Why people go here
The centre of Gaya's shraddha tradition and the Pitru Paksha Mela, with pind daan offered at the vedis in its complex, according to Bihar Tourism.
The deity and the place
- Presiding deity
- Vishnu - the temple enshrines his footprint
- Location
- Gaya (Gaya Ji), Bihar
Poojas traditionally offered
- Pind daan - Offered at the vedis in the temple complex, above all during the Pitru Paksha Mela.
Related pooja: Pitra-paksh-shraddha
Traditional days
Rites for Pitra dosha are traditionally done on Amavasya.
Next good days
- Mon, 9 Nov 2026
- Tue, 8 Dec 2026
- Thu, 7 Jan 2027
From the panchang for New Delhi; the day can differ by one elsewhere in India.
Observances the temple is known for
- Pitru Paksha Mela
Other options across India
Listed across regions so you can choose one within reach - there is no single right place.
Part of a yatra
Before it: Punpun river · After it: Akshayavat, Gaya
Before you go
- The Bihar cabinet renamed the city and district Gaya Ji in 2025.
- Timings, dress rules and any bookings are set by the temple - check its official page before you go.
- Photography rules differ from temple to temple; follow the signs and the staff inside.
Official website
Timings, dress rules, bookings and any fees are set by the temple and change - its official site has the current details.
Common questions
- What is Gaya visited for?
- Traditionally visited for Pitra dosha.
- Which pooja is done at Gaya?
- The sources name Pind daan here.
- What is the traditional day to visit Gaya?
- Rites for Pitra dosha are traditionally done on Amavasya.
- What are the darshan timings at Gaya?
- Timings change with the season and festivals, so this guide does not list them. Check the temple's official website before you go.
- Where else in India can I go?
- Other options: Brahma Kapal, Badrinath (Uttarakhand), Trimbakeshwar (Maharashtra) and Bindu Sarovar, Siddhpur (Gujarat).
Facts checked on 1 Nov 2026 against temple-trust, state endowments and tourism department pages.
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