On Yuan Chwang's Travels in India, 629–645 A.D. v2.c19.75

v2.c19.75

From the Śīlabhadra Monastery the pilgrim travelled 40 or 50 *li* south-west, crossed the Nairañjanā River and came to Gayā. This city was strongly situated but had few inhabitants; there were only above 1000 brahmin families, descendants of the original (or according to some texts, great) rishi, and these were not subject to the king, and were treated by all with reverence. Above 30 *li* to the north of the city was a clear spring, the water of which was regarded as sacred and purifying. Five or six *li* to the south-west of the city was the Gayā Mountain with dark gorges and inaccessible cliffs, called by Indians "Spiritual Mountain". From ancient times sovereigns who have spread their good government to distant peoples, and in merit have excelled previous dynasties, all ascend this mountain and solemnly announce what they have done. On the top of the mountain was a stone tope above 100 feet high built by Asoka at the place where Buddha uttered the "Pao-Yun" and other sūtras.