Pitru Paksh Shradh and Pinda Daan at Gaya Vishnupad Temple

One of the holiest places considered for performing Pinda Daan and Pitru Paksha Shradh – the annual rites and rituals for dead ancestors, parents and relatives – is the Vishnupad Temple at Gaya dedicated to Bhagavan Vishnu. The popular belief is that Bhagavan Sri Ram and Mata Sita performed Pitr Paksha Shraddh and Pind Daan for King Dasharatha at Vishnupad Temple on the banks of Falgu River.

Falgu River is one of the tributaries of Ganga River and the Vishnupad Temple which has the footprints of Bhagvan Vishnu attracts nearly half-a-million devotees during the Pitru Paksha Shradh in Ashwin month (September – October).

Legend has it that Vishnupad Temple was endowed with the power to cleanse devotees of their earthly sins by Bhagavan Vishnu. Therefore it is believed that funeral ceremonies and Shraddha rites performed here will help the dead ancestors achieve moksha.

The Pitru Paksha rituals at Gaya Vishnupad Temple are held on the banks of Falgu River.