Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s2.t5.6

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.