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One of the holiest towns of the Hindus, Gaya is located in the central part of the state of Bihar on the west bank of the Falgu River. It is a part of the great Gangetic plains 13 km north of Bodhgaya and 97 km south of Patna city. Thousands of devotees throng this small town every year to offer funerary offerings (pinds) at the ghats along the river and pray for the souls of their ancestors. The main pilgrim centre in Gaya is the Vishnu temple. Legend has it that this temple was built on Lord Vishnu’s footsteps. Another legend says that if the final rites are performed in Gaya, the departed soul goes to heaven. This is because Lord Vishnu is believed to have bestowed upon Gaya the power to absolve the sins of the sinners. We are a leading travel agent for India and offer complete travel and tour services to Gaya
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Some of the important tourist sites in Gaya are:
The main tourist attraction of Gaya is the Vishnupad temple. This temple was built in the Hindu shikhara style of architecture (shikhara: the superstructure, tower, or spire above the sanctuary and also above the pillared mandaps or porches) and is located on the west bank of Falgu River at the southeastern edge of the town. Built by Rani Ahilya Bai of Indore in the 18th century, the spot on which it stands is associated with the famous mythological event of Lord Vishnu killing Gaya and leaving marks of his footprint on the rock, which is the main object of worship in the temple. The shraadh (funerary rites) is customarily performed under a fig tree while the women pilgrims perform it indoors.
The small Archaeological Museum houses local artifacts and icons that provide a peep into the history of the region. A majority of the icons and images found here are related to Buddha.
The Brahmajuni Hill, 1 km southwest of the Vishnupad temple, is an important spot. One thousand stone steps lead the travelers to the top of this hill, from where one can have a full view of Gaya.
While on a shopping spree in Gaya remember that Gaya is famous for its stone images; one can buy stone images relating to Buddha, Ganesha, and other gods in the local market. Decorative drinking glasses, smoothly turned out coasters and large platters, customarily used to serve offerings to deities at temples, are some other objects d’art worth buying in Gaya.
Devout Hindus have an obligation to visit Gaya after the death of their parents, a mandatory rite believed to bring salvation to the departed soul. Though the pinddaan (funerary rites) can be performed almost any time of the year, people prefer the occasion of the Pitrapaksha Mela that takes place in September.
So all set for the trip to Gaya? As an experienced travel agent for Gaya we can take care of your entire trip from tour planning, air booking, railway reservation to car rentals and hotel bookings.
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