Pitripaksha (Shradh Paksh) starting from 07 September 2025 to 21 September 2025. Free Accommodation for pilgrims of Punjab, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir & Himanchal Pradesh is absolutely free in PUNJABI DHARAMSHALA (A/C & Non A/C Rooms are available). Please be aware if staying at hotels, guest house manegers and steward and taxi drivers, three wheelers toughts on name pf purohit.

🕉️ Historical & Ritualistic Significance of Gaya Ji

📍 Location

Gaya Ji is a sacred city located in the state of Bihar, India, on the banks of the Phalgu River. It is one of the holiest places for Hindus and a major center for Pind Daan and Shraddha rituals.

🛕 Mythological Background

  • Mentioned in Ancient Scriptures: Gaya is described in the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and various Puranas like the Garuda Purana.
  • Origin of the Name: The name comes from the demon Gayasura. Lord Vishnu pushed him into the earth and blessed the place to be a Moksha Kshetra (salvation ground).
  • Visit by Lord Rama: Lord Rama, along with Sita and Lakshmana, came to Gaya Ji to perform Pind Daan for King Dasharatha.

📿 Spiritual Importance

  • Gaya Ji is one of the Tri-Moksha Sthalas (along with Kashi and Prayag).
  • Performing rituals here is believed to grant Moksha to departed souls.
  • It is believed to remove Pitru Dosha and bring peace to the family.

🔱 Major Rituals at Gaya Ji

1. Pind Daan

Sacred offering to ancestors using rice balls (pinds), black sesame seeds, and water. Key ritual spots (Vedis) include:

  • Vishnupad Temple
  • Phalgu River
  • Akshay Vat
  • Sita Kund
  • Pretshila, Dharmaranya, and others

2. Shraddha Karma

Annual or one-time ritual for departed souls, especially performed during Pitru Paksha.

3. Vrihada Gaya Shraddha

A once-in-a-lifetime ritual with elaborate Vedic chanting and Brahmin presence, conducted at sacred ritual sites.

🧘‍♂️ Religious Belief

It is believed that offering Pind Daan in Gaya Ji liberates ancestors and blesses the family with peace, prosperity, and spiritual protection. Performing Shraddha here is considered equivalent to 1000 rituals elsewhere.