Sudipto Barua

UD4002-2

Gaya is the second largest city of Bihar and is located on the banks of Falgu River which flows mainly during the monsoon season and remains dry throughout the year, it is considered one of the most sacred cities for Hindu Devotees. Three hills Mangala-Gauri, Shringa-Sthan, Ram-Shila and Brahmayoni surround it from three sides and make at a safe and beautiful site. The city of Gaya was not recognized as a historic town before which has led to a disorganized and haphazard development in the city increasing the urban pressure on the city. There has been a tremendous increase in the no. of houses and lack of development control regulations has led to development that is harming the natural resources of the city. Also, the built heritage of the city has been harmed with inappropriate additions and alteration to the heritage structures. The city of Gaya is dressed with unique Tangible (Ghats, Kunds, Heritage Builtform and Temples) and intangible aspects ( Pind-Daan, Pitra-Paksha Festival, Cuisine, Crafts). The city is known for Pinda-Daan since ages, but no element in the city can give a feel of association to its culture. This leads to a lack of sensitiveness towards the city in the pilgrims. This also leads to a lack of awareness and pride among the people of the city. As far as the first impression is concerned the precinct mainly revolves around the Pind-Daan Ritual where the local Pandits (Pandas) assemble on the banks of the Falgu River and perform the ritual with the deceased family. Keeping these inherent aspects and culture in mind the broader vision is to, Re-establish Gaya as a “Spiritual Capital” of Bihar, while addressing to make it a sustainable model for development which caters both to the needs of pilgrims as well as the local community. At the micro-level, this is addressed by focusing on Revitalization of the Vishnupad Temple Complex, the adjacent ghats, the Surya Kund and the main approach to the precinct as the “Pilot Urban Design Project for the area. The main objective of this project is to, Reinforce Tourism and Tourist Activity along the district, Conserve the existing Heritage buildings and to uplift the dilapidated structures, To improve the existing infrastructure of the place not only for tourist/pilgrims but also for the residents, Revitalization of Ghats, Rejuvenation of Kunds and establishing a dedicated pilgrim circuit connecting major Temples.