Pramāṇa · Search · About · API

Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s2.t5: Gaya

Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s2.t5

Language
English

Gaya

v1.c7.s2.t5.1

Among the ancient living cities of India, Gaya has been famous for both of its Hindu and Buddhist connections. Situated at the bank of River Falgu (referred in Ramayana as Niranjana), it actually encompasses the historical village of Bodhgaya (about 11 km), the place where Buddha achieved enlightenment. It is not far from Patliputra (about 100 km), the ancient capital of Magadh and Maurya kingdom, or Patna, the present capital of modern Bihar province. Ancient cities of Vaishali, Rajagriha, Nalanda (about 70 km) are also close-by. It is surrounded by small rocky hills (Mangla-Gauri, Ram-Shila and Brahmayoni) by three sides and the river flowing on the fourth (eastern) side.

v1.c7.s2.t5.2

The history of origin of Gaya is shrouded in legends. In *Puranas*, the city's name is linked with the tale of a demon Gayasura who lived here and attained divine power after severe penance. Fearful of his power intruding the work of gods of Heaven, Lord Vishnu killed him by pressing his chest and body down to earth by his foot. He, however, granted him the boon that anybody performing worship in the area covered by his body shall attain salvation. The Vishnupada (Vishnu's footstep) Temple erected there later commemorates that event and is the most famous and holiest temple of the city. Another legend found in *Mahabharat* as well as in *Buddhacharita* attribute the name of the city to the holy residence of a most respected sage called Gaya. Xuanzang in his travelogue too refers to this story.

v1.c7.s2.t5.3

Pipal/Bodhi trees

v1.c7.s2.t5.4

Historically, Gaya has been known as a prominent city under the Magadh empire. During the time of Bimbisar, the fifth king of the Sisunaga dynasty in 600 BCE, the city became more famous as it came into the limelight because of its significant association with Lord Gautam Buddha and Mahavir. After the brief rule of Nandas, the city came under the Mauryans whose great emperor Ashoka,] patronised the city after having embraced Buddhism. The famous Mahabodhi Temple and Ashokan Pillars adorned the city. During Gupta dynasty, it became the headquarters of Bihar district. The Guptas were followed by the Palas whose king Dharamapala built/ rebuilt the present Mahabodhi Temple at Bodhgaya. During his visit to Xuanzang, he found it inhabited by about 1,000 respected Brahmin families belonging to earlier sages. They had their own exalted social status independent of the King's political authority. Between 12th and 18th centuries, Gaya was ruled by the Muslims like Bakhtiyar Khilji and Shershah Suri until it came under the control of British after the battle of Buxar in 1764. It became an independent district in 1865 and after India's Independence, it was incorporated in Magadh Division in 1981.

v1.c7.s2.t5.5

Most of the references of Gaya describe it as an important centre of pilgrims for Hindus. It is believed that offerings made here in the name of ancestors earned enough merits for a person to get rid of all the sins and attain salvation. The spiritual merit of Gaya is mentioned in Mahabharata as well as in *Puranas* like Padma, Naradiya, Varaha, Kurma, Garuda and Vayu. Lord Rama came to this city with his wife Sita to perform offering-ceremonies for his departed father, King Dashrath. Even now, the city is visited by hundreds and thousands of Hindu pilgrims to worship for their ancestors. Beside the famous Vishnupada Temple (renovated by the Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar in the 18th century) and the sacred Akshayavat (the everlasting banyan/peepal tree), there are sacred shrines on the hilltop at Rama Shila, Mangla Gauri and Brahmayoni and are part of the pilgrimage circuit. Bhumihar Brahmins, known as Gayawal Pandas, are the traditional priests here.

v1.c7.s2.t5.6

Buddhist tradition regards the footstep in the Vishnupad Temple as those of Gautam Buddha (who is regarded by a section of Hindus as an incarnation of Vishnu). Buddhists, however, regard the Brhmayoni Hill (Xuanzang refers to it as Gaya-Shir), an important sacred place. Buddha preached the Fire Sermon (Adittapariyaya Sutta) to a 1,000 former fire-worshipping ascetics who all became enlightened while listening to this discourse. Ashoka had built many stupas on the way to this hilltop.

v1.c7.s2.t5.7

Presently, Gaya is the second largest city of Bihar province and an important hub of social, political and intellectual activities of the region.

v1.c7.s2.t5.8

(*Kamal Sheel*)

Linked texts (10)