Vishnupada Mandir is an ancient temple in Gaya, India. It is a Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Shrine’s History
The construction date of the temple is unknown and it is believed that Rama along with Sita had visited this place. The present day structure was rebuilt by Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar, the ruler of Indore, in 1787, on the banks of the Falgu river. A flight of 1000 stone steps leads to the top of the Brahmajuni hill, 1 km south-west of the Vishnupad mandir. Visitors prefer to go to the top of Brahmajuni hill see the magnificent view of the temple from the top. There are many small temples near this temple. Once a demon known as Gayasura did a heavy penance and sought a boon that whoever see him should attain salvation Moksham. Since salvation is achieved through being righteous in one’s lifetime, people started obtaining it easily. To prevent immoral people from attaining salvation Lord Vishnu asked Gayasura to go beneath the earth and did so by placing his right foot on asura’s head. After pushing Gayasura below the surface of the earth, Lord Vishnu’s footprint remained on the surface that we see even today.
The footprint consists of nine different symbols including Shankam, Chakram and Gadham. These are believed to be weapons of the lord. Gayasura now pushed into earth pleaded for food. Lord Vishnu gave him a boon that every day, someone will offer him food. Whoever does so, their souls will reach heaven. The day Gayasura doesn’t get food, it is believed that he will come out. Every day, one or the other from different parts of India will pray for the welfare of his departed and offer food, feeding Gayasura. On top of the temple is a gold flag weighing approx 51kg. Inside the temple is a silver coated hexagon railing also known as .
Legends Associated with This Shrine
This place is also believed to be the one under which the Lord Buddha meditated for six years. Inside the Vishnupada Mandir, the 40 cm long footprint of Lord Vishnu is imprinted on solid rock and surrounded by a silver-plated basin. There are a gold flag and couple of Kalash made of gold has been embedded at the top of the temple which use to always glitter. It is said that long ago two thieves tried to steal the golden flag and the kalash from the top of the temple, but one thief became stone at the top of the temple and the other became stone as he fell to the ground. The stone of the thieves still remains on public view
Architectural Relevance of This Shrine
This is believed that the temple was built with the footprints of Lord Vishnu in the centre. In Hinduism, this footprint marks the act of Lord Vishnu subduing Gayasur by placing his foot on his chest. Inside the Vishnupad Mandir, the 40 cm long footprint of Lord Vishnu is imprinted in solid rock and surrounded by a silver plated basin. The height of this temple is 30 meters and it a has 8 rows of beautifully carved pillars which support the pavilion. The temple is built of large grey granite blocks joined with iron clamps. The octagonal shrine faces east. Its pyramidal tower rises up 100 feet. The tower has sloping sides with alternately indented and plain sections. The sections are set at an angle to create a series of peaks joined at the top. Within the temple stands the immortal banyan tree Akshayabat where the final rituals for the dead take place.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
This temple is well connected by road to many places like Gaya, Nalanda, Rajgir, Patna, Varanasi, Calcutta.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is Gaya. Trains from all major cities of India stop at Gaya (Bihar).
By Air
The nearest airport is Gaya.
Shrine Timings
6:30 AM – 7:30 PM
