The actual date of establishment of the Vishnupad Mandir is unknown, but the history of the ancient temple dates back to the times of the Ramayana. It is said that Lord Rama and Devi Sita visited this temple during the last rites of King Dasharatha of Ayodhya. Yudisthir and Bheesma are also believed to have offered Pinda here to their ancestors here.

It was Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar, the Queen of Indore, who took the responsibility of rebuilding the temple edifice in 1787. This temple is located along the Falgu River, marked by a footprint of Lord Vishnu known as Dharmasila, incised into a block of basalt. The Buddhists claim that those were the footprints of Buddha Himself. Thus, the shrine is equally important to both the Hindus and the Buddhists.

The Sakaldwipiya Brahmins, popularly known as the Gayawar Pandas have the rights to worship in the Vishnupad Temple. Famous sages over the centuries have visited the pious destination who includes Ramanujacharya, Sankaradeva, Madhvacharya and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Location Bihar, Gaya, Patna

Legend

Once Gayasura, a demon did heavy penance and sought a boon that anyone who see him should attain Moksha. Lord Vishnu knew that the benevolent boon which Gayasura obtained will help many deceitful and immoral people attain salvation easily, even after committing heinous crimes. So Lord Vishnu asked Gayasura to go below the surface of earth and did so by placing his right foot on the demon's head and pushing him. Lord Vishnu's foot print remained on the surface. The footprint consists of nine different symbols including Shankam, Chakram and Gadham which are believed to be weapons of the lord. Gayasura then pleaded the Lord for food. Lord gave him a boon that every day, someone will offer him food and whoever does so, their souls will reach heaven. It is believed that the day Gayasura doesn't get food, he will come out. Every day, one or the other from different parts of India will pray for welfare of his departed and offer food to Gayasura.

Architecture

The ancient temple of Vishnupad was demolished because of aging. Later in 1787, Queen Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore rebuilt the present temple. The 30 meter high granite made temple was built in Sikhara style of architecture. There are 8 beautifully carved pillars surrounding and supporting the edifice. The octagonal shaped building is made to enshrine the 40 cm long foot print of Lord Vishnu. The foot prints are secured on a basalt rock slab and coated with silver.

Culture

Over the ages, Bihar has been the center of attraction regarding its involvement since the days of Ramanayana and the Mahabharata. The capital of the mighty Mauryan Empire was also at Pataliputra- which lies in the present day Bihar. Even today, many important relics of Emperor Chandra Gupta Maurya, Bindusara and the mightiest of them all Emperor Ashoka are found.

Moreover, Bihar proudly houses the centers of learning like the famous Nalanda University and the prestigious Vikramshila University during the ancient times.

The state boasts on its flagship religious culture, the enriched heritage that grew up associating different popular shrines in Bihar.  Alongside, Bihar's culture extends to the vibrant Madhubani art and Manjusha art.

Picture Courtesy: commons.wikimedia.org

Darsan Info

Vishnupad Temple opens at 6:30 AM and close at 7:30 PM.

Devotees, who are willing to take the panoramic view of the Vishnupad Temple have to cross 1000 stone steps to reach the top of Brahmajuni hill, located 1 km southwest of the temple.

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are expected to wear conservative and modest clothing while visiting Visnhupad Temple.

Famous Festival

Pitrapaksha Mela

Temple Rituals

Nitya puja, bhoga serving and aarti.

Special Rituals

Pind Daan to the dead ancestors are offered here at Vishnupad Mandir by people throughout the year, especially during the Pitrapaksha Mela. Hindus are allowed in the temple to offer Pinda to their dead ancestors after bathing in the nearby Ganges.

Additional Info

 

Eateries near Vishnupad Mandir :

Hari Om Cafe

Food House Bodhgaya

Khushi Family restaurant

Be Happy Cafe

Fusion Food Factory,

 

 Supermarket : Available