Gaya is a city in Bihar, India, and it is also the headquarters of Gaya District. Gaya is 100 kms south of Patna, the capital city of Bihar. Situated on the banks of Falgu River.

Here Lord Budhha preached the essence of life and Lord Vishnu preached the reality of death.
It is believed that this place has been blessed by Lord Vishnu with purificatory powers to the “Atma”.The well known Vishnupad temple is situated at Andhargaya on the bank of river Phalgu and about 3 Kms from the heart of the town whereas Bodhi briksha (Bodhi tree) and Mahabodhi temple is situated at Bodhgaya which is about 11/ 13 Kms from the heart of the town.

Legend has it that a gentle demon named Gaya, appalled by the sorrow caused by death, complained to Vishnu, and as protest died for the world.

Impressed by his resolve, Vishnu blessed Gaya with the power to absolve sinners. Like Varanasi, and many other riverside towns, Gaya is a “tirtha” – a crossing across the celestial divide.