Various Teerthas of Gaya

River Phalgu:

• River Phalgu: At the entrance of Gaya, towards the east, there is a Mahanadi (River Phalgu). One should perform Snana (Bath) in the pure waters of that river.

(Vayu Purana - 110)

Tri-Sandhyas at Gayatri, Savitri and Saraswati Teerthas:

1. Gayatri Teertha: After Snana (Bath) in the Gayatri Teertha near river Mahanadi, one should perform the Pratah Sandhya (Morning Sandhya)

2. Savitri Teertha: After Snana in the Samudita Teertha in front of Savitri, one should perform the Madhyanya Sandhya (Midday Sandhya)

3. Saraswati Teertha: After Snana in the Praci-Saraswati Teertha, one should perform the Sayanya Sandhya (Evening Sandhya)

(Vayu Purana - 112)

Pretashila:

1. Pretashila: A part of the Shila is known as Pretashila. Owing to Pinda-dana there, the dead one becomes free from the state of Preta.

2. Preta-Parvata: Dharmaraja established the Preta-Parvata on the left foot of the Shila. The Preta Kunda exists there. The devas are stationed at its foot. By performing Shraddha etc. there, the Pitris get freed from the state of Preta.

3. Pretashila: Having become purified, on the next day (i.e. second day), one should go to Preta-Parvata. There, one should perform Snana (Bath) in the Brahma Kunda and offer Tarpana to the Devas and others.

4. Adi-Gadadhara: Pretashila at Gayashira has been illustrated to lead one towards Mukti (Liberation). Lord Adi-Gadadhara abides there in the form of Teerthas, Mantras etc.

(Vayu Purana - 108, 110)

Uttara-manasa to Dakshina-manasa:

1. Uttara-manasa: One should go to Uttara-manasa and perform Snana (Bath) by chanting the following mantra: I am performing Snana in Uttara-manasa for purification of my Aatma, for siddhi of Surya Loka and others, and Mukti of the Pitris. From Uttara-manasa, one should proceed towards Dakshina-manasa observing silence.

2. Udici: One comes to Udici Teertha. By performing Snana there, a person can go to heaven with his own body.

3. Kanakhala: In the center (between Udici and Dakshina-manasa), there is the Kanakhala Teertha. By performing Snana there, one shines like kanaka (gold) and attains purity.

4. Dakshina-manasa: On the right of Kanakhala, is the Dakshina-manasa. One should perform Snana (Bath) by chanting the following mantra: I am performing Snana in Dakshina-manasa for purification of my Aatma, for siddhi of Surya Loka and others, for Mukti of the Pitris, and getting relieved from heinous sins like brahma-hatya.

(Vayu Purana - 111)

Dharmaranya:

1. Dharmaranya: On the second day (from the day at Uttara-manasa), one should go to Dharmaranya, where Dharma performed a Yagna. Going there can lead to attainment of Brahma Loka.

2. Matanga-vapi: One should go to Matanga-vapi and perform Snana, Tarpana and Shraddha.

3. Lord Matangesha: One should bow to Lord Matangesha and chant the following mantra: Devas and Loka Palas may bear the witness that I have come to Matanga for redemption of my Pitris.

4. Brahma-kupa: One should go to Brahma-Teertha or Brahma-kupa and perform Shraddha. In the midst of that Kupa (Brahma-kula) and Yupa (Sacrificial post established by Lord Brahma), the Pitris get redeemed.

5. Dharma: Having bowed to Dharma ...

6. Dharmeshwara: Having bowed to Dharmeshwara ...

7. Mahabodhi Tree: One should bow to Mahabodhi Tree. Obeisance to the Ashwattha-raja, the Aatma of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Obeisance to the Tree of Enlightement, Obeisance to the Tree which redeems the Pitris.

(Vayu Purana - 111)

Brahma Sarovara:

1. Brahma-Saras: On the third day (from the day at Uttara-manasa), One should go to Brahma-Saras and perform Snana (Bath) chanting: I perform Snana in this Teertha to become free from the three debts. Thereafter, one should perform Shraddha with Pinda-dana between the Kupa and Yupa and lead the Pitris to Brahma Loka.

2. Yupa: The Yupa was established by Lord Brahma after performing a Yagna. By circumambulating the Yupa. one gets the fruits of Vajapeya sacrifice.

3. Lord Brahma: One should bow to Lord Brahma saying: Obeisance to Lord Brahma, one who is birthless and having the form of the creator of the Universe. Obeisance to the one who redeems the devotees and the Pitris.

4. Amra Vriksha (Mango Tree): There is an Amra Vriksha (Mango Tree) planted by Lord Brahma. Watering that Tree leads to Moksha of the Pitris. One should chant: I water the Mango Tree which has sprung up from Brahma-Saras, and which is of the form of Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu, for the redemption of the Pitris.

