Gaya - Vishnupad Temple

Gaya is considered the most sacred place for performing Pind Daan and ancestral rituals. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu granted a boon to the demon Gayasur that whoever performs Pind Daan here will help their ancestors attain moksha (salvation).

The Vishnupad Temple houses the sacred footprint of Lord Vishnu and is the primary site for performing Shraddh ceremonies. Millions of devotees visit Gaya during Pitru Paksha to perform rituals for their deceased ancestors.

गया को पिंड दान और पितृ कर्म के लिए सबसे पवित्र स्थान माना जाता है। हिंदू पौराणिक कथाओं के अनुसार, भगवान विष्णु ने गयासुर राक्षस को वरदान दिया था कि जो भी यहां पिंड दान करेगा, उसके पितृ मोक्ष प्राप्त करेंगे।

विष्णुपद मंदिर में भगवान विष्णु के पवित्र चरण चिह्न हैं और यह श्राद्ध कर्म का प्रमुख स्थल है। पितृ पक्ष के दौरान लाखों श्रद्धालु अपने दिवंगत पूर्वजों के लिए अनुष्ठान करने गया आते हैं।

Gaya holds immense significance in Hinduism:
1. Lord Rama performed Pind Daan for his father Dasharatha here
2. It is one of the most important places for Shraddh mentioned in scriptures
3. Performing rituals here during Pitru Paksha is believed to liberate 7 generations of ancestors
4. The Akshayavat (immortal banyan tree) is a sacred spot for offerings

Gaya is well connected by rail and road. Gaya Junction is a major railway station. The nearest airport is Gaya International Airport.