Information of Vishnupad Temple, Gaya, Bihar

The Vishnupada Temple is situated in the district of Gaya in the Indian state of Bihar on the bank of River Falgu. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the supreme god in Hinduism. The significant feature of the temple is the presence of a large footprint belonging to Lord Vishnu himself therefore making it a very holy shrine. The present structure was built in 1787 by Queen Ahilya Bai Holkar, the Queen of Indore. The tradition priests who worship the temple are the Bhumihar Brahmins.

Vishnupad Temple Religious Significance

The temple is a very holy place where a Sign of Lord Vishnu is present and draws a large number of pilgrims from around India. Lord Vishnu is considered as the Supreme Being whose holy abode is Vaikuntha. The most significant feature of Gaya is great souls attain salvation in it. The demon Gayasura was pushed inside the holy ground by Lord Vishnu himself. It is said that even Lord Rama and Goddess Sita visited the temple in Sathyuga. Lord is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

The temple remains open throughout the year from 6:30 am in the morning till 7:30 am in the evening and the main prayers and hyms are chanted by the temple priests.

Vishnupad Temple Mythology & History

It is said that a temple was built a very long time ago but due to some reason may have destroyed. The present structure was built by the queen and is about 220 years old.

A very long time ago there was a demon called Gayasura who an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. Pleased with his devotion Lord Vishnu blessed him saying that whoever sees him will attain salvation. It was with great penance and good conduct one attained salvation at that time but it became very easy for people to attain salvation with just a glimpse of Gayasura. Seeing this Lord Vishnu ordered Gayasura to go below earth and stay inside. Lord Vishnu pushed him with his foot and the footprint still lies today. Gayasura was hungry and when he asked for food Lord Vishnu gave him a boon that everyday someone or the other will offer him food. Likewise everyday he is offered food from devotes coming to have darshan. If Gayasura passes even a day without food he will come out to earth.

The sacred place is also considered as a place where Lord Buddha meditated for 6 years.

The golden flag and Kalash on top of the building has yet another legend. It is said that once two thieves tried to steal them and both were turned into stones. The stone images can still be seen as it is allowed for public darshan. This signifies whatever wrong act we commit god is always watching us and we will be punished in some form or the other.

Vishnupad Temple Architectural Significance

The Vishnupada temple is built in octagonal