GAYA The visits to Ganga, Gaya and Godavari are only worldly works. (Basant Namdev, p. 1196) He goes to Gaya and offers rice-balls. (Gond Namdev, p. 873) It is one of the seven sacred puris (places of religious merit) of Hindus. It is a famous pilgrim station not only of Hindus, but also of Buddhists. It was here that Buddha attained Nirvana. The Hindus have to pass through a narrow passage here in order to destroy all their sins. According to Hindu belief, that if the rice-balls are offered here on behalf of the manes, the manes attain salvation.
References :
1. Kohli, Surindar Singh (ed), Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib, 1993
Gaya in Hindu Mythology and Quotes in Guru Granth Sahib
Gaya, a sacred city in the state of Bihar, India, holds immense spiritual significance in Hindu mythology. Known for its association with salvation, ancestor rituals, and divine legends, Gaya has been revered as a sacred pilgrimage destination for centuries. While Gaya as a physical location is not mentioned in the Sikh scripture, Guru Granth Sahib, the themes of salvation, divine remembrance, and detachment from worldly attachments, which are central to Gaya’s spiritual heritage, find profound expression in its teachings.
Gaya in Hindu Mythology
Gaya’s prominence in Hindu tradition is tied to the legend of Gayasura, a powerful demon who attained immense piety through his devotion. According to the mythology, Gayasura’s body became a sacred space where rituals could lead to liberation (moksha). Lord Vishnu is said to have subdued him to establish the holy land of Gaya, which became known for the performance of pind daan, a ritual offering for the salvation of one’s ancestors.
Gaya is closely associated with the Vishnupad Temple, where Lord Vishnu is believed to have left his footprint. Pilgrims visit this site to honor their ancestors and seek blessings for liberation. The city’s connection to the cycle of life, death, and rebirth reflects the core tenets of Hindu spiritual philosophy.
