Every year, Pitru Paksha is celebrated from Pratipada date to Amavasya date of Krishna Paksha of Ashwin month. During this, tarpan and pinddaan are performed for the ancestors of three generations. It is described in Garuda Purana that by performing tarpan and pinddaan of ancestors during Pitru Paksha ( Pitru Paksha 2024 ), ancestors attain salvation. At the same time, the blessings of ancestors shower on the person. Their grace leads to happiness and good fortune and increase in lineage. Gaya is considered the best for the tarpan of ancestors. Religious opinion is that by performing tarpan of ancestors in Gaya, ancestors get salvation instantly. Therefore, during Pitru Paksha, lakhs of devotees from the country and abroad come to Gaya to perform tarpan and pinddaan of their ancestors. But do you know why Maryada Purushottam Lord Shri Ram performed the pinddaan of his father King Dasharatha on the banks of river Falgu? Come, let's know everything about it-

Death of King Dasharath

According to religious scholars, Lord Shri Ram, the epitome of character, faced only tragedies in his life. Lord Shri Ram faced nothing but sorrows throughout his life. A day before ascending the throne, Lord Ram was exiled for fourteen years. To fulfill his father's promise, Lord Shri Ram chose exile over the throne. During the exile of Lord Shri Ram, Mother Sita and brother Lakshman, King Dasharath died due to the separation from his son. King Dasharath's last wish was to see his eldest son Lord Shri Ram become the king of Ayodhya. Therefore, excellent arrangements were made for King Dasharath's stay in heaven. At the time of King Dasharath's death, Bharat and Shatrughna were at their maternal grandparents' home. The news of King Dasharath's death spread in the forest like fire. Lord Shri Ram also received this information. Bharat gave the last rites to King Dasharath.

Falgu River

At the time of King Dasharath's death, Lord Shri Ram was in the forest and did not return to Ayodhya to follow his father's words. However, Lord Shri Ram performed the Pind Daan of his father on the banks of the Falgu River in Gaya, following the Kshatriya Dharma. There is a popular story related to this. According to this story, Lord Ram and brother Lakshman were busy collecting materials for Tarpan and Pind Daan on the thirteenth day. Then the time for Pind Daan was passing. Knowing this, Mother Sita performed the Tarpan and Pind Daan of King Dasharath. When Lord Ram and Lakshman returned, Mother Sita informed them about the Pind Daan. At that time Lord Shri Ram did not believe it. Then Mother Sita requested the witnesses to be present and tell the truth. However, the Falgu River disagreed. Knowing this, Mother Sita cursed Falgu to always remain dry. At that time Lord Shri Ram and brother Lakshman performed the Pind Daan of their father. The city is named Gaya after Gayasur. By offering water to ancestors on the banks of river Falgu in Gaya, ancestors attain salvation. Therefore, Lord Shri Ram had chosen river Falgu.