Gaya becomes major pilgrimage hub for Pitru Paksha rituals

During the Pitru Paksha period, Gaya in Bihar serves as a major spiritual center for Sanatana devotees performing ancestral rituals. According to religious beliefs, performing Pind Daan and Tarpan in Gaya provides peace to the souls of ancestors and helps them achieve salvation (Moksha). It is believed that performing these rituals according to Vedic traditions can benefit up to seven generations of ancestors.

The Gaya region contains over 45 sacred sites, each holding specific religious significance for addressing different ancestral flaws or family obstacles. Key locations include:

- Vishnupad Temple: Considered the most important site, where devotees offer Pind near the footprints of Lord Vishnu. - Falgu River: A site for ancient Tarpan traditions, associated with Sita performing rituals for King Dasharatha. - Akshayavat: An immortal banyan tree where rituals are believed to bring permanent peace to ancestors. - Preteshila Mountain: Associated with providing peace to souls who died under unusual or untimely circumstances. - Ramshila Mountain: Linked to Lord Rama, who is said to have performed Shradh rituals for his father, King Dasharatha, at this location.