Vishnupad Temple
A temple that holds a footprint of Vishnu on a basalt rock. Rebuilt by Ahilyabai Holkar in the 18th century. Pind daan is performed in the area nearby.
Local tip: Agree the priest and the ritual plan before you begin.
Gaya is the most important place for Pind Daan, especially during Pitru Paksha. The Vishnupad Temple and the Falgu river are central, and Bodh Gaya is a short drive away.
At a glance
| Place | Gaya, Bihar |
|---|---|
| Known as | Pind daan · Pitru Paksha |
| Best time | Pitru Paksha (September or October) for rites. October to March otherwise. |
| Time needed | 1 to 2 days |
| Nearest railway | Gaya Junction |
| Nearest airport | Gaya Airport |
Panchang at Gaya today
- Date13 November 2026
- TithiShukla Chaturthi
- NakshatraMula
- Sunrise / Sunset06:05 AM / 05:04 PM
- Rahu Kaal10:12 AM – 11:34 AM
- Abhijit Muhurat11:12 AM – 11:56 AM
Gaya yatra: what to know before you plan
Gaya in Bihar is the main place in India for pind daan, the rites for ancestors. The Vishnupad Temple stands on the Phalgu river and many families perform the rites here, sometimes over several days. Bodh Gaya, where the Buddha attained enlightenment, is only 12 km away.
This is a place where planning the rites with an honest priest matters most.
Route and layout at a glance
Gaya town and Bodh Gaya are close together. The Vishnupad Temple is in the old town, and the Mahabodhi Temple is in Bodh Gaya. Pitru Paksha, in September or October, is the main season.
Plan your Gaya trip by days
How many days do you have? Pick one and the plan changes.
1 day: Gaya and Bodh Gaya
A short visit.
Day 1
- Morning. Vishnupad Temple.
- Afternoon. Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya.
2 days: with pind daan
A simple ritual plan.
Day 1
- Daily. Phalgu river rites and Vishnupad.
Day 2
- Daily. Akshayavat and Bodh Gaya.
3 days: full rites
A traditional programme.
Daily
- Daily. Rites at the Phalgu, Pretshila and Brahmayoni, then Akshayavat.
5 days: Bodh Gaya and Rajgir
Buddhist circuit.
Daily
- Daily. Add Rajgir and Nalanda.
1 week: Bihar
A longer trip.
Daily
- Daily. Add Patna and Varanasi.
Darshan guide: what to see and why
Vishnupad TemplePhalgu River and AkshayavatMahabodhi Temple, Bodh GayaBrahmayoni and Pretshila Hills
Phalgu River and Akshayavat
The river where pind daan is offered, flowing mostly under the sand. The Akshayavat, an ancient banyan, is where the final rite is performed.
Local tip: Dress simply and keep valuables away.
Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, built at the place where the Buddha attained enlightenment. The Bodhi tree is nearby.
Local tip: Go early in the morning.
Brahmayoni and Pretshila Hills
Hills near Gaya with temples and steps, associated with pind daan rites.
Local tip: The steps are steep. Go early.
Best time to go, season by season
| Pitru Paksha (September or October) | The main season. Very crowded. |
|---|---|
| October to March | Cool and pleasant. |
| Summer | Very hot. |
| Buddha Purnima | Special at Bodh Gaya. |
How to reach and get around
- By rail: Gaya Junction.
- By air: Gaya Airport.
- By road: Patna is about 100 km.
Where to stay
Hotels in Gaya and Bodh Gaya. Book early for Pitru Paksha.
What to eat
Local Bihari food: litti chokha and sattu drinks.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not agreeing the rite plan and cost.
- Booking an unverified priest.
Etiquette
- Follow the priest's instructions on dress and offerings.
Day trips from Gaya
- Bodh Gaya: About 12 km.
- Rajgir: About 80 km.
- Nalanda: About 95 km.
Festivals and special days
- Pitru Paksha Mela
- Buddha Purnima (Bodh Gaya)
Check the dates for this year on our festival calendar, and choose a shubh time using the muhurat pages.
Darshan timings, booking rules and road conditions change, so confirm them with the temple trust or local authority before you travel.
Questions people ask
How many days do I need for pind daan at Gaya?
It can be done in one day, though traditional rites run for several days.
What is Pitru Paksha?
A fortnight in the autumn dedicated to ancestors.
Can I visit Bodh Gaya on the same trip?
Yes, it is only 12 km away.
What is the best time to visit Gaya?
Pitru Paksha (September or October) for rites. October to March otherwise.
How many days are needed for Gaya?
Plan 1 to 2 days.
How do I reach Gaya?
The nearest railway station is Gaya Junction. The nearest airport is Gaya Airport. Check current road and train timings before you travel.
What are the main festivals at Gaya?
Pitru Paksha Mela; Buddha Purnima (Bodh Gaya).
What is today's tithi and Rahu Kaal at Gaya?
On 13 November 2026, the tithi is Shukla Chaturthi and Rahu Kaal is 10:12 AM to 11:34 AM, worked out for Gaya's own sunrise.
Photo credits
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