Gaya is located 100 km from Patna and 13 km off Bodhagaya, in Bihar. It has a rich cultural past and was part of the Magadha kingdom in the time of King Ashoka. It is situated on the bank of River Falgu or Niranjana and has a mention in the Ramayana. Gaya is one of the most sacred destinations for Hindus, as legend maintains that it has been bestowed with the power by Lord Vishnu, to absolve all sins of people who come here for a pilgrimage. The Vishnu temple is the central pilgrimage centre and people believe it has been constructed on the footprints of Lord Vishnu. Hindus believe that if a person's last rites are performed in Gaya, the soul attains Moksha, so thousands come here to offer the last rites and funerary offerings for their ancestors, every year.
Sightseeing Highlights
The main attraction is the Vishnupad Temple, constructed in the Shikhar style of Hindu architecture. It is on the banks of the River Falgu, in the outskirts of the city. To get a full view of the Ganga, climb up the 1000 steps on the Brahmajuni hill, just 1 km from the Vishnupad temple.
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Bihar-districts
araria aurangabad banka
begusarai bhabua bhagalpur
bhojpur buxar darbhanga
gaya gopalganj jahanabad
jamui katihar khagaria
kishanganj luckeesarai madhepura
madhubani munger muzaffarpur
nalanda nawada paschim-champaran
patna purbi-champaran Purnia
rohtas saharsa samastipur
saran sheikhpura sheohar
sitamarhi siwan supaul vaishali
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