The story of GAYA(गया), the place of worship for dead people

In the ancient age there was a demon Gaya(गय) who was a devotee of Lord Narayan. Although a demon he was a saint by nature. Once he observed severe penance for the sake of Lord Narayan standing on one leg. His penance became so intense that its power affected the functions of Sun, Moon,Fire,Wind etc which made the Devas doubtful about their existence. Lord Brahma also felt discomfort at the effect of the demon's penance. So he on his own went to Gaya गय and requested him to allow him to perform an oblation (यज्ञ) on the  back of the demon to appease Lord Narayan as his body has become purest due to the penance. Hearing the name of his beloved Lord,he agreed to the request of Brahma and offered his back to Brahma for the oblation and lied down on the floor immediately. Brahmha prepared all requirements for oblation on the back of Gaya and commenced the process. He thought that after the completion of the oblation Gaya wouldn't survive. The oblation continued for more than hundreds of years,yet Gaya remained static and unflinched. His devotion for Lord Narayan was so deep that he felt nothing despite fire burning on the surface of his back. But the oblation has to be finished one day and Bramha completed the same. Within seconds of completion Gaya stood up and seeing him unharmed Brahma prayed Lord Narayan lest fearing the demon. Lord Narayan appeared and blessed Gaya asking him to choose a boon. Gaya prayed him to let his body be used in future for the purpose of Pind dan (पिंडदान,a form of worship for the purification of the souls of deceased persons). Lord Narayan bestowed him the boon and made all the gods to live in different parts of Gaya's in subtle forms.From that day the whole area of Gaya,a town in the state of Bihar is treated as a holy place. The Hindus come to Gaya to offer puja for liberation of the deceased.