Introduction:
Gaya is located in the central part of the state of Bihar, in the northeastern part of India. It is a part of the great Gangetic plains. It is located to the west of the Falgu River, which is a tributary of river Ganga. It is 13 km north of Bodhgaya and 100 km south of Patna city. The climate of Gaya is tropical. Summers are generally hot (April?June), while winters are cool (October?February). It experiences southwestern monsoon rains from July to September.

Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment in this particular place after he was disturbed and disillusioned by the miseries of the poor. Lying south of the city of Patna, the place of Gaya houses the sacred Mahabodhi temple and the sacred sampling of the Bodhi tree under which Lord Buddha attained eternal wisdom. Gaya lies in the state of Bihar, an ancient place of historic importance in terms of knowledge and learning. Gaya is one of the important holy places for Hindus and thousands of devotees throng this small town every year for pilgrimage. The main pilgrim center in Gaya is the Vishnu temple. Legend has it that this temple was built on Lord Vishnu?s footsteps and is thus considered very sacred by the devotees. It is also believed by Hindus that if the final rights are performed in Gaya, the departed soul goes to heaven.

The main tourist attraction of Gaya is the Vishnupad temple. This temple was built in the Hindu Shikhar style of architecture and is located on the west bank of Falgu River at the southeastern edge of the town. Gaya is a religious center and it is believed that the principal Hindu God, Vishnu has bestowed upon Gaya the power to absolve the sin of the sinners, who come here for pilgrimage. Pilgrims also come to offer funerary offerings (or pinds) at the ghats along the river and pray for the souls of their ancestors. There is a small archeological museum in Gaya. The Brahmajuni hill 1 km southwest of the Vishnupad temple is an important spot. One thousand stone steps lead the travelers to the top of this hill, from where one can have a full view of Gaya. The Brahmajuni hill 1 km southwest of the Vishnupad temple is an important spot. One thousand stone steps lead the travelers to the top of this hill, from where one can have a full view of Gaya.