Map of Gaya
Parshad, B. Madho, Bookseller
Date of Creation:
2nd half 20th-century
This vibrant pictorial map of Gaya in India is oriented with west at the top, the title and place names are in English and in Hindi, the whole is surrounded by a border of vine-leaves.
The map, possibly designed for those on a religious pilgrimage, centres on the temple of Vishnupada, with the mystical river of Saraswati flowing into the Falgu River from the west, Bhod Gaya as Budha Gaya appears to the left in the south, Ram Gaya in the north, Ram Gaya in the east.
Gaya is situated along the Falgu River in the northwest Indian state of Bihar and is sacred in the Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic and Jain faiths. The area is dense with religious significance, and the map is a mosaic of images of holy sites and myths from several eastern faiths. In the foreground for example, apparently lying prostrate atop the Falgu River, is the demon Gayasur, after whom Gaya is named, who received blessings from Vishnu after performing rigid (as in “immobile”) penance. Across the river is the Vishnupada Temple, built over the footprints of Vishnu, while upstream at far left is Budha Gaya, where Buddha achieved enlightenment.
The pilgrim may easily visit Gaya by train on the Grand Chord route, and road. Both are represented on the map, with directions given to Kashi and Patna.