Documentation Sheet of Built Heritage/Site N.M.M.A., Archaeological Survey of India for Bhima Gaya, Go-prachara, and Gadalola

Item

Title
Documentation Sheet of Built Heritage/Site N.M.M.A., Archaeological Survey of India for Bhima Gaya, Go-prachara, and Gadalola
Subject
Altars, Vedic
Geographic coordinates (latitude, longitude)
24° 46' 32.60", 85° 0' 12.21"
Brief history
These places are linked to Gaya Mahatmya and are used as vedis for gaya-shraddha.
Local tradition
Mostly shraddha, but also pinda-dana, darshan
Location
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
Topographical features
Bhima and Goprachara are on the southwestern and northeastern, respectively, slopes of Bhasmakuta hill.
Gadalola is on the flat ground near Akshayavata.
Usage
Bhima Gaya: inactive, but likely used in pitrapaksha. Go-pracara: slightly active, likely busy in pitrapaksha. Gadalol: appeared abandoned, but possibly active during pitrapaksha.
Structure
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
Approachs
Gaya-Bodh Gaya road, turn right to Maranpur. These shrines are in vicinity of Akshayavata.
Airport
Gaya
Building materials
Stone
brick
Railway station
Gaya
Bus stand
Gaya
Conservation assessment
Bhima Gaya: needs immediate repair due to fallen tree.
Go-prachara: needs reconstruction and needs to be protected from encroachment
Gadalol: unknown
Ownership
Pandas (met 3 Pandas at Go-prachara )
Present condition
Bhima-Gaya needs to be maintained and cleaned.
Omeka identifier
sci-site04-KPJRForm.pdf
Site number
site04
Abstract
Two of these shrines are kept open. Go-prachara is under Pandas, who seemd concerned about encroachments at the edges of the shrines.
Protection status
Bhima Gaya: left open
Go-prachara: priest here pointed to encroachment on the southern and eastern side by surrounding settlements.
Gadalola: left open