Dungeshwari Cave Temples are the ancient caves, located 12 km northeast of Bodhgaya. These are caves Lord Buddha underwent years of self-mortification before descending to Bodhgaya. Three main caves contain several shrines for Buddhists and one for Hindus. Dungeshwari cave temples are also popular as Sujata Sthan to local people. An interesting story is being famous on this temples. It is believed that when Buddha was doing his self-mortification, he became frail, feeble and starved. When he rested under a Banayan tree, a doomed village women named Sujata offered him food. Buddha accepted her offerings and consumed the food, his explicit approval presented him with a divine truth that neither extreme self indulgence nor self-abasement is the right way to attain enlightenment. Buddha attained the knowledge that folow the middle path was require to attain the supreme nirvana. Sujata Sthan or Dungeshwari Temple stands as a symbol commemorating this event.

It is easy to reach from Gaya but also transporation is available from Bodhgaya as Bodhgaya is much crowded with national and international travelers. From Bodhgaya one take the Gaya bound shared auto rickshaw and stop at Khiryama where another one the right side leads 5 km to the caves. Or else, one can hire an entire auto rickshaw direct to the caves.

Sights And Activities

Vishnupad Temple
The temple is located at the center of Gaya town. Legend says, the temple was built on the sacred footsteps of revered Hindu God Vishnu, the footsteps is also preserved in the temple on a rock set in a silver basin. The temple was repaired in 1787 by Rani Ahalyabai of Indore. The temple is 30 m high and has 8 rows of beautifully carved pillars that support the mandap or pavillion. There are restriction to other religions to enter inside the temple. There is a tree in front of the temple where final rituals for the dead takes place, it is believed that a Hindu will reach heaven if the last rites are offered under this tree. This place is also said where Buddha meditate for six years.

Brahmajuni Hill
Brahmajuni Hill is one kilometer from Vishnupad temple and can be reached by climbing thousand stone steps. The hills is believed to be the place where Lord Buddha preached the fire sermon. The view from the top of Gaya and the surrounding plains is expansive, and there’s small temple and cave here.

Barabar Caves
The mysterious caves are 35 km north of Gaya, located in a dense and barren land. The long track leads to caves, which are made up of granite and can be reached east off the main road to Patna, at Belagunj. The caves date back to 200 BC. This caves have also preserved some of Ashoka’s inscriptions.

Deo
It is located about 20 km from Gaya. The famous Surya temple is revered among locals and dedicated to Sun God. The Chhath puja in the month of November is celebrated with much fanfare.