The holy town of Gaya, is the second largest
city of Bihar, India, and it is also the headquarters of Gaya District. Historically,
Gaya was the part of the ancient Magadh Empire.
Gaya is located 100 kilometers south of Patna, the
capital city of Bihar. The city is serenely placed on the banks of Falgu River,
is a place sanctified by both the Hindu and the Buddhist religions. The
Town is on a slightly raised ground in the valley between the Ramshila and
Pretshila Hilla. It is surrounded by small rocky hills (Mangla-Gauri,
Shringa-Sthan, Ram-Shila and Brahmyoni) by three sides and the river flowing on
the fourth (eastern) side. An essential transit point to Bodhgaya, Gaya is a
densely packed town. The city has a mix of natural surroundings, age old
buildings and narrow bylanes.
It is believed that this place has been blessed by
Lord Vishnu with purificatory powers and is a major religious tourist place
among Hindu’s. Perhaps it is the most auspicious place considered in Hindu sect
to perform the ritual of Pind Dan or Oblation, a holy act in Hindu religion to
ensure peace of the departed souls of twelve generation of their deceased
ancestors. Even the followers of Buddhism also visit Gaya as the famous seat of
Buddhism, 'Bodh Gaya' is few kms away from Gaya. Apart from having a religious
significance, it wins over the tourists for its no-frill appearance, serene
setting and a relaxed pace of life.
Gaya derives its name from the mythological demon Gayasur (which
literally means Gaya the demon). Lord Vishnu killed Gayasur, the
gentle demon by using the pressure of his foot over him. This incident
transformed Gayasur into the series of rocky hills that make up the
landscape of the Gaya city. Gaya was so holy that he had the power to absolve
the sins of those who touched him or looked at him; after his death many people
have flocked to Gaya to perform Shraddha sacrifices on his body to absolve the
sins of their ancestors. Gods and goddesses had promised to live on Gayasur's
body after he died, and the hilltop protuberances of Gaya are surmounted by
temples to various gods and goddesses. These hilltop temples at Rama Shila,
Mangla Gauri, Shringa Sthan and Brahmayoni are part of the pilgrimage circuit,
and grand staircases have been built up to most of them. Like Varanasi, and
many other riverside towns, Gaya is said to be a 'tirtha' - a crossing across
the celestial divide.
Places of Interest in Gaya
Akshayabat
Archaeological Museum
This small museum housing collection of sculptures,
bronzes, terracottas, paintings, arms and manuscripts is near the tank. It is
open from 10 am to 5 pm on all days except Monday.
Vishnupad Temple
Vishnupad Temple
Vishnupad Temple is one of the major attractions in
Gaya. This massive temple located in the central part of the old town is
believed to have been built over the footprints of Lord Vishnu. Inside the
temple, the 40 cm long `footprint' of Vishnu is imprinted in solid rock and
surrounded by a silver plated basin. The temple with its 30m high silver plated
octagonal peak is resting on eight rows of decorated pillars, was built in
Shikhara style of architecture in the year 1787. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it
was constructed by Ahilay Bai Holkar of Indore. Non-Hindus are not allowed to
enter the temple. A flight of 1000 stone steps leads to the top of the
Brahmajuni Hill, 1 km south-west of the Vishnupad Temple that presents a
splendid view of the temple.
The temple complex is quite big and houses many
images of different Gods and Goddesses. There are many other shrines in and
around the temple. Another important temple is of Lord Nrisimha, the god which
according to Hindu mythology was a man-lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The
temple and statue is intricately carved and designed and is a major tourist
attraction at Gaya.
Surya Kund
Surya Kund is another tourist attraction.
Devotees visit in large numbers as they believe that a holy dip in the pond
remits the sin. The temple is situated on the west side of the Vishnupad
temple. During Chath Puja, devotees visit in large number to worship the Sun
God after taking a dip in the holy Kund.
Brahmayoni Hill or Gayasirsa
Brahmayoni Temple located just one km away to
the southwest of the Vishnupada Temple. One has to climb up 424 high stone
steps to reach the top of the hill. The temple perched atop a hill offers
breathtaking view of the city below. There are two caves Brahmayoni and
Matreyoni on the hill and an ancient temple of Astabhujadevi.
Barabar Caves
Barabar Caves date back to second century BC,
located 25 kms of Gaya, are the treasures of Bihar and are set in wild and
inhospitable environs. These caves were built by Ashoka, the Great for
Ajivikas. Loma Rishi cave happens to be the most splendid
Bodhgaya Town
Lying 13 kms south of Gaya, this place is of
immense importance to the Buddhists, as Lord Buddha attained his enlightenment
here.
The life of Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism,
is associated with the small town of Bodhgaya. It is one of the four holiest
cities of Buddhist faith. The Mahabodhi temple is the main attraction of this
town and is located near the spot where Lord Buddha attained spiritual
enlightenment. Bodhgaya is not only an important Buddhist pilgrim center, but it
is also an important center for the study of Buddhism.
Mahabodhi Temple and other monasteries are the
major attractions in Bodhgaya. Places associated with the life and times of
Lord Buddha are located inside the Mahabodhi complex including the Bodhi Tree
and a pond where according to legends, Lord Buddha mediated for few days.
Mahabodhi Temple
The Mahabodhi Temble is located at the place of
Lord Buddha's enlightenment. The temple has a 50m (170 ft) tower. The present
temple was restored around 1880. There have been several other temples on this
site. A previous temple was destroyed by the Muslims in the 11th century. Parts
of the intricately carved railings to the south and west of the temple are very
old. Some of the railings are original and parts of the railings are
reproductions. In the inner sanctuary there is a huge Buddha. In the
center of the temple there is also a Siva-linga that was installed about 860.
This temple is also sacred to the Hindus because Lord Buddha is the ninth
incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Bodhi Tree
The Bodhi tree here is said to be a descendent of
the tree under which Budhha attained enlightenment. A sapling of the original
bodhi tree that the Buddha sat under was carried by Emperor Ashoka's daughter
(Sanghamitta) to Sri Lanka. That tree is at Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. A
cutting from that tree was planted in Budha Gaya when the original tree died.
Under the tree is a red sandstone slab that is said to be the Vajrasana, the
diamond throne, that Buddha sat on and attained nirvana. The tree is located
behind the temple and is about 80 feet high and about 115 years old.
