Gaya	Click here to Print

Overview		Tourist Attraction		How to Reach

Introduction The ancient town of Gaya, located 100 kms south of Patna, is of great significance to Hindus and Budhhists. It is on the bank of Phalgu river. Here Lord Budhha preached the essence of life and Lord Vishnu preached the reality of death. It is believed that this place has been blessed by Lord Vishnu with purificatory powers to the "Atma". This place draws Hindus to the various sacred shrines where they offer prayers and perform the saraddha ceremony for their forefathers and take a dip in the holy river Phalgu. Here, cremations take place on the funeral pyres in the burning ghats along the river. Legend has it that a gentle demon named Gaya, appalled by the sorrow caused by death, complained to Vishnu, and as protest died for the world. Impressed by his resolve, Vishnu blessed Gaya with the power to absolve sinners. Like Varanasi, and many other riverside towns, Gaya is a "tirtha" - a crossing across the celestial divide. Best Time to Travel October to March Vishnupad Temple Vishnupad Temple is situated in the centre of the town. This temple is believed to have been built on the sacred footsteps of Vishnu which is also preserved in the temple on a rock set in a silver basin. This grand temple was renovated by Rani Ahalyabai, the queen of Indore in 1787. This 30 m high temple has 8 rows of beautifully carved pillars which support the mandapa or pavilion. Only, Hindus are permitted to visit the temple. Within the temple stands the immortal banyan tree 'Akshayabat' where the final rituals for the dead takes place. It is believed that a Hindu will reach heaven if his last rites are offered under this tree. This place is also believed to be the one under which the Buddha meditated for six years. Sujata Sthan Sujata Sthan or Durgeshwari Temple is situated in Gaya. According to legend, one day, while Buddha was doing severe penance, he became weak, tired and hungry. He rested under a tree where a condemned village woman named Sujata offered him food, To everybody's surprise Buddha accepted her offerings. After having consumed the food, Buddha's countenance assumed a divine glow and he realised the Supreme Truth that neither extreme self indulgence nor self-mortification is ever required. What is needed is to follow the Middle Path. Sujata Sthan or Durgeshwari Temple stands as a symbol commemorating this event. Mahabodhi Temple The Mahabodhi Temple at Bodhgaya is the holiest of the holy Buddhist shrine. It is located on the very sacred site where in the sixth century B.C. Bodhisatva, after six years of rigid hardships and self-modification, followed the intense and incomparable meditation had attained SAMBODHI, supreme enlightment and became a Buddha, enlightened one, the holy one, the blessed one. The temple is marked by stone lotuses; its stone walls depict the life and aspects of the Buddha including one facet of his previous birth. The Mahabodhi Temple is 170 feet high while its base is 50 feet square. The temple is believed to be standing on the site of a shrine, erected by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. Although the current temple was restored in the 11th century, and again in 1882, it is said to be the same as the one standing here since the 7th century. Barabar Caves 25 Kms north of Gaya, these mysterious caves are set in wild environment. it is an important archaeological site. the caves sculptures on the rocks bear details of the life of Buddha. Brahmayoni Hill Located 3 Kms from the main town, a beautiful place for excursion. Climbing the hill will be a great pleasure. Introduction The ancient town of Gaya, located 100 kms south of Patna, is of great significance to Hindus and Budhhists. It is on the bank of Phalgu river. Here Lord Budhha preached the essence of life and Lord Vishnu preached the reality of death. It is believed that this place has been blessed by Lord Vishnu with purificatory powers to the "Atma". This place draws Hindus to the various sacred shrines where they offer prayers and perform the saraddha ceremony for their forefathers and take a dip in the holy river Phalgu. Here, cremations take place on the funeral pyres in the burning ghats along the river. Legend has it that a gentle demon named Gaya, appalled by the sorrow caused by death, complained to Vishnu, and as protest died for the world. Impressed by his resolve, Vishnu blessed Gaya with the power to absolve sinners. Like Varanasi, and many other riverside towns, Gaya is a "tirtha" - a crossing across the celestial divide. Best Time to Travel October to March How To Reach Air Gaya airport is connected internationally. Patna airport is 112 Kms. Road Gaya is connected by road from Patna, Rajgir, Hazaribag, Ranchi. Bihar State transport and private buses ply all the day. Rail Gaya Railway station is well connected with New Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi, Allahabad & Patna.