Gaya
aya, Bihar's second biggest city and a place of old historical and mythical significance, is one of the state's most popular tourist destinations. It is approx 100 kilometres from Patna, Bihar's capital and one of the most important Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites. It is unique because of its natural surroundings, tiny byways, and historic structures. Gaya is named after the legendary demon Gayasur. According to legend, Gaya performed strict penance and received Lord Vishnu's blessings, following which his body turned into the rocky hills that currently make up Gaya's scenery. The primary religions practised in Gaya are Jainism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Gaya is considered by Hindus to be the location where one can find salvation. As a result, people perform pindadaan (dead person's funeral offerings) here. Gaya is a sacred destination for Jains since it contains multiple Jain temples. For Buddhists, Gaya is significant because it is where Buddha gave the Fire Sermon at Brahmayoni Hill, which was previously known as Gayasisa.
Vishnupad Temple
It is a temple devoted to Lord Vishnu in Hinduism. The footprint of Lord Vishnu, known as Dharmasila, etched into a slab of basalt, marks the location of this temple near the Falgu River. Traditional priests at Vishnupad Mandir in Gaya as Gayawar Pandas and in neighbouring districts like Hazaribagh have been Sakaldwipiya Brahmins.
HISTORY
The temple's building date is uncertain, although it is claimed that Lord Rama and Sita visited the spot. Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar, the ruler of Indore, erected the current edifice on the banks of the Falgu river in 1787. The summit of the Brahmajuni hill, 1 km southwest of the Vishnupad mandir, is reached through a staircase of 1000 stone stairs. The spectacular view of the temple from the summit of Brahmajuni hill is preferred by visitors. This temple is surrounded by other tiny temples.
Brahmajuni Hill
Brahmajuni Hill, surrounded by historic temples, will enchant you with its breathtaking views of the beautiful green meadows and the Vishnupad Temple. The Brahmajuni Hill is located 1 km south-west of Vishnupad Temple in Bihar's Gaya district. The Brahmajuni hills have numerous historic caverns where you can examine the enticing carvings inscribed on the stone walls.
Mangla Gauri Temple
Another ancient Shaktipeeth is the Mangala Gauri Temple in Gaya (Bihar). The Padma Purana, Vayu Purana, and Agni Purana are among the Puranas that mention this temple. This temple has also been mentioned in various religious literature. Mata Sati took her own life after Lord Shiva insulted her in Daksha Prajapati's Yagya. Lord Vishnu's Sudarshan Chakra sliced her body into 51 pieces. Shaktipeeths were formed where these bodily parts landed. Sati Mata's breast part is thought to have fallen at this location. Magala Gauri Mata is revered as a kind and caring Goddess. One of the 18 Maha Shaktipeeths, this temple is a 'Upa Shakti Peeth.'
Barabar Caves
The Barabar Caves are located at Makhdumpur, 25 kilometres south of Jehanabad, in a hilly terrain. The Ajivika sect is said to have originated in these ancient rock-cut Buddhist chambers, which date back to the 3rd century A.D. The Baba Siddhnath Temple, also known as the Shiva Temple and formerly known as Siddheshwar Nath Temple, is situated atop one of the Barabar Hills' highest peaks. The temple was constructed in the 7th century A.D. during the Gupta period. Bana Raja is said to have built the temple, according to local folklore (the father-in-law of the legendary king Jarasandha of Rajgir.)
Mahakala Cave (Dhungeshwari)
The Dungeshwari Cave Temples, also known as the Mahakala Caves, are located 12 kilometres north of Bodhgaya, Bihar. Three caverns have Buddhist temples, including one where the Buddha is said to have meditated. The ancient cave temples of Dungeshwari are called Dungeshwari Cave Temples. Before descending to Bodhgaya, Lord Buddha spent years in these caverns undergoing self-mortification. There are various Buddhist and Hindu shrines in the three major caverns.
