Gaya is a pilgrimage city of Bihar situated at the bank of river Falgun. People from all around the world visit this place to participate in Pitru-Paksha fair. Many people visit the temple during this time to offer prayers to ancestors for their salvation and peace.
Other religious places in Gaya situated on the bank of river Falgu are Vishnupad temple, Raamsheela, Akshayavata, Brahmayoni Parbat etc.
Sun temple of Gaya
Sun temple is situated at the bank of river Sona in Aurangabad district. As per the legends, the signs engraved on the stones of the temple signifies victory of Vishwakarma on arts.
It is considered one of the most important religious places where all the desires of the devotees gets fulfilled. Huge crowd can be seen on the occasion of Chatt festival. Fair is also organized on this occasion and almost everyone participated in it.
This temple is famous for its unique style of architecture. This temple is constructed by carving stones and faces the western direction. It is believed that Vishwakarma constructed this temple himself.
According to the words inscribed on the pillars of the temple, King Ilaputra Purvaruva constructed this temple in 8th or 9th century.
Vishnupad temple of Gaya
Vishnupad temple is one of the oldest hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It considered to be a religious and sacred place of Hindus. During the period of Pitrapaksha a huge crowd of devotees can be seen in this temple. It is believed that the temple was built with the footprints of Lord Vishnu in the centre. n the bank of river Falgu pind daan is performed for the salvation of dead ancestors. The footprints of Lord Vishnu can be seen at the center of the temple.
Banaabar Mountain
Banaabar Mountain is in the northern side of Gaya . It is one of the most naturally beautiful and historical site of India. Banaabar mountain has its own historical significance. This place is also known as Gorathgiri. Caves such as Lomash rishi cave, Kana chaupar, Sudama cave, Vishwa hut, Gopi cave and Vaidantika cave are some of the important places of Banaabar mountain.
An ancient temple of Lord Shiva is situated at the highest peak of the mountain. A huge crowd of devotees visit this temple to offer their prayers in the month of Sawaan and on the day of Anant Chaturdashi. People also offer water to Baba Sidheshwar Nath during this time. There is a freshwater spring at the foothill of the mountain known as Pataalganga. Taking bath in this water spring is considered very important and people who visit the temple offer the water of this spring only to Lord Shiva.
Maurya Kaleen Cave and Sheela Lekh have also been found in this mountain. These caves have been made with big rocks and represents the art of ancient times. The seven caves of Banaabae mountain is known as Satgharva. Four caves are situated near to the mountain and the other three are on Nagarjuna Mountain.
Famous Chinese traveller Hosang and British author E.M Foster have also described this place in their writings. It has been honored as a Historical monument by Archaeological Survey of India.
Brahmaoni Mountain.
Gautam preached the aditya paryaya sutra on this holy mountain. Mahabodhi temple is one of the most ancient and famous temple for Buddha. There are many religious places and saint shelters on Patna Marg. Lord Buddha achieved his wisdom at this place. Rajgiri, Nalanda, Vaishali, Patliputra were some of the other centers of knowledge and wisdom in ancient times.
There is a small temple of Lord Shiva at the foothill of the mountain beneath a huge Banyan tree. It is believed that Falgu river used to flow from above this mountain in ancient time. But after being cursed by goddess Sita it started flowing at the bottom. It is a religious place for hindus and popularly known for pind daan.
Koteswarnatha
Koteswarnath Shiva Temple is situated at the bank of river Morhar in Mane district. People from all around the world visit the temple on the occasion of Shivaratri every year to participate in the fair organized.
Mahabodha Temple of Gaya is also one of the important religious place in Gaya. Lord Buddha achieved his wisdom at this place. Rajgiri, Nalanda, Vaishali, Patliputra were some of the other centers of knowledge and wisdom in ancient times. Gaya is a center of both hindu and buddhist culture situated at the bank of river Falgu.