Phalgu River, Origin, History

The Phalgu River, also called Falgu, is an important river in Bihar. It is a sacred river for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. 

About Phalgu River

• Phalgu river is formed by the confluence of the Lilajan and Mohana rivers near Gaya and eventually joins the Punpun River which is a tributary of the Ganga.
• Phalgu river is often referred to as the ‘hidden Ganga’ (Gupta Ganga) because it flows below a wide, sandy bed, appearing dry on the surface for most of the year.
• It is historically known as the Niranjana river where Buddha attained enlightenment.
• Sujata stupa lies across the Phalgu river. The stupa is dedicated to Sujata, a milkmaid, who offered milk and rice to Gautama Buddha after he had spent many years in deep meditation and severe ascetic practices. This meal helped him regain strength before he attained enlightenment.
• It is also a major site for Hindu pilgrimage, especially for Pind Daan (ancestral rituals), performed on the banks of the river near the Vishnupad Temple at Gaya. In this ritual, people visit the river to remember their ancestors. They offer prayers, flowers, and food, and pray for the peace and salvation of their forefathers.
• According to legend, a demon named Gayasur received a boon that anyone who saw him would attain salvation. As even sinful people began getting moksha, the natural order was disturbed. To restore balance, Lord Vishnu pushed Gayasur into the netherworld by placing his foot on his head, leaving his footprint on a rock at Gaya. Before leaving, Gayasur asked for food, and Vishnu blessed him that anyone who offered food to him would gain salvation. This belief led to the tradition of performing Pind Daan at Gaya.

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