The name of a strong asura in Hindu mythology (demon).
Gayasura practices strict asceticism (tapas), which is
inspired by the old Indian belief that willingly enduring bodily suffering
bestows spiritual and magical abilities.
Gayasura's strength grows to the point that all of the gods
are concerned that he will be able to topple them.
The deity Vishnu instructs the god Brahma to persuade
Gayasura to allow his body to be sacrificed as the gods' concerns mount.
Gayasura is promised by Vishnu that the area where he dies
would become holy than all the world's sacred places (tirthas).
Because of Vishnu's blessing, the site where Gayasura's
corpse lays becomes the sacred place known as Gaya, which is said to be holier
than all other places on earth.
Also see magic.
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