Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s2.t5.2

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.