What is Gaya best known for?
Gaya, a prominent district in Bihar is among one of names listed in World Heritage Sites. It is an ancient city and its name is mentioned in the great epics Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Gaya is the second largest city of Bihar and is surrounded by rocky hills. River Phalgu flows on the eastern side of Gaya district. Bodh Gaya, where Gautam Buddha found enlightenment in the 6th Century BC, is about 16 kms away from the main city. It is a famous tourist attraction and has great historical importance, and it is regarded as a holy site of Buddhism. Gaya is famous as a Hindu pilgrimage place for pind-daan. There are many sweets that are specialities of Gaya like "Tilkut", "Anarsa", and "Dana Laddoos" to name a few.
The best-known places in Gaya
- Koteshwar Nath Temple - There are 1008 small Shivlingas in this temple. The sculptures in this temple are amazing, and visitors feel a tremendous amount of positive energy at this site.
- Barabar Caves - It is the most ancient rock-cut caves in India that still survives. It is located 24 kms north of Gaya, and the cave has inscriptions of King Ashoka on it.
- Vishnupad Temple - As the name suggests, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and it has great religious importance. There are 40 centimetres long footprints of Lord Vishnu here which the visitors come to see.
- Mangala Gauri Temple - This temple is a part of Ashta Dasa Shakthi Peethams, The lotus feet of Maa is one of the oldest Mangala Gauri are worshipped here.
- Mahabodhi Temple - It is one of the oldest temples in India having much religious and historical importance. The Mahabodhi Mahavihara Temple in Bodh Gaya is also known as the Great Awakening Temple.
- Bodhi Tree - It is the tree under which Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment. Visiting this place leaves the tourists with an amazing experience.
- The Buddha Statue - The beautiful statue of Buddha is a sight to remember. It takes you down the great history of India you can be proud of.
- Pind daan- It is an important ritual performed here by the relatives of the departed soul. The food offered to the soul is made in circular forms, and that’s how Pind daan got its name.
Airport address- Gaya Airport, Gaya - Sherghati Rd, Gaya, Bihar 823004
IATA Code- GAY