Steeped in spirituality and tranquillity, Gaya, in Bihar, is poised along the banks of the sacred Falgu river. It is a prominent Hindu pilgrim city, where tourists can trace the footsteps of Lord Rama. Gaya holds the famous Vishnupad Temple as its crowning glory, with a number of other spiritual sites scattered around the region. Most of these spiritual sites are rooted deep in legends and in stories of the epic Ramayana. It is popularly believed that Lord Rama offered 'pinda-daan' (offerings made to ancestors for ensuring they have peace) at the famous Ramshila Hill and thus many pilgrims come from far to do the same. Another must-see site is the Akshay Vat, which is believed to be the oldest standing tree on earth! Located 100 km from the state capital Patna, Gaya is surrounded by hills named Mangala-Gauri, Shringa-sthan, Ram-shila and Brahmayoni. Once a part of the Magadh empire (684-320 BC), the city’s nomenclature is after a myth of demon Gayasur, who was killed by Lord Vishnu. Gaya is also important for the followers of Jainism due to the presence of a large number of Jain temples here. Akshay Vat Believed to be the oldest standing tree on earth, Akshay Vat is a banyan tree that has been mentioned in many religious texts. Legend has it that Goddess Sita once blessed the Akshay Vat (tree) to be immortal and never ever shed a leaf in any season. Another story says that Lord Narayan once flooded the earth to display his powers to sage Markandeya, and the only thing that was not submerged was this tree. In the epic Ramayana, this tree has been said to be the resting place of Lord Rama. Jain scriptures also declare that a tirthankara, Rishabha, once meditated extensively under this tree. Thus, it is considered sacred by the Jains. Akshay Vat lies in close proximity to the Vishnupad Temple. Dungeshwari Temple Also, known as Mahakala Caves, the Dungeshwari Caves are located 12 km north-east of Bodh Gaya. Lord Buddha is believed to have meditated in this place for six years before he went to Bodh Gaya to achieve enlightenment. A golden emaciated Buddha sculpture commemorating his rigid penance is enshrined in one of the cave temples. Another cave houses a large statue of Lord Buddha, about 6 ft high, to pay tribute to that phase of Buddha's life. There is a popular myth associated with these cave temples and it is said that during his self-mortification, Gautama became emaciated. A cow-herder by the name of Sujata was moved by his weak appearance and offered him food and water. Later, Gautama realised that enlightenment cannot be attained by self-abasement and carried on with his journey to Bodh Gaya. One of the cave temples is dedicated to the Hindu goddess, Dungeshwari. Falgu River The gushing Falgu river has been closely associated with many myths and legends. The water in the river flows only during the monsoon months and is said to be running under the riverbed due to the curse of Goddess Sita. One of the most revered rivers by Hindus, Falgu river, according to ancient texts, was known as River Niranjana. Legend has it that during exile, Lord Rama and his wife, Goddess Sita decided to rest for a while on the banks of River Falgu. As it was the period when pinda-daan (offerings made to ancestors for them to have peace) was to be done, Lord Rama went to arrange for necessary provisions even as Goddess Sita waited on the banks of the river. During his absence, his ancestors appeared and asked for the offerings without delay. As she did not have anything, she offered them the sand from the riverbank to enable them to achieve salvation. As Goddess Sita feared that Lord Rama would not believe her, she made a cow, the sacrificial fire, River Falgu, a brahman and a tree witnesses. But when Lord Rama returned and questioned them all, they all refused. All the witnesses except the tree said that she was lying as they hoped Lord Rama will make another round of offerings. An angry Goddess Sita cursed them all including River Falgu, which was condemned to run below the earth’s surface to hide her head in shame for lying. Mangla Gauri Temple Dedicated to Goddess Shakti or Sati, the Mangla Gauri Temple belongs to the 15th century. Widely worshiped in the region, Goddess Mangla Gauri is considered the deity of benevolence. The temple is also revered as it is one of the 18 mahashaktipeeths (devotional shrines where the body parts of Goddess Sati fell), and stands atop the Manglagauri Hill. During the monsoon months, on every Tuesday, a special worship ceremony is conducted. Women fast so that their family prospers and husband achieves success and fame. The worship offering includes 16 types of bangles, seven varieties of fruits and five sweets. An idol or photo of the goddess is first bathed in milk, curd and water and then robed in red cloth. Vermilion, henna and kohl are applied to the deity, which is then placed on a wooden plank. Fruits, sweets and ornaments are kept in front of the idol or photo and then the prayers begin. Legend has it that after Goddess Shakti’s body was shredded by Lord Vishnu’s sudarshana chakra, her breasts fell here. From then on, Goddess