The Garuda Purana — one of the Puranas most deeply associated with the traditions of life, death, and the journey of the soul — describes Gaya as the most important pitri tirtha: a tirtha dedicated to one's ancestors. The Vayu Purana tells the Gayasura Katha: there was once a demon-ascetic named Gayasura whose intense tapas (austerity) earned him great merit. He requested that whoever touched his body would be purified of all wrongs. Vishnu placed his foot on Gayasura to pin him, and Gayasura asked that the place where Vishnu's foot rested become a tirtha for all ancestors. Vishnu granted this.
The place where Vishnu's foot came to rest became the Vishnupad — a temple built around a carved stone impression traditionally described as the Lord's footprint. The Phalgu river flows alongside, and it is on its banks that the rituals of shraadh (ancestor rites) and pind-daan (offering of rice balls to ancestors) are performed.
Pind-daan at Gaya — offering rice balls on the banks of the Phalgu river — is considered one of the most complete and auspicious ways to honour one's ancestors.
Gaya is one of the most important pitri tirthas in the Hindu tradition — families come from across the country to perform shraadh rites here for their departed ancestors. The Pitru Paksha fortnight (usually in September–October) is especially vibrant, with pilgrims arriving continuously through the fortnight.
About 12 km from Gaya is Bodhgaya — where the Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. These two sites, each sacred in its own tradition, are visited by pilgrims and travelers from across the world.
- Vishnupad temple parikrama (circumambulation); the carved footprint is revered.
- Phalgu river bank — shraadh and pind-daan for ancestors.
- Pitru Paksha (September–October) is the most vibrant time to visit.
- Morning and evening aarti in the temple.