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Gaya

Gaya is a city, Municipal Corporation and the administrative headquarters of Gaya district and Magadh division of the Indian state of Bihar. Gaya is 116 kilometres (72 mi) south of Patna and is the state’s second-largest city, with a population of 470,839. The city is surrounded on three sides by small, rocky hills (Mangla-Gauri, Shringa-Sthan, Ram-Shila, and Brahmayoni), with the Phalgu River on its eastern side.

It is a city of historical significance and is one of the major tourist attractions in India. Gaya is sanctified in the Jain, Hindu, and Buddhist religions. Gaya district is mentioned in the great epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. It is the place where Rama, with Sita and Lakshmana, came to offer piṇḍadāna for their father, Dasharatha, and continues to be a major Hindu pilgrimage site for the piṇḍadāna ritual. Bodh Gaya, where Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment, is one of the four holy sites of Buddhism.

Pilgrimage Places in Gaya

The Vishnupad Temple

The temple is dedicated to lord Vishnu and has footprint of Lord Vishnu embedded in a basalt rock known as the Dharmasila. It is said that the temple is the exact spot where Lord Vishnu stepped while a giant stride to stop the demon Gayasur from escaping.

The temple is situated on the bank of the Phalgu River and is considered one of the most sacred places for Hindus. It is believed that Lord Rama, along with Goddess Sita, visited the temple. The present day splendid structure of the temple is a result of several renovations. It was rebuilt by Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar, the ruler of Indore, in 1787. It is believed that offering prayer to the deity and performing rituals at this temple can bring good fortune and prosperity to one’s life.

Pretshila Hill

Pretshila Hill (meaning Hill of Ghost), around 8 km north-west of Gaya, is a revered place for Hindus where they do pind daan (a religious ritual performed for the peace of the departed souls). On top of the hill lies a temple dedicated to Lord Yama, who as per Hindu mythology is the God of Death. The temple was initially constructed by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore but has been renovated several times. You can see a tank called Ramkund close to the temple, where it is believed that Lord Ram bathed once. People are of the belief that taking a bath in this tank washes away all the sins of devotees.

Mangala Gauri Temple

Mangla Gauri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Shakti, is one of the famous Shakti Peethas in India. According to Hindu mythology, Devi Sati’s breast fell at the place where the temple stands now. The sanctum of the temple features the symbol of the goddess and has some beautifully carved sculptures. Besides, there are small shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga and Dakshina Kali. Hindus from all over visit here to seek blessings of the goddess.

Dakshinaarka Temple

Dakshinaarka Temple or Sun Temple in Gaya is an ancient shrine, which is also mentioned in the Hindu religious book Vaayu Purana. The temple is of supreme significance for all those visiting Gaya for pind daan (a religious ritual performed for the peace of the departed souls). Devotees make offerings to their deceased ancestors near the Surya Kunda or Dakshina Maanas tank built right in front of Sun Temple. Located close to the Vishnupad Temple, this shrine has simple architecture with a dome-shaped top.

Sita Kund

Situated on the opposite side of Vishnupad temple in Gaya city of Bihar, Sita Kund is an invaluable heritage from a cultural point of view. Sita Kund is associated with the Ramayana period, and it is believed that Sita Mata donated the body of her father-in-law, Dashrath. Sita Kund is a small temple situated on the other bank of the river Falgu, just opposite the Vishnupad temple.

According to another legend, Sita Mata took a bath in this pool while going to exile for 14 years along with Rama and Lakshmana and hence the name Sita Kund. It is a witness to many cultural developments that took place in the past and even today people are carrying forward the same custom as a tradition.

Falgu river

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