Sacred place (tirtha)
and city in the modern state of Bihar, as well as the headquarters of the
same-named district.
According to Hindu legend, this is the location where the
deity Vishnu sacrifices a powerful demon called Gayasura after promising him
that the area occupied by his corpse would be the holiest point on earth.
Gaya is most renowned for hosting numerous ceremonies for the
deceased, particularly the shraddhas (memorial rites).
Its sacredness is so well-known that it attracts visitors
from all across India's eastern region.
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