Gaya, a city steeped in spiritual and cultural significance, offers a rich tapestry of attractions that go beyond its religious importance. Located in Bihar, India, it is renowned as a major pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists, but its scenic landscapes, historical sites, and vibrant local culture make it a must-visit for all types of travelers. Below is a curated list of the top 10 tourist places in Gaya that showcase its timeless charm and diverse appeal.
1. Vishnupad Temple
Vishnupad Temple is the one of the most important religious place for Hindus. The temple gets its name from the legendary story of Lord and Gayasur. Gayasur, a demon had attained a boon that anyone who sees him would attain salvation, thus unrighteous people also attained salvation by seeing him. It was then Lord Vishnu appeared and pushed the demon beneath the earth with his foot. His Footprint is believed to be in the temple incised on a block of basalt.The temple is also famous for performing pinddaan for one’s ancestors so that they attain salvation.
2. Mahabodhi Temple
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A UNESCO world heritage site, the Mahabodhi temple is the most revered place among the Buddhists. Located in Bodh Gaya, around 120 km from Patna, this is the place where Buddha attained enlightment under the Bodhi Tree. Since then, it has been the holy place of pilgrimage for the Buddhists and a popular tourist destination in Bodh Gaya.
3. Ramshila Hill
Ramshila Hill, the holiest place in Gaya, located in the southeast of the city, is where people believe that Lord Rama donated “Pinda” for his ancestors. Hindu devotees and tourists are delighted to see the old stone carvings here. It is said that travelers coming with true heart can get a chance to see the character symbols of Lord Rama in Ramshila Temple. You can take bath in the holy pond here and also worship in the Shiv Temple. This place gives peace to the heart and soul.
4. Mangla Gauri Temple
Mangla Gauri Temple is one of the eighteen shaktipeeths in India worshipping Goddess Sati. According to mythology all the shaktipeeths are built at places where a body part of Goddess Sati fell after Lord Vishnu had cut her into 51 pieces with his Sudarshan Chakra. At Mangla Gauri temple, located on Mangla Gauri hills, Goddess Sati is worshiped in the form of breast, which is a symbol of nourishment. It is believed that wishes and prayers of all people coming to this temple comes true.
5. Dungeshwari Cave Temple
Dungeshwari Cave Temple also known as Mahakal caves lies 12 km north-east of Gaya. Lord Buddha spent a lot of time in these caves meditating in search of true knowledge. He later on proceeded to Bodh Gaya where he finally attained enlightenment. There are a total of 3 caves with one of the caves having a 6ft tall statue of Buddha. It is said that Buddha underwent severe penance meditating in these caves only to realise that one cannot attain enlightenment by self-indulgence or self-abasement. The driveway to the caves is quite scenic and gives an amazing experience of nature.
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6. Thai Monastery
The Thai Monastetry in Bodh Gaya was built by the monarch of Thailand on request of the first prime minister of India, pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru to strengthen ties between the two nations. It is a beautiful peace of architecture. The sloping roofs on both sided are covered with golden tiles. It is popular attraction amongst the Buddhists
7. Sujata Stupa
Sujata Stupa, the Buddhist stupa located in the village of Senanigram, Bakraur has been dedicated to the milkmaid lady Sujata who fed rice and milk to Buddha and ended his seven years of starving and ascetism. It is believed that only after this incident, Buddha realised the Middle path to attain enlightenment. The stupa is believed to have been built in 2nd century BCE.
8. Royal Bhutan Monastery
Royal Bhutan Monastery was constructed by he monarch of Bhutan as a tribute to Lord Buddha. It is one of the most popular attraction of Bodh Gaya. The seven-feet tall statue of Buddha and the clay carvings on the side walls depicting the life of Gautam Buddha is worth paying a visit to the temple. Bhutanese Monks living in the monastery organise prayers and conduct learning courses on Buddhism for the followers.
9. Archaeological Museum Bodhgaya
Archaeological Museum Bodhgaya lies in proximity to the Mahabodhi Temple. Established in 1956, the ancient museum has two galleries and an open courtyard. Tourists come here to sightsee the beautiful and rare antique collections. The museum houses terracotta items, ancient sculptures, coins from the Mughal Period, and idols of Hindu Gods idols’ made of silver, bronze, and gold. You’ll feel blessed to see the sight of Lord Buddha in Abhaya Pose and Varaha Avatar in the museum.
10. Bodhi Tree
It’s a descendant of the original tree under which Siddhartha Gautama meditated for 49 days and became the Buddha after attaining enlightenment. Every year, millions of pilgrims and tourists visit this holy site to honor its spiritual significance and walk the historic path of enlightenment.