5. Yama Bali: One should offer oblation to Yamaraja by chanting: I offer oblations to Yamaraja and Dharmaraja who is estalished here, for the redemption of the Pitris.

6. Shyana Bali (Dog): One should offer oblation to the dogs by chanting: I offer oblation to two dogs, one black and the other variegated, who are born in the lineage of Vaivasvata. May they safeguard me on the way.

7. Kaka Bali (Crow): One should offer oblation to the crows by chanting: May the crows from the eastern, western, southern and south-western directions accept the oblations placed by me.

(Vayu Purana - 111)

Phalgu Teertha, Gayashira and Vishnupada:

1. Phalgu Teertha: On the fourth day (from the day at Uttara-manasa), one should perform Snana etc. at Phalgu Teertha.

2. Gayashira: Then, one should perform Shraddha at Gayashira.

3. Vishnu-pada: One should perform Pinda-dana at Vishnu-pada.

4. Location of Gayashira:
- Gayashira is within the limit of Phalgu Teertha.
- Naga, Janardhana, Brahma-yupa and Uttara-manasa delimit Gayashira, which is also known as Phalgu Teertha.
- The area of the Phalgu Teertha between the seat of Pitamaha to Uttaramanasa is difficult of access even for the Devas.
- From Krauncha-pada to Phalgu Teertha is the visible form of Gayashira. Since this is the face of Gayasura, Shraddha performed here gives indestructable merit.

5. Location of Vishnu-pada:
- The region below the mountain Mundaprishtha is also part of Phalgu Teertha. Lord Adi-Gadadhara abides there in visible and invisible forms (vyakta and avyakta).
- There, in the form of padas of Vishnu and others, the divine leads the Pitris towards Mukti. By its darshana, sins gets destroyed. By its touch and worship, the Pitris get inexhaustible benefits. By performing Shraddha along with Pinda-dana leads thousand members of one's family towards the feet of Lord Vishnu.

(Vayu Purana - 111)

Various Padas in Gaya:

1. Vishnu-Pada: By performing Shraddha here, one leads the Pitris to the abode of Lord Vishnu.

2. Rudra-Pada: By performing Shraddha here, one leads the Pitris to the abode of Lord Shiva.

3. Brahma-Pada: By performing Shraddha here, one leads the Pitris to the abode of Lord Brahma.

4. Dakshinagni-Pada: By performing Shraddha here, one leads the Pitris to the abode of Lord Brahma.

5. Garhapatya-Pada: By performing Shraddha here, one gets the fruits of Vajapeya sacrifice.

6. Ahavaniya-Pada: By performing Shraddha here, one gets the fruits of Ashwamedha sacrifice.

7. Sabhya-Pada: By performing Shraddha here, one gets the fruits of Jyotishtoma sacrifice.

8. Avasthya-Pada: By performing Shraddha here, one leads the Pitris to the abode of Lord Brahma.

9. Shakra-Pada: By performing Shraddha here, one leads the Pitris to the abode of Indra deva.

10. Kashyapa-Pada: By performing Shraddha here, one leads the Pitris to the abode of Lord Brahma.

11. Agastya-Pada: By performing Shraddha here, one leads the Pitris to the abode of Lord Brahma.

12. Krauncha-Pada: By performing Shraddha here, one leads the Pitris to the abode of Lord Brahma.

13. Matanga-Pada: By performing Shraddha here, one leads the Pitris to the abode of Lord Brahma.

14. Surya-Pada: By performing Shraddha here, one leads the Pitris to the abode of Surya deva.

15. Kartikeya-Pada: By performing Shraddha here, one leads the Pitris to the abode of Lord Shiva.

16. Ganesha-Pada: By performing Shraddha here, one leads the Pitris to the abode of Lord Shiva.

(Vayu Purana - 111)

Mundaprishtha:

1. Shila on Head of Gayasura: The Shila stood on the head (Munda) of the Daitya (Gayasura), hence that part became known as Mundaprishthadri (Mundaprishtha-Adri). It endows Brahma Loka to the Pitris.

2. Devadaru forest: On the slope of Mundaprishtha, there is a Devadaru forest.

3. Pada of Mahadeva: There is a Pada (Foot-print) of Mahadeva on Mundaprishtha. By looking at it, sins get destroyed.

4. Krauncha-pada: A sage performed penance in Mundaprishtha in the form of Krauncha. There is a Krauncha-pada (Foot-print).

5. Kakashila: Making offerings to crows at Kakashila is conducive to redemption.

6. Penance of sages Lomasha and Lomaharshana: Sages Lomasha and Lomaharshana performed austere penance on Mundapristha and became siddhas. By these sages were invoked many rivers like Mahanadi, Sharavati, Vetravati, Chandrabhaga, Saraswati etc. By taking bath and offering Pindas in any of these rivers, takes the Pitris to heaven.

