The legend is that Rama came to Gaya to offer Pindam to his Pitras. He went to get some material and by that time the Pitras came and sought Pindam. Sita offered the Pindams. When Rama learnt this, he did not believe Sita. Sita tried convincing Rama and sought help of eyewitnesses. These eyewitnesses were Cow, Brahmin, Tulasi, Phalguni River and Vata Vricham. All other than Vata Vricham expressed their ignorance out of fear of Rama. Vata Vricham confirmed the Pinda offering to the Pitras. Sita cursed Cow, Brahmin, Phalguni and Tulasi for their lies.
- Cow was cursed to be losing its importance of its mouth and also would feed on wastes. In Kaliyuga, cows are worshipped only by offering Pooja towards the rear side of the cow and one finds cows eating items from wastes and garbage.
- Brahmin was cursed to have no satisfaction irrespective of what they receive.
- Tulasi was cursed to remain short and grow at all places. Earlier Tulasi used to grow only in some select pious places and were capable of growing taller than what we find today.
- Phalguni was cursed to have lost the flowing water. River has flowing water only during rains momentarily. Though water can be found under the surface, no water would be found flowing.
- Vata Vricha for its fruitfulness blessed for longevity and was also made a key witness to the performing the rites related to Pitra karma in Varanasi. The final stage is always at Vata Vricha (known as Akshaya Vada)