Gaya is located in the central part of the state of Bihar, in the northeastern part of India. Gaya is a part of the great Gangetic plains. Gaya is located to the west of the Falgu River, which is a tributary of river Ganga. Gaya is 13 km north of Bodhgaya and 100 km south of Patna city.
Bihar is blessed with some of the most sacred Buddhist and Hindu shrines, Gaya being one of them. Gaya is one of the most important pilgrimage places for the Hindus. It is believed that a Hindu will reach heaven if his last rites are offered under the celebrated 'Akshyabat' or immortal banyan tree, which stands in the yard of Vishnupad temple. Legend has it the temple was built on the footsteps of Vishnu, and renovated by Ahalyabai, Queen of Indore.Gaya is sacred space, eternally consecrated to the creator of the Universe. It is said that Lord Vishnu Himself set Foot here and His footprint is preserved on stone at the famous Vishnupada Temple. The temple was constructed, to enshrine the sacred footprint, by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar in 1783 on the banks of river Phalgu. Made of black stone, the temple took workers some 30 years to complete.
Gaya is also sanctified by Goddess Sati, whose upper torso is said to have fallen here. It is the most popular spot for Hindus performing the pind daan (oblations) for deceased parents or forefathers.
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