One of the most well known places in Bihar, Gaya is surrounded by three hills – Brahmyoni, Pretshila and Ramshila. Though more important for Hindus, Gaya, 12 km from Bodh Gaya in Bihar, is held in great reverence by the Buddhists of the country as well. The Buddha stayed here for sometime and delivered His famous fire sermon on what is today known as the Brahmyoni hill.

The Hindus believe that if the last rites of the deceased is performed here under the ’Akshayabat’ or immortal banyan tree of the Vishnupad Temple, then the souls go straight to heaven. The Buddhist, too, believe that the place is of immense significance for them.



Buddhist Attractions In & Around Gaya

• Gaya Museum : The Gaya Museum is worthvisiting because of its large collection of stone sculptures and other artifacts. Highlight of the museum are the bronze statues. The small collection of the Buddha statues and pillars are also attractive. The museum is maintained by ASI, Archaeological Survey of India and is open between 10 am to 5 pm everyday except Monday.
  
  
• Brahmayoni (Brahmajuni) Hill : At a distnace of 1 km southwest of the Vishnupada Temple, this hill offers some fantastic views of city from its top. Also, on the top are two narrow caves – Brahmayoni and Matreyoni – Passing through these caves, it is believed, no one will experience rebirth. A temple dedicated to the Asthabujadevi and other goddesses is at the top too. To reach the top, you need to take an arduous 40 to 60 minutes walk up 424 high stone steps.
  
  
• Tankitamancha : A place of Buddhist interest, it is now a huge tank known as Sujikind. Here, at this place, it is believed, the Buddha met and conversed with evil spirit, Suchiloma. Reference regarding Suchiloma cam be found in Sutta Nipata, discourse No 5. The tank is surrounded by huge walls of stone block and at its northern end are quiet a few Buddhist stupas and statues.
  
  
• Barabar Caves : 20 kms from Gaya, Barabar Caves are amongst the earliest Buddhist rock cut caves. The caves were initially constructed during the reign of Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century and additions were made later on. The Barabar Caves basically comprise three types of caves – Nagarjuna caves, caves of the five Pandavas and the Hut caves. The first one is the largest one and portray Jataka tales. The second one, as per its name, served as the residence of the five Pandava brothers during their exile. The Hut Caves, again, as per their name, are shaped like hut, three sides have stone walls while the rest is open.
  
  
  
  
  

Other Attractions

• The Vishnupada Temple : Standing on the subterranean banks of the river Falgu, the Vishnupada temple is 3 km away from the city. It was constructed by RajaRadhakanta Dev of Shovbazaar, Kolkata and renovated by Rani Ahalya Bai of Indore. The temple has a 30 m high tower that rests on 8 rows of decorated pillars covered with silver. Within, 16 inches long and 6 inches wide lotus feet of Lord Vishnu is imprinted on a solid rock, 48 inches diametre. The footprint, which is the primary object of worship in the temple, is surrounded by silver plated basin. Devotees offer water on the stone imprint on behalf of their forefathers. Also within the temple complex is the Akshaya vat, or the immortal banyan tree where last rites of an expired person is perfomed as per Hindu tradition. It is also believed that the Buddha practised meditation under this tree before going to Bodh Gaya and attaining enlightenment.
  
  
• Ramshila Hill : Located 5 kms from the Vishnupad temple, the Ramshila Hill has a Sita Ram Lakshman Temple and Paleswara temple at its top. At Ramkund, pinda is offered.
  
  
• Pretshila Hill : 3 kms ahead of the Ramshila Hill is the Pretshila Hill with a kund at the bottom. Here, pind-dan of those who died in accidents is performed.
  
  
• Deo Sun Temple : Deo is located north of the Vishnupada temple on the banks of the Sone river, around 20 km from Gaya.The Sun temple here is extremely famous. During the Chhat puja celebration (6 days after Dipawali), pilgrims stand waist deep in the water of the river and offer prayers as well as newly harvested grains, fruits and home made sweets to Sun god. A fair is also held here during this puja.
  
  
• Gandhi Mandap : This is a pavilion that was constructed to honour the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi.
  
  

Quick Getaways

• Bodh Gaya : 12 kms from Gaya, Bodh Gaya is one of the four holy spots for Buddhists. It was here that prince Siddharta found enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree and became the Buddha. The Bodhi Tree, Maha Bodhi Temple, a number of Buddhist Monasteries and the Bodh Gaya Museum are the main attractions for the Buddhist.
  
  
• Kurkihar : Located 22 km from Gaya, Kurkihar is a small village located on a site that was earlier a monastery. Excavation work carried out in the 1930 unearthed 148 Buddhist bronze artefacts from this area. A whole lot of these artefacts are now placed in the museums of Patna and Kolkata.
  
  
• Gurpa : Gurpa is the place where the Maha Kassapa, the successor of Lord Buddha, spent his last days in meditation. The mountain, at that point of time, was known as Kukkutapadagiri and was quiet a favourite with Maha Kassapa.
  
  
• Nalanda : Nalanda is 95 km away from Gaya and is famous for its ruins of Buddhist University that existed during the 5th century. The Nalanda Archaeological Museum, the Nava Nalanda Mahavihara and Hieun Tsang Memorial Hall are other attractions of Nalanda.
  
  
• Rajgir : Rajgir is just 12 km from Nalanda and is known for being the place where the first Buddhist Council was convened after the death of the Buddha. Also, during His lifetime, the Buddha spent 12 years teaching here on the Griddhakuta Hill. The Vishwa Shanti Stupa Temple is amongst the attractions of this small town.
  
  
• Patna : Located on the banks of holy river Ganges, Patna is the capital city of Bihar. Worthvisiting in this city are the Patna Museum, Golghar, Khudabaksha Library, Sadakat Ashram, Nawab Sahid ka Makbara, Takhat Sri Harminder sahib or Patna Sahib and Sher Shah Masjid. Patna is located around 120 km from Gaya and takes around 2 ½ hours by train.
  
  
• Sasaram : Located 123 kms from Gaya, Sasaram has a Dargah on Chandan Pir Hill, tombs of Sher Shah Suri, his father and son, apart from a cave with Ashokan edicts as its prime attraction.