Gaya, about 100 km south of Patna,and 12 km from Bodhgaya between Pretshila and Ramshila hills and is washed by the shores of river Phalgu.

It is a centre for Hindu pilgrims. Lord Vishnu is said to have given Gaya the power to absolve sinners of their sins. The Vishnupad temple, an ancient temple believed to be built on the footsteps of Lord Vishnu was renovated by Ahalyabai, queen of Indore and especially attracts pilgrims.

It is believed that a Hindu will reach heaven if his last rites are offered under the celebrated 'Akshayabat', or immortal banyan tree, standing in the yard of the Vishnupad temple. Pilgrims offer Pindas (funeral cakes) at the ghats along the river here and then perform a lengthy circuit of the holy places around Gaya to free their ancestors from bondage to the earth.