Gaya, the home of Gautam Buddha and Lord Vishnu, is the location of some of the most remarkable landmarks connected to India’s cultural and religious past. It is one of the oldest cities in the nation, located on the banks of the revered Phalgu River. Rocky hills named Mangla-Gauri, Shringa-Sthan, Ram-Shila, and Brahmayoni, each with significant historical importance, encircle Gaya on three sides. Travellers have frequented these stunning Gaya tourist attractions for countless years. Gaya is the location where Ram, Sita, and Lakshman went to sacrifice pind-daan for their father, Dasharath.
Gaya is named after the demon (asura) king Gayasur, who was a follower of Lord Vishnu. Millions of people still visit the city every year for pind-daan, maintaining the tradition. Gaya is also home to Bodh Gaya, the place where Gautam Buddha acquired enlightenment. The Mahabodhi Temple Complex is the most sacred location for Buddhists and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can reach Gaya,
By air: Gaya Airport (IATA: GAY, ICAO: VEGY), also known as Bodhgaya Airport, is a restricted international airport serving Gaya, Bihar, India.
By train: Gaya Junction railway station is a junction station serving the city of Gaya, the headquarters of Gaya district and Magadh Division.
By road: You can fly to Gaya Airport, and from there you can take the road.
10 must-visit Gaya tourist places to visit
Vishnupad Temple
One of the most famous and well-known Hindu temples in Bihar and India is the Vishnupad Temple. This temple attracts worshippers from around the nation, particularly during the pind-daan ceremony. Vishnupad Mandir, a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is a popular destination and one of the most significant locations to see in Gaya. Since Lord Ram, Mata Sita, and Lakshaman had all visited this temple, it is said that its history dates back to the Treta Yug. However, Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar, the Maratha ruler of Indore, erected the current building in 1878. On the bank of the Falgu River, this mandir stands as the capital of the city’s spiritual history.
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fees: Free
Source: Pinterest
Mahabodhi Temple
Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the most revered place of worship in Buddhism. People travel from all over the globe to Bodh Gaya to visit the temple and experience its spiritual splendour. One of only two international airports in Bihar, Gaya Airport, is situated around ten kilometres from the shrine. Mahabodhi Temple, the most well-liked tourist destination in the Gaya District, draws tourists from all walks of life. Buddhist monks and Yogis seeking tranquillity can find a tranquil setting under the Bodhi Tree (also known as the “tree of awakening”), located behind the temple. A delightful experience is touring the Mahabodhi Mahavihara, where one may observe absolute mindfulness.
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fees: Free
Source: Pinterest
Mangla Gauri Mandir
Given that Gaya is home to Mangla Gauri Temple, one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, the city has a rich religious heritage. The mandir draws thousands of devotees during Navratri and hundreds of worshipers daily. Numerous well-known Hindu writings, including the Vayu Puran, Padma Puran, Markandeya Puran, etc., reference the temple. Mangla Gauri Temple is one of the most well-known tourist attractions in Gaya because of its historical significance. The Gaya temple is devoted to the Mahishasura Mardini incarnation of Goddess Durga, worshipped there in the shape of her breasts, a symbol of sustenance. On the grounds of the Mangla Gauri Mandir are temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Maa Kali, Lord Hanuman, and Lord Shiva.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fees: Free
The Great Buddha Statue
One of the most well-liked tourist attractions in Bodhgaya and Gaya is the Great Buddha Statue. Numerous tourists from all over the world arrive to see the 64-foot figure of the Buddha in meditation. The monument, one of Gaya’s most visited attractions, is a popular location for selfies and group photos. The 14th Dalai Lama blessed the Great Buddha Statue on November 18, 1989. It was created by renowned Tamil Nadu sculptor Vaidyanatha Ganapati Sthapati. Smaller statues of Bhagwan Gautam Buddha’s ten most important pupils surround the larger statue. The surrounding vegetation enhances your stay greatly.
Timings: 7 AM – 12 PM
Entry Fees: Free
Source: Pinterest
Sujata Stupa
The Sujata Stupa is of utmost importance to India’s spiritual heritage. It is dedicated to Sujata, the milkmaid who served milk and grains to Gautama Buddha there. According to legend, this occurrence signalled the conclusion of his seven-year fast and asceticism. In addition, an Ashoka pillar in front of the stupa was moved there in 1956. Sujata Stupa is one of the most popular Buddhist tourist destinations in the Gaya District despite being a region that is comparatively unknown to many people.
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: Free
Bodh Gaya’s Monasteries and Temples
As the epicentre of Buddha’s teachings, Bodh Gaya is home to several monasteries and temples constructed by citizens of numerous nations, including Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Mongolia, Taiwan, Cambodia, Tibet, and Nepal, and displaying the local architectural styles. For instance, the Thai temple is slope-shaped, whereas the Nippon temple in Japan is a pagoda-shaped structure. These architectural wonders, created over several centuries, are among the most stunning tourist destinations in Gaya. Visitors and worshippers from all nations go to India to admire its astounding beauty and variety. These Buddhist temples and monasteries in Gaya District are stunning illustrations of the rich Bihar’s past.
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fees: Free
Source: Pinterest
Dukh Harni Mandir
Hindu devotion is centred on the city’s Dukh Harni Mandir, located on the NH-83 between Gaya and Patna. The Jama Masjid of Gaya and the Dukh Harni Dwar (gate) are both linked to the same wall, serving as a symbol of harmony for the city’s Hindu and Muslim residents. One of the most well-known temples in Gaya town is Dukh Harni Mandir, which is devoted to Goddess Durga. Numerous worshippers come to the temple daily to ask for the goddess’ blessings. The splendour of this temple is breathtaking during Durga Puja.
Timings: 4 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: Free
Dungeshwari Cave Temple
The history and tourist legacy of Bihar are perhaps some of the most intriguing in all of India. The tale of Dungeshwari Cave is proof of this. Before moving to Bodh Gaya to achieve enlightenment, the cave is said to have shielded Gautam Buddha for nearly six years. The Dungeshwari Cave Temple and some other nearby mandirs are significant Gaya tourist attractions for visitors who wish to learn more about Buddha’s spiritual journey. Visits to Dungeshwari Cave will get you familiar with several tales relating to Lord Buddha. A little monsoon waterfall is also located close to the cave.
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: Free
Source: Pinterest
Pretshila Temple
The Pretshila Mandir, an exceptionally gorgeous and old temple, is situated in the Pretshila Hills, also known as the Ghost Hills, not far from Niyazipur hamlet. The pind-daan and Pitru-paksha Mela that are held at the temple during the Ashwin Hindu month are well-known. Pret Shila, a respected Gaya temple, has a significant place in Bihar’s religious past. On top of the hill is a temple dedicated to Lord Yama, the God of Death. Rani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, a Maratha queen, built it at first. The sacred pond known as Ramkund is located on the slopes, where legend has it that Lord Ram once bathed.
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: Free
Brahmayoni Hill Temple
Due to its setting in the midst of nature and the lovely legend around it, Brahmayoni Hill Temple is one of the popular temples in Gaya that you really must see. The natural rock aperture or crack in the hilltop temple symbolises the feminine force of Lord Brahma. The phrases Brahma (the creator god) and Yoni combine to form the term Brahmayoni (the female reproductive part). One of the well-liked tourist destinations in Gaya, this mandir also exhibits the stunning depiction of sexuality in Hinduism, highlighting why Hinduism is exceptional and the finest religion in the world. The major reasons devotees go to the mandir are to be liberated from ancestral misdeeds and parental curses.
Timings: 5 AM – 6:30 PM
Entry Fees: Free
Source: Pinterest
FAQs
How to reach Bodh Gaya?
The closest airport is Gaya International Airport, which is located 7 kilometres from the centre of Bodh Gaya. There are direct flights from places like Varanasi and Kolkata.
Is there a railway station in Gaya?
Gaya Junction railway station is serves the city of Gaya, the headquarters of the Gaya district and Magadh Division.
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