Adi Gaya, Dhautpada, and Mundaprshtha devi (site 3)

Altars, Vedi

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Adi-gaya is supposed to be the oldest place in Gaya. It has a stone upon which pinda-dana is performed. Dhautapada seems like an early modern construction. Mundaprishtha has early medieval sculptures.

Shraddha, pinda-dana

Southwest of Vishnupad Temple over top of adjoining hill

On top of adjoining hill

Adi Gaya: Under someone's control, but appears abandoned. Dhautpada: appears abandoned. Mundaprishtha: active worship.

Mundapristha is under control of a female pujari which is interesting.

Adi-Gaya: Yellow plastered brick courtyard, divided into several spaces on different levels, to the east of shikhara temple with a two-story single chamber design. There is an open square immediately in front of temple. In front of courtyard, to the east, is a small mandapa with six pillars five feet high, two with carvings. -- Dhautpada: Square-roofed platform with natural stone emerging from the floor, with a roof of stone sheets and steel beams. -- Mundaprishtha: Single chamber with open rectangular courtyard, south of which was an open space for pilgrims to perform their pinda-dana and stay.

Through settlement to the southwest of Vishnupad Temple

Gaya

Stone
brick

Gaya

Gaya

All three need conservation, especially Adi-Gaya.

Adi-Gaya and Mundaprstha devi were well-protected. Dhaut-pada unprotected.

Key to Adi-Gaya was with family living next door. Dhaut-pada shows no signs of ownership. Mundaprishta under control of pujari, Manju Tiwari.

Adi-Gaya is dilapidated. Dhaut-pada is in good shape but appears to be unmaintained. Mundaprstha devi is well protected

sciGaya:site003