The Greatness of Gaya1 Vayu said: Henceforth I shall explain the excellent greatness of Gaya2 on hearing which one is absolved of all sins. There is no doubt in this. tenuous relation with the V&. as it comes after the Phala Sruti etc. showing the completion of the V&. P. Gaya, as a sacred place, was famous in preBuddhist times as Aurgav&bha’s mention of Samarohaoa, Vi??upada and Gayaiiras ( all sacred spots at Gay& ) as the three steps of Trivikrama, in RV. I. 22.17, is recorded by YSska ( Nirukta 12.19). We have Gaya Mdhdtmyo in Mbh. Vana. Ghs. 84-95, Garuda Chs. 82-86, AP Chs. 114-116, KP 11.35, NP Uttarabh&ga 44-47. A number of verses are common in the works. It shows that probably there must have been an ancient independent SthaUh Purdpa called Gayd Mdhdtmya which was the source of the different Gay& M&h&tmyas in these works.