Mangla is worshipped in the form of breast symbol signifying nourishment. Small shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and images of Goddess Durga, Goddess Dakshnia Kali and Goddess Mahishasura Mardini, the different forms of Goddess Sati, are also worth a visit in the temple complex. The temple finds mention in the Padma Purana, Vayu Purana, Agni Purana as also Shri Devi Bhagwat Purana and Markandey Purana. The complex also has temples of Maa Kali, Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman and Lord Shiva. As one starts climbing up the small hillock on which the temple is situated, a not-to-be-missed temple is of Bhima, one of the five Pandava brothers. There is a knee impression, which locals claim belongs to him as it was here that Bhima did shraddha-karma. It is known as Bhimvedi Gaya. Pretshila Hill Around 10 km from Ramshila Hill stands Pretshila Hill and right below is the Brahma Kund where people take a dip before going for pinda-daan (offerings made to ancestors for them to have peace). The main attraction is a temple dedicated to Lord Yama, the god of death, that is situated on top of the hill. Ahilya Bai, the queen of Indore, built the temple in 1787, which is famous for its architecture and sculptures. In close proximity to the temple lies Ramkund that is believed to be the spot where Lord Rama once bathed. Devotees believe that taking a dip in this tank absolves them of their sins. It is said that the temple was built by her to pacify a spirit that once haunted this place. Another legend mentions a demon named Gayasur who felt distressed every time he saw death so he went atop a mountain and offered penance. Pleased with Gayasur, Lord Vishnu offered him to seek a blessing. Gayasur requested Lord Vishnu that whosoever came in contact with him, be it an insect or an animal, a saint or a common man, an angel or a demon, a holy person or a demon, he or she should find salvation after having been purified of all sins. Beginning that day, anyone who came in touch with Gayasur achieved salvation and moved to Vaikunth or the abode of Lord Vishnu. However, it is said that Lord Vishnu killed Gayasur by stamping his foot over him and in turn, forming the most pious land on earth called Gayakshetra. This entire incident changed Gayasur into a number of rocky hills that now form the landscape of the city of Gaya. As this place is said to have been blessed by the powers of purification, people come here to perform shraddha sacrifices on Gayasur’s body to dissolve the sins of their ancestors. Ramshila Hill Lord Rama is believed to have offered pinda-daan on this hill, thus the name Ramshila Hill came into being. Around the hill, one can notice a number of stone sculptures that belong to the ancient times. These clearly suggest that once a temple existed here. Today, atop the hill stands the Patalesvara or Ramesvara Temple. Built originally in 1014 AD, the temple seems to have undergone restoration on numerous occasions. Pinda-daan is offered by Hindu devotees for their ancestors during pitrapaksh at a pavilion in front of the temple. This pavilion was built by Kolkata-based Krishna Basu in 1811 AD. The temple houses idols of Lord Rama, Goddess Sita and Lord Lakshmana. Devotees can also pay their respects at the Shiva temple on the hill. Claimed to be around 300 years old, the temple has a foot-tall shivling made from rock crystal stone (sphatik) and a five-ft-high idol of Lord Ganesha, made of impure coral. This sphatik shivling can only be found at two other locations, Rameswaram’s Setu Bandh and Jammu’s Raghunath Temple. Sita Kund Situated on the bank of River Falgu, on the opposite side of Vishnupad Temple, lies Sita Kund. It is believed to be the spot where Sita Devi performed the ritual of pinda-daan for king Dashratha, her father-in-law and a small temple stands there now. Another legend says that this is the spot where the goddess took a bath before going into exile for 14 years with her husband, Lord Rama, and brother-in-law, Lord Lakshmana. Tourists can also visit nearby shrines dedicated to Lord Rama, Lord Hanuman, Goddess Sita and Goddess Durga and pay obeisance to the deities. Today, this pond is a significant spiritual site, where devotees come to soak in sacred vibes and admire tranquil surroundings. Vishnupad Temple Vishnupad Mandir is called so as it is believed to feature a 40-cm-long footprint of Lord Vishnu in a basalt rock. As the story goes, Lord Vishnu killed demon Gayasur at this place by stamping his foot on his chest. After Lord Vishnu pushed the demon under the earth with his foot, his footprint was retained in a rock. Though the origin of the temple is unknown, it is believed that Ahilya Bai Holkar, the queen of Indore, had the present octagonal shrine built in 1787. The temple is located on the banks of Falgu river and draws devotees from across the country. Within the courtyard of the complex, lie other temples dedicated to Lord Narasimha and Lord Shiva in the avatar of Phalgwisvara. These temples are significant places of Hindu worship.
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