History of Gaya

The religious and undeniably spiritual town of Gaya is one of the most popular places to visit for people looking for some spiritual upliftment in their lives. The entire region of Gaya is adorned with ancient temples dedicated to a plethora of gods and goddesses along with some impressive stupas of Buddhist significance. History of Gaya goes back to the age of Ramayana and Mahabharata. The holy river Falgu holds immense importance in the life of the local as well as outside population. The holy town has found its mention in Ramayana as the place where Lord Rama, Lakshman and Sita had visited to perform the pind daan ritual for their father king Dashrath.

Gaya has experienced a number of moments of rise and fall by numerous dynasties who had ruled here in the Magadh region. History of Gaya dates back to ages ago, when during the 3^rd century BC king Ashoka used it as his cultural centre to spread the word of Buddhism. From the 6^th to the 18^th century BC Gaya has always been one of the most vital and highly revered cultural destination in the world. the earliest dynasty to occupy Gaya was the Sisunaga dynasty who had exercised their power around 600 BC. Ever since then Gaya has been the centre for cultural vibrancy and spiritual oneness.

Gaya had the honour of erving to great religious leaders like Mahavira and gautam Buddha who is said to have achieve his enlightenment here at Gaya itself. Nanda dynasty is also said to have ruled here for a brief period of time before it was overthrown by the Mauryan empire with Ashoka attempting his best to spread the word of dhamma through his Ahokan inscriptions which is still found littered all across the town of Gaya. The period of Hindu revival was kick started with the coming of the Gupta empire during the 4^th and 5^th century AD.

Later on Gaya was further passed on to the capable hands of the Pala empire with its ruler as Gopala. The current Bodh gaya temple which witnesses a throng of pilgrims on a daily basis is saod to have been built by Goapala’s son Dharmapala. Later on, in the 12^th century Gaya was invaded by Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khilji of the Khilji dynasty, but he was later on defeated by the Hindu generals. Gaya was finally passed on to the Britishers right after the battle of Buxar in the year 1764. Finally post independence in 1947, Gaya had also attained his independence.

Gaya is now known as the birthplace of one of the eminent religion, a place where people visit to attain their spiritual relevance and a holy centre. Currently Gaya is also one of the most crucial Buddhist pilgrimage centres which is taken up by devout Buddhists throughout the year since the climatic conditions here is favourable throughout the year. Most of the holy buildings, sites and centres of worship has an interesting set of history backing it up which makes it one of the most pious places to visit.