Puranic encyclopaedia
by Vettam Mani | 1975 | 609,556 words | ISBN-10: 0842608222
This page describes the Story of Gaya included the Puranic encyclopaedia by Vettam Mani that was translated into English in 1975. The Puranas have for centuries profoundly influenced Indian life and Culture and are defined by their characteristic features (panca-lakshana, literally, ‘the five characteristics of a Purana’).
Story of Gaya
See Gayātīrtha.
General.
A King of ancient India Gaya was a Rājarṣi and son of Amūrtarayas. The Rājarṣi had conducted many yajñas. A very well-known yajña of his is described in verse 18, Chapter 75 of Vana Parva.
Particular Information.
(1) Gaya was a member in Yamarāja’s assembly. (Sabhā Parva, Chapter 8, Verse 18).
(2) He had earned reputation and wealth by visiting the sacred temples in India. (Vana Parva, Chapter 94, Verse 18).
(3) The Rājarṣi had come in his vimāna (aeroplane) to witness the fighting between Arjuna and Kṛpācārya in the war, which broke out as a result of the Kauravas lifting the cows of the Virāṭa King. (Virāṭa Parva, Chapter 56, Verse 9).
(4) Śrī Kṛṣṇa met Gaya on his (Kṛṣṇa's) way to Hastināpura from Dvārakā. (Udyoga Parva, Chapter 83, Verse 27).
(5) Once King Māndhātā subjugated Gaya. (Droṇa Parva, Chapter 62, Verse 10).
(6) Sarasvatī devī once attended a yajña conducted by Gaya, assuming for herself the name Viśālā.
(7) He once gifted away land to Brahmins. (Śānti Parva, Chapter 234, Verse 25).
(8) Gaya did not eat flesh. (Anuśāsana Parva, Chapter 115, Verse 59).