Ancient Temple of Lord Vishnu Built by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar
According to Hindu mythology, Gayasur was a powerful demon who performed severe penance to Lord Vishnu, seeking immortality. Pleased with Gayasur's devotion, Lord Vishnu granted him a boon, but Gayasur's wish for immortality was not fulfilled. Instead, Lord Vishnu promised him that his name would be forever associated with the land where his feet touched, ensuring that Gayasur would be worshipped by devotees seeking salvation. However, Gayasur, consumed by his power, became arrogant and started tormenting the gods and humans. To protect the world, Lord Vishnu took the form of Lord Krishna and defeated Gayasur in a fierce battle. After Gayasur's defeat, Lord Vishnu placed his foot on Gayasur's head, granting him liberation and ensuring his place in Hindu mythology. The Vishnupad Temple stands at the spot where it is believed that Lord Vishnu placed his foot on Gayasur's head. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus. It is believed that offering prayers and performing rituals at this temple can help liberate the souls of ancestors. The temple complex itself is an architectural marvel, with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology. The main sanctum of the temple houses the sacred footprint of Lord Vishnu, which is believed to be imprinted on a solid rock.
The dome of Vishnupad temple has eight steps in the shape of a hill cave. The height of the dome from the ground is 100 feet. The date of construction of the temple is unknown and it is believed that Rama visited this place with Sita. The present structure of Temple was rebuilt by Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar, the ruler of Indore, in 1787 on the banks of the Falgu River.She sent the officials to inspect and find the best stone for making of the temple throughout the region, and eventually she found the black stone of Munger in Jayanagar as the best option. Since there was no proper road and the mountains were far away from Gaya, the officials found another mountain where they could easily carve the stone and bring it to Gaya. The place was near Bathani (a small village in Gaya district). Officials brought artisans from Rajasthan. They started building the temple at Patharkatti (a village and a tourist spot in Bihar). The last temple was built near the Vishnupad temple site at Gaya. After the construction of the temple was completed, many craftsmen returned to their native places, but some of them settled in Patharkatti village itself. The Government of Bihar has marked this place as one of the major tourist destinations of Bihar.1000 stone steps leading to the top of Brahmayoni hill, south-west of the Vishnupad temple, provide a view of Gaya city and the Vishnupad temple, which is a tourist destination. There are many small temples also near this temple.
The Vishnupad Temple in Gaya, Bihar, is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Inside the temple, the most revered artifact is the "Vishnupad"—a stone footprint of Lord Vishnu, which is preserved in a circular structure. It is believed to be the exact spot where Lord Vishnu's feet touched the earth during his visit to Gaya. The footprint is marked in a stone slab and is a focal point of worship for devotees. The temple’s sanctum is adorned with intricate carvings and beautiful sculptures of various Hindu deities. Devotees perform rituals, offering prayers for their ancestors, especially during the Pitrapaksha Mela, a major event held annually in Gaya, where people gather to perform rites for the souls of their departed family members. The temple's inner chambers are adorned with colorful paintings and murals depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, creating a serene and divine atmosphere. The air inside the temple is filled with the sounds of bells, chants, and the fragrance of incense, contributing to a deeply spiritual environment. The temple’s historical and religious significance, combined with its calm atmosphere, makes it a must-visit destination for pilgrims and visitors seeking peace and divine blessings.
In addition to the Vishnupad Temple, Gaya offers several other notable attractions that enrich the spiritual and cultural experience of visitors. One such attraction is the **Bodhi Tree** and the **Mahabodhi Temple** in Bodh Gaya, located about 12 kilometers from the Vishnupad Temple. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, making it a key pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide. Another significant site is the **Mangla Gauri Temple**, also in Gaya, which is dedicated to Goddess Mangla Gauri and is part of the 18 Shakti Peethas. The temple is perched atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the surroundings, and is famous for its spiritual significance and the 108 steps leading to it.
The Vishnupad Temple is located about 2 kilometers from Gaya Railway Station.
The distance from Gaya Airport to Vishnupad Temple is approximately 10 kilometers.
The Vishnupad Temple is approximately 3 kilometers from the Gaya Bus Stand.
Our visit to the Vishnupad Temple in Gaya was a deeply spiritual experience. The temple's serene atmosphere, with the sacred Vishnupad footprint at its center, exuded divine energy. We were captivated by the intricate carvings and the peaceful surroundings. The temple's historical significance, especially during the Pitrapaksha Mela, added a unique sense of reverence. The staff was welcoming, and the temple’s location near the Falgu River enhanced the spiritual ambiance. Overall, our visit to Vishnupad Temple was fulfilling, offering both a historical and deeply spiritual connection to Lord Vishnu. It is truly a must-visit for devotees and tourists alike.