7. Brahmayoni: If a person enters Brahmayoni (a crevice) and comes out of it, that person attains Brahman and becomes free from taking birth from yoni (i.e. becomes free from rebirth).

8. Nikshara and Pushkara: One who performs Snana in Nikshara and Pushkara and performs Sharddha etc. in Krauncha-pada, leads the Pitris to Swarga.

(Vayu Purana - 108)

Gadalola:

• Gadalola: Gadalola is a Mahatirtha where Lord Vishnu washed his Gada (Mace) after killing demon Heti (by splitting his head into two). This Teertha is conducive to liberation. A Sharaddha performed here leads the Pitris to Brahma Loka. On the fifth day (from the day at Uttara-manasa), one should perform Snana, Shraddha and Pinda-dana at Gadalola.

(Vayu Purana - 112)

Akshaya Vata:

• Akshaya Vata: A Sharaddha performed at Akshaya Vata leads the Pitris to Brahma Loka. Feeding of brahmanas here is equivalent to feeding crores of brahmanas.

(Vayu Purana - 112)

Prabhasa, Rama Teertha, Bharata Ashrama, Matanga-pada:

1. Prabhasa-Adri: The foot of the Shila has the Prabhasa-Adri (Prabhasa Mountain). It is radiant like the Sun, so it is known as Prabhasa.

2. Prabhasesha: The Linga known as Prabhasesha emerged here.

3. Rama Teertha: At the confluence of river Mahanadi and Prabhasa-Adri is Rama-Teertha. Sri Rama took bath in this place along with Devi, hence this place is known as Rama-Teertha. By Shraddha and Pinda-dana in this place, one attains Vishnu Loka. Also, Pretas get freed and attains the state of Pitris.

4. Rameshwara: By performing Snana at Rama Teertha and worshipping Sri Rama and Devi Sita; then by bowing down to Lord Rameshwara, one does not assume a human body (i.e. does not take rebirth).

5. Yama Bali: One should offer Yama Bali after adoring Lord Shambhu.

6. Bharata Ashrama: When Sri Rama went to the forest, Bharata came to this mountain and performed Pinda-dana to the Pitris. Bharata installed the Images of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Munis.

7. Matanga-pada: In the sacred hermitage of Bharata, the Pada (Foot-print) of sage Matanga is seen. By performing Shraddha at Matanga-pada, redeems all Pitris.

8. Vahini and others: Vahni, two Varunas and four Rudras are adored in the hermitage of Bharata.

(Vayu Purana - 108)

Bhashmakuta, Dharmaraja, Agastya, Janardhana:

1. Bhashmakuta: On the right hand side of the Shila is located the mountain Bhashmakuta.

2. Dharmaraja: Dharmaraja abides in Bhashmakuta ...

3. Sage Agastya and Devi Lopamudra: Sage Agastya and Devi Lopamudra abides in Bhashmakuta (along with Dharmaraja). One who performs Snana and Pinda-dana in Agastya-pada, goes to Brahma Loka. It is by the boon of Lord Brahma that sage Agastya attained greatness, obtained Devi Lopamudra as his wife, and highest goal for his Pitris.

4. Agastyeshwara: Having seen Lord Agastyeshwara, one gets freed from great sins like Brahmahatya.

5. Janardhana: Lord Janardhana abides in Bhashmakuta. One who offers Pinda-dana there goes to Vishnu Loka.

6. Bhashmanatha: After bowing to Bhashmanatha at Bhashmakuta, one may redeem the Pitris.

(Vayu Purana - 108, 112)

River Vaitarini:

• River Vaitarini: One who performs Snana in the divine river Vaitarini redeems his 21 lineages. River Vaitarini, which is famous in the three Lokas have descended in Gaya Kshetra for redeeming the Pitris.

(Vayu Purana - 112)

Abhyudyantaka Giri:

• Abhyudyantaka Giri: On the left foot of the Shila is the Abhyudyantaka Giri. A Pinda-dana there leads the Pitris to Brahmapura.

(Vayu Purana - 108)

Naga:

• Naga: On the hip of the Shila is the Naga (hill). Yamaraja said: Na Gaccheti (Do not go), so it became known as Naga. Yamaraja-Dharmaraja abides there. There are two dogs, one black and one variegated. Bali (oblation) is offered here. Pinda is also offered to the crows.

(Vayu Purana - 108)

Kunda Parvata:

• Kunda Parvata: On the right hand side of the Shila is the Kunda Parvata. The Maheshwaras are Timiraditya, Ishana and Bharga.

