7 places to discover
Akshay Vat is a sacred immortal banyan tree located on the banks of the Falgu River near Vishnupad Temple in Gaya, Bihar. Revered in Hindu tradition, it is a central site for Pind Daan rituals performed for ancestral salvation. Mentioned in ancient scriptures, the tree is believed to be an eternal witness to offerings. Pilgrims visit year-round, especially during Pitri Paksha, to perform rites under its sprawling canopy.
Brahma Kapal is a sacred flat rock platform (ghaat) on the left bank of the Alaknanda River in Badrinath, located approximately 200 meters from the main Badrinath Temple. According to Hindu Puranic scriptures, this is the site where Lord Shiva was liberated from Brahmahatya after twelve years of wandering. It is one of the most revered sites for performing Pind Daan and ancestral rites, believed to offer exceptional spiritual merit for the liberation of departed ancestors.
Pandu Pindara Tirtha is a revered Hindu pilgrimage site located in Pandu Pindara village in Jind district, Haryana, about 10 km from Jind city. Centered around a sacred sarovar and temples, it is traditionally associated with the Pandavas of the Mahabharata who are believed to have performed pind daan rituals for their ancestors here. The tirtha is a major center for ancestor worship and attracts devotees especially on Somvati Amavasya and during fairs.
Pretshila Hill is a sacred hill located northwest of Gaya city in Gaya district, Bihar, on the outskirts of Gaya Ji. Revered in Hindu tradition, it is a key site for Pind Daan rituals performed during Pitru Paksha to liberate ancestral souls. The hill features a temple at its summit dedicated to Yama and Pretas, accessed by around 500 stone steps, and offers panoramic views of the surrounding plains and Falgu River area.
Ram Gaya Ghat is a sacred riverfront ghat on the Ganges at Vindhyachal in Mirzapur district, Uttar Pradesh. Located near the Vindhyavasini Temple complex, it is revered as a site for pind daan and ancestral rituals, considered equivalent to Gaya for devotees. The ghat features stone steps leading to the river, hosts daily bathing and prayers, and offers views of the Ganges. It is an important pilgrimage stop within the Vindhyachal Dham circuit.
Sita Kund is a sacred Hindu site on the eastern bank of the Falgu River in Gaya, Bihar, opposite the Vishnupad Temple. Revered as the place where Goddess Sita performed pind daan for King Dasharatha, it features a small temple and stepped kund. Pilgrims visit during Pitru Paksha to offer ancestral rites. The site combines riverbed landscape, religious structures, and mythological association, forming an integral part of the Gaya pilgrimage circuit.
Vishnupad Temple is a prominent Hindu temple in Gaya, Bihar, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located on the banks of the Phalgu River. It is renowned for enshrining a 40 cm long footprint believed to be of Lord Vishnu incised in basalt rock. Rebuilt in 1787 by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar, the temple features Nagara-style architecture with a 30-metre shikhara, octagonal shrine and stone pillars.