Seventh Shraddha Story

Gayasur was a demon known in mythology for his intense penance to Lord Vishnu to gain a boon. Pleased with his devotion, Vishnu appeared and asked him to request a wish. Gayasur asked that Vishnu reside within his body, and anyone who saw him would have their sins erased and attain heaven. Vishnu granted his wish and departed. However, the boon caused concern among the gods, as they feared it would allow even demons to become free from sin. The gods approached Vishnu for a solution. Vishnu reassured them that Gayasur’s end would come, relieving their worries. After some time, Vishnu killed Gayasur using his mace. Before dying, Gayasur made one final request—to turn the place where he was dying into a holy site, where all gods would reside, and it would become a sacred spot for religious rituals performed after death. Vishnu granted this wish, and the location became known as Gaya. Today, Gaya is considered one of the most auspicious places for performing Shraddha rituals and Pinddaan (offerings for ancestors). The Garuda Purana mentions that Vishnu resides in the waters of the Phalgu River, making it a holy place where performing Pinddaan ensures the ancestors attain salvation, and the family lineage is blessed.