(Vayu Purana - 108)

Vaditraka Giri:

• Vaditraka Giri: On the left side of Udrayadri is the Vaditraka Giri. Sage Agastya had established it. Gandharvas, Vidyadharas etc. sing divine songs. Mohana, Sunitha, Sailuja, Mohanottama, Parvata, Narada, Dhyani, Sangiti, Pushpadantaka, Haha, Huhu and others sings and performs musical rendition. Also Chitraratha sings sweet songs. The lord of the lord, Hara, abides there accompanied by Devi Parvati.

(Vayu Purana - 108)

Gridhrakuta:

1. Gridhrakuta: On the left hand side of the Shila stands the Gridhrakuta. Great sages performed penance here assuming the form of Cranes (Gridhra), and became siddhas. Hence the hill is known as Gridhrakuta.

2. Gridhreshwara: Lord Gridhreshwara abides in Gridhrakuta. By seeing and bowing down to Lord Gridhreshwara, one goes to the feet of Shambhu (i.e. Shiva Loka).

3. Gridhra Guha: There is a Gridhra Guha (Cave). By performing Pinda-dana there, one becomes the sharer of Shiva Loka.

4. Gridhra Vata: One who bows down to the Vata (Banyan Tree) at Gridhrakuta, gets his wish fulfilled and proceeds to the divine kingdom.

5. Shula Kshetra: There is Shula Kshetra existing there. By performing Pinda-dana there leads the Pitris to Swarga.

(Vayu Purana - 108)

Adipala:

• Adipala: On the interior of the Shila is the Adipala hill. Lord Vignesha abides there in the form of an elephant (gaja). By seeing Lord Vignesha, one gets freed from obstacles and leads the Pitris to Brahmapura.

(Vayu Purana - 108)

Aravindradri:

• Aravindradri: By seeing mountains Mundapristha and Aravindradri, one's sins gets destroyed.

(Vayu Purana - 108)

Marichi Teertha:

• Marichi Teertha: Once in Rukmaparijata Vana, Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati were sporting secretly. Sage Marichi went to the forest to gather fruits and flowers. He was cursed by Lord Shiva. He became black. Sage Marichi eulogized Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva became pleased and told him to ask for a boon. Sage Marichi asked for the boon of relief from the curse. Lord Shiva told that relief from curse will happen in Gaya. Sage Marichi performed severe penance in Gaya and became white again. Lord Hari was pleased and told him to ask for a boon. Sage Marichi asked the boon of relief from the curse, and that the place become sacred and redeemer of the Pitris.

(Vayu Purana - 112)

Makha Teertha:

• Makha Teertha: Lord Brahma churned the fire within a Shami tree along with Lord Vishnu to get a Teertha for performing a Yagna. This Teertha is known as Makha Teertha. By performing Snana, Tarpana and Pinda-dana there, leads the Pitris to Mukti.

(Vayu Purana - 112)

Sitadri:

1. Dandin: Sitadri is a southern mountain where Dandin performed penance.

2. Vateshwara: There is a Banyan tree called Vateshwara which stands like a great-grandfather.

3. Rukmini Kunda and Kapila: In front of it is the Rukmini Kunda and to the west of it is the river Kapila.

4. Lord Kapilesha: The Kapilesha Linga is on the bank of river Kapila. One should perform Shraddha and offer Pinda-dana here.

5. Saraswata Kunda: There is a current of fire coming out of the mountain. There is a Saraswata Kunda created by Devi Saraswati. There Shukra stayed along with sons Sanda, Amarka and others. One should perform Shraddha and offer Pinda-dana at the feet of eminent sages..

(Vayu Purana - 108)

Udyantaka Giri:

• Udyantaka Giri: On the right hand side of the Shila is the Udyantaka Giri. Sage Agastya had established it. Brahma and Hara performed severe penance here. There is a kunda of Agastya where eight sages performed penance and attained to Shiva. By bowing down to the eight sages, one can lead the Pitris to Brahmapura.

(Vayu Purana - 108)

Vasishtha Teertha:

• Vasishtha Teertha: Sage Vasishtha performed an Ashwamedha Yagna in this place. Lord Shaambhu appeared there and told him to ask for a boon. Sage Vasishtha asked the boon that Lord Shiva abide in that place.

(Vayu Purana - 112)

Dhenukaranya (Kamadhenu-pada):

• Kamadhenu-pada at Dhenukaranya: After performing Snana, if one offers Pinda-dana at Kamadhenu-pada at Dhenukaranya, one leads the Pitris to Brahma Loka.

(Vayu Purana - 112)

Kardamala:

• Kardamala: Kardamala is situated in Gayanabhi, which is near the Mundaprishtha mountain. After Snana, by performing Shraddha there, one gets freed from Pitri-Rina (Debts of Pitris).

(Vayu Purana - 112)