Gaya Holiday Packages
Gaya is another area in the Northeast Indian state of Bihar with great significance. Situated a 100 kilometers (62 miles) south of Patna, This ancient city is the second largest in the entire state in terms of population, with more than 470,000 people.
It also serves as the head of the Gaya district and that of the Magadh division.
Gaya’s topography is marked by three small and rocky hills flanking it on all sides - the Mangla-Gauri, Shringa-Sthan, Ram-Shila, and Brahmayoni. The Phalgu River flows on its eastern side.
Gaya is a great destination choice for tourists who want to experience authentic Indian culture. Holiday packages to the city and its surrounds focus on sites that have historical and/or religious value.
Religious Center
Don’t be so surprised that all these Gaya holiday packages will also include trips to a temple of some kind.
The Gaya District is known as a hub for religious activity by Buddhism and Hinduism practitioners. Described below are some of the spots sacred to both religions that are well worth a visit.
Gaya has been regarded by followers of the Hindu religion as a sacred spot. Hindu Pilgrims visit the city and make offerings at the Vishnupad Temple to relieve recently departed loved ones from the birth-rebirth cycle.
Vishnupad Temple was built in Shikhara style and dedicated to Lord Shiva, who resides here in the form of Phalgwisvara. It was built originally in the Shikhara style but underwent reconstruction in 1787.
The district of Gaya is also mentioned in two great epics, the Ramayana and Mahabharata. According to these works, it is where Rama, accompanied by Sita and Lakshmana, came to offer pind-daan for their father Dasharath.
There are other noteworthy Hindu temples in the area. There’s the Mangla Gauri Temple dedicated to the goddess Shakti. The temple’s inner sanctum features Shakti’s symbol alongside beautiful sculptures. Small shrines have also been erected on site for Lord Shiva and the goddesses Durga and Dakshina.
Traveling 13 kilometers from the city of Gaya will bring to Bodh Gaya, a religious site and place of pilgrimage that is associated with the Mahabodhi Temple Complex. The complex itself is a sacred place for Buddhists because it marks the location of Buddha’s enlightenment.
A descendant of the Bodhi Tree where Siddharta Gautama gained enlightenment can be found within the complex.
Bodh Gaya is considered the most important of the main four pilgrimage sites related to the life of Gautama Buddha. The other three are Kushinagar, Lumbini, and Sarnath. In fact, it has been a major pilgrimage destination for more than 2,000 years.
The complex was originally built from brick covered with stucco. As these materials weren’t durable, the structures have undergone major restoration throughout the years.
The part of the structure that remains authentic and visible dates back to the 7th century CE, or perhaps somewhat earlier.
The Mahabodhi Temple Complex was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, marking both its religious influence and cultural significance.