Bhima Gaya, Go-prachara, and Gadalola (site 4-3)

Altars, Vedi

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These places are linked to Gaya Mahatmya and are used as vedis for gaya-shraddha.

Mostly shraddha, but also pinda-dana, darshan

Bhima Gaya: northeast of Mangala Gauri, about 50 steps down -- Go-prachara: southwest of Mangala Gauri, about 30 steps down -- Gadalola: across Gay-Bodh Gaya road from Akshayavata --

Bhima and Goprachara are on the southwestern and northeastern, respectively, slopes of Bhasmakuta hill. -- Gadalola is on the flat ground near Akshayavata.

Bhima Gaya: inactive, but likely used in pitrapaksha -- Go-pracara: slightly active, likely busy in pitrapaksha. -- Gadalol: appeared abandoned, but possibly active during pitrapaksha. --

Two of these shrines are kept open. Go-prachara is under Pandas, who seemd concerned about encroachments at the edges of the shrines.

Bhima Gaya: Open courtyard with shrines in three corners. -- Gopracara: housed in a 19th century structure with hoof marks on the rock -- Gadalol: seems to be a new rectangular hall, with a small shrine located in the south east corner --

Gaya-Bodh Gaya road, turn right to Maranpur. These shrines are in vicinity of Akshayavata.

Gaya

Stone
brick

Gaya

Gaya

Bhima Gaya: needs immediate repair due to fallen tree. -- Go-prachara: needs reconstruction and needs to be protected from encroachment -- Gadalol: unknown --

Bhima Gaya: left open -- Go-prachara: priest here pointed to encroachment on the southern and eastern side by surrounding settlements. -- Gadalola: left open --

Pandas (met 3 Pandas at Go-prachara )

Bhima-Gaya needs to be maintained and cleaned.

sciGaya:site004-03