5 Spiritual Places To Visit In Gaya, Bihar

One of the most fabulous tourist attractions that draw people to Bihar is the impressive pilgrimage city of Gaya. Gaya is recognised as the world-famous Buddhist pilgrimage spot and the birthplace of Buddhism as Gautama Buddha attained nirvana in Bodh Gaya under the Bodhi tree. Gaya is also perceived as a Holy place for the Hindus as it has been mentioned in the great epics Ramayana where Rama, along with Sita and Lakshmana, came to offer pind-daan for their father, and till this day, people follow the rituals of pind-daan in this holy place. In this article, Dr Kausthub Desikchar talks about 5 Spiritual Places To Visit In Gaya, Bihar.

Gaya is an archaic place and has a glorious heritage and history. Gaya is a spot for those who desire to get in tactility with their spiritual self and lovers of antiquated buildings and nature. Apart from being a pilgrimage spot, Gaya has got a lot more to offer that was constructed way backwards in the 3rd century BC. Ancient caves, lakes, museums, and delicious Bihari food and mouth-watering sweets are things one must not miss when visiting Gaya. 

Language Spoken: Magadhi, Hindi, Urdu 

Weather: Blistering hot summers, cold winters

Festivals Celebrated: Gaya Pitru Paksha, Buddha Pournami

Best Time To Visit: October – March

5 Spiritual Places To Visit In Gaya, Bihar

1.Mahabodhi Temple

Mahabodhi temple is commonly identified as the Great Awakening temple, as it is believed that Lord Buddha attained illumination. It is situated in Bodhgaya, Bihar. The Mahabodhi temple having spiritual and ancient importance, has been acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The greatest fascination of this temple is the Bodhi tree, under which Lord Buddha used to meditate. Even today, people perform prayers before the bodhi tree as it is understood that doing so can curb evil and purify your sins.

2.Great Buddha Statue

The Great Buddha statue is the most prominent halts on the Buddhist pilgrimage in Bodh Gaya, Bihar and draws pilgrims worldwide.

Lord Buddha’s statue stands about 25 meters raised, in his meditation pose. This spot is near the Mahabodhi temple and was solely established for people to visit and spread the teachings of Gautama Buddha. 

3.Yama Temple, Pretshila Hill

Yama Temple, placed on Pretshilla hills, is one the most pious places in Gaya for the Hindus as people offer pind-daan, the ritual performed for the harmony of the departed soul. On top of the hill prevails a Yama temple, the God of Death as per Hindu mythology. 

4.Mangla Gauri Temple

Mangla Gauri temple is dedicated to Goddess Shakti. It is of most sacred importance to Hindus as it is one of the famous Shakti Peethas in India and is mentioned in the Vayu Purana, Padma Purana, and Agni Purana, as well as in many other tantric scriptures. You will see some ancient artistic sculptures, shrines of Lord Shiva with Goddess Durga, and her incarnations. This temple is a holy place where Goddess Shakti grants the desires of her devotees.

5.Vishnupad Temple

Vishnupad Temple is dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu. One can witness Lord Vishnu’s footprint embraced by silver engravings, which is about 40 centimetres in length. The story behind this was a demon named Gayasur who grants people salvation(moksha) with just a glimpse. Lord Vishnu felt this was incorrect, and salvation can exclusively be obtained by walking in the path of righteousness. To restrain sinful people from succeeding in salvation promptly, Lord Vishnu, with his feet, suppressed Gayasur below the earth’s facade, which created these engraved footprints.

Dr Kausthub Desikachar ends by saying, visiting Gaya in itself is a spiritual and peaceful journey. Plan visiting Gaya as your next tourist spot.