The Phalgu River is central to Tarpan and Pind Daan in Gaya. Legend states Mata Sita cursed the river to flow underground due to its falsehood, hence its sandy appearance. Despite this, the river is considered extremely holy, embodying Lord Vishnu himself. Its water, accessed by digging, is essential for the Tarpan offerings and purification baths (snan), acting as a divine medium to carry offerings to the ancestors