Is Gaya always the best place to do Pind Daan, or does it depend on the family?

Gaya is the most universally prescribed tirtha for Pind Daan in Hindu scriptures — the Vayu Purana’s Gaya Mahatmya is unambiguous about this. However, the ‘best’ location also depends on your family’s regional traditions, the deity to whom your ancestors were devoted, and practical considerations like accessibility. For families with a strong connection to Lord Shiva, Varanasi holds equal or greater scriptural authority. For families who simply want the most comprehensive coverage, the Prayagraj-Varanasi-Gaya combination is the gold standard.