In a landmark decision that acknowledges centuries of spiritual heritage, the Bihar Cabinet on Friday approved the renaming of Gaya town to ‘Gaya Ji’. The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, following long-standing public demand and in recognition of the town’s deep historical and religious roots.
State Additional Chief Secretary S. Siddharth, briefing the media post-meeting, said the move was made to honour local sentiments and the sacred status that Gaya holds in Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
Leaders Welcome the Name Change
Janata Dal (United) National Working President Sanjay Kumar Jha expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister on social media, posting:
“I am thankful to the honourable Chief Minister from the bottom of my heart for this important decision of changing the name, and hearty congratulations and best wishes to all the residents of ‘Gayaji’.”
BJP MP and former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad also welcomed the decision, calling it a step that underscores India’s spiritual heritage:
“The decision of the state cabinet to rename Gaya as ‘Gayaji’ is a matter of welcome and pride. This reflects the NDA government’s commitment to Sanatan culture and preservation of religious places.”
A Town Steeped in Sanctity
Situated on the banks of the Falgu River and surrounded by the Mangala-Gauri, Shringa-Sthan, Ram-Shila, and Brahmayoni hills, Gaya is one of India’s most revered pilgrimage sites. It was once a prominent city in the ancient Magadh Empire.
The city draws lakhs of Hindu pilgrims annually during Pitrapaksh Mela, when devotees perform ‘Pind Daan’ rituals for the salvation of their ancestors’ souls.
At the heart of Gaya’s spiritual landscape is the Vishnupad Temple, built near the Falgu River. The temple enshrines a footprint of Lord Vishnu, etched into a basalt rock, symbolizing the spot where Vishnu is believed to have subdued the demon Gayasur by placing his foot on his chest.
Just 12 kilometers away lies Bodh Gaya, a global pilgrimage center for Buddhists. Under the sacred Bodhi Tree, Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment, becoming the Buddha, making it one of the most visited sacred sites in the world.
Cultural Reclamation in Focus
This renaming follows a national trend where state governments are reclaiming traditional and spiritual place names to reflect cultural identity. With this move, ‘Gaya Ji’ is not just a name—it becomes a symbol of India’s living spiritual legacy and timeless traditions.