simplicity and discipline. Through her actions — not instruction — she shaped PM Modi’s sense of purpose and moral grounding.
A week from now, PM Modi will perform the sacred ritual of Pind-daan for Heeraba at the Vishnupad Temple in Gayaji, Bihar.
Pind-daan is part of the matru shradh ritual, a ceremony to ensure eternal peace of a deceased mother, a priest explained. The priest, who didn’t want to be named, told Vibes of India that Gayaji in Bihar will continue to be relevant because of this.
As a sub-text, while Gayaji is famous for post-death rituals of Hindus, PM Modi’s proposed move is being viewed in the backdrop of Bihar assembly elections scheduled later this year. It is being held that the PM’s presence in Bihar could give political mileage to the BJP.
Back to Pind-daan — for the unversed, it’s a Hindu ceremony in which offerings of rice and barley balls are made to one’s ancestors to bring peace to their souls and help them attain salvation. It is also regarded as a sacred duty of the living towards the departed members of families.
In Siddhpur, the Pind-daan is done at Bindu Sarovar, a holy lake. It is also called Matru Gaya Kshetra, one of the five lakes.
Sage Kapila is believed to have preached about attaining moksha to his mother, Devahuti, on the banks of the lake.
During his days as the chief minister of Gujarat, PM Modi had taken keen interest in developing the banks of the lake and its surroundings.
The 15-day period designated for performing these rituals started on Monday. In Gujarat, it’s referred to as shradh. Once this period concludes, the Navratri festival begins.
Even as PM Modi travels to Bihar to carry out Pind-daan for his mother, it has brought Siddhpur, a small town in North Gujarat, into focus. He had developed Siddhpur as a place to perform post-death rituals of women.
According to the census of 2011, Siddhpur has a population of over 61,000. The income source of a large number of people and their families depend on post-death rituals.
Siddhpur has been developed in such a way that it also provides digital platforms and a couple of apps in which those staying abroad can join online to witness the rituals for their dear ones. The place is famously known as Matru Gaya.
Siddhpur became famous after Lord Parshuram performed matru shradh of his mother, Devi Renuka, centuries ago.
Siddhpur, which holds religious and historical significance, was earlier known as Shreesthal. According to records of history, it was during the times of King Siddhraj Jaisinh Solanki that the place was named Siddhpur.
The way the facilities have been set up, up to 200 families can perform the rituals together.
Gujarat Congress spokesperson Dr Hiren Banker declined comment. He told VOI that it was the Prime Minister’s personal matter and it would not be right to share his opinion.
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