Gaya is about 100 km south of Patna. Gaya is a centre for Hindu pilgrims. Legend has it that a good demon called Gaya, appalled by the sorrow caused by death, complained to Vishnu, and as a protest died for the world. Impressed by his resolve,Vishnu is said to have blessed Gaya the power to absolve sinners. Pilgrims offer pindas at the ghats along the river here, and perform a lengthy circuit of the holy places around Gaya, to free their ancestors from bondage to the earth. Like Varanasi, and many other riverside towns, Gaya is said to be a tirtha - a crossing across the celestial divide.