How ‘Gayaji’, the City of Salvation, Came to be Named After a Demon
The pilgrimage site of ‘Gayaji’ is known as a place of salvation (*Moksha Sthali*). It is believed that performing *Pind Daan* and *Tarpan* rituals here grants salvation to one’s ancestors. It is also believed that Lord Vishnu himself resides here in the form of the deity of ancestors (*Pitri Dev*). However, did you know that Gaya-ji is named not after a deity, but after the *Asura* (demon) Gayasura? The mythological story describing how the *Asura* ‘Gaya’ became a pilgrimage site is recounted in the Vayu Purana.
According to a legend, while creating the universe, Lord Brahma brought Gayasura into existence within the lineage of the Asuras. Despite being born into the demon clan, Gayasura was a supreme devotee of Lord Vishnu. Because of his Asura lineage, people viewed him with great disdain; consequently, he performed intense penance to please Lord Vishnu. Pleased with his penance, Lord Vishnu asked Gayasura to seek a boon. Gayasura requested Lord Vishnu to sanctify his body to such an extent that anyone who beheld him would attain salvation. Lord Vishnu granted the boon. Following this, people began attaining salvation merely by looking at Gayasura. Moreover, even sinners and the unrighteous started approaching him, attaining salvation simply by catching a glimpse of him. This began to throw the order of the celestial realm into disarray. Distressed, all the gods and goddesses approached Lord Brahma. Brahma went to Gayasura and said, “I wish to perform a *Yajna* (sacred ritual) together with all the gods and goddesses. For this, I require the most sacred place, and there is no place in this world more sacred than your body. This *Yajna* will be performed upon your back.”
Upon hearing Lord Brahma’s words, Gayasura happily agreed to offer his body as a sacrifice. Lord Brahma, accompanied by Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and all the other gods and goddesses, seated himself upon Gayasura’s back and began performing the Yajna. Despite the presence of the Dharmashila, Gayasura’s body kept shifting and moving. To prevent his body from moving, Lord Vishnu placed His right foot upon Gayasura’s body. As soon as Lord Vishnu placed His right foot there, Gayasura’s body ceased moving. Consequently, He came to be known by the name ‘Gadadhara’.
This is how the pilgrimage site came to be known as ‘Gayaji’ after Gayasur: Pleased when Gayasur gave up his life, the gods asked him to seek a boon. Gayasur prayed to Lord Vishnu, saying, “O Supreme Lord! May You—along with the Trinity and all the other gods—reside at this place for eternity. May any devotee who worships here with reverence secure salvation for their ancestors. Furthermore, may this place be known by my name.” Then, bestowing a boon upon it, the gods declared that from that day forth, the place would be known as ‘Gaya Tirtha’. It is said that the spot where Lord Vishnu placed His foot upon Gayasura’s back bore the imprint of His footprint; this site is known today as the Vishnupad Temple.