The River Cursed by Sita: The Tale of River Phalgu

Akanksha Tiwari

Sep 17, 2025, 15:20 IST

The Phalgu River in Gaya, Bihar, carries a unique legend from the Ramayana. It is believed that Sita once cursed the river, leaving it with only sandy banks and hidden waters beneath. This story explains why pind daan rituals for ancestors are performed on sand instead of flowing water, highlighting Sita’s strength and timeless influence.

Cursed River

When we think of the Ramayana, most of us recall the epic battle between Rama and Ravana, the devotion of Hanuman, or the exile in the forest. But the Ramayana is also filled with lesser-known stories that carry deep spiritual and cultural significance. One such story is connected to the River Phalgu in Gaya, Bihar, a sacred site for performing pind daan (ancestral rites). Unlike other holy rivers, the Phalgu is mostly a stretch of sand, with water flowing invisibly beneath its surface. This unusual nature of the river is explained in a fascinating legend: it is said that Sita once cursed the Phalgu during her exile with Rama. Her curse transformed the river forever and shaped the way rituals are performed in Gaya to this day. The story not only highlights Sita’s strength and integrity but also reflects how truth and justice prevailed even when challenged.

The Setting: Sita and the Phalgu River

Ram and sita

During their exile, Rama and Sita visited Gaya to perform pind daan for Dasharatha, Rama’s father. Traditionally, offerings for ancestors are given with water. At Gaya, the holy River Phalgu was believed to sanctify these rituals.

The Incident That Led to the Curse

Sita Performing River Puja

While Rama went to gather materials for the rites, Sita began the ritual on her own. She called upon witnesses, the Phalgu River, a cow, a tulsi plant, and a banyan tree, to testify that she had completed the rites sincerely. But when Rama returned, the river denied Sita’s words, trying to discredit her.

Sita’s Curse on the River

Cursed River

Angered by the river’s falsehood, Sita cursed the Phalgu: The river would lose its visible water, flowing only beneath the sand. That is why, even today, the Phalgu appears as a wide stretch of sand with little or no surface water, though water flows beneath the ground.

The Witnesses Who Supported Sita

Sita

While the river betrayed her, the banyan tree (Akshay Vat), the cow, and the tulsi plant stood by Sita’s truth. This is why they are revered in rituals at Gaya, symbolizing loyalty, truth, and divine witness.

The Lasting Symbol of Faith

The curse of Sita transformed the Phalgu forever, turning it into a river unlike any other. Yet, her story reminds us that truth always prevails, and betrayal, even from nature, has consequences. Today, millions visit Gaya, performing rituals on its sandy banks, unknowingly walking through the echoes of Sita’s righteous anger.

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