Vishnupad Mandir Gaya

Vishnupad Mandir in Gaya an ancient temple of Lord Vishnu located in Bihar, India. The temple is famous for having Vishnu Padam, the footprint of Lord Vishnu known as Dharmasila, incised into a block of basalt. According to Ramayana, Lord Rama visited Gaya along with Sita for Pitrupaksha – the ritual performed for giving salvation to the souls of ancestors. The original date of construction of the temple is unknown; the present day structure on the banks of the Phalgu River (Falgu River) was rebuilt by Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar, the ruler of Indore, in 1787.

Significance

Vishnupad Temple was built with the footprints of Mahavishnu in the centre. According to Hindu scriptures, this is the place where Lord Vishnu subdued demon Gayasur by placing his foot on his chest. The 40 cm Vishnupada imprinted in solid rock marks the act of the god. Lord Vishnu’s right footprint is embedded on the stone called ‘Dhrama shiela’ and it is surrounded by a silver plated basin.

Legendary Importance

Vishnupad Mandir has been visited by several Hindu saints including Ramanujacharya, Madhvacharya, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, and Sankaradeva. It is also believed that Lord Buddha meditated for six years.

The immortal banyan tree Akshayabat stands inside the temple where the final rituals for the dead takes place. A flight of 1000 stone steps leads to the top of the Brahmajuni hill, 1 km southwest of the Vishnupad mandir.

How to Reach

Gaya Airport is the nearest airport to reach Vishnupad Temple. The temple is located 13 km from Bodhgaya and 100 km south of Patna city. Gaya Junction Railway Station is the nearest main rail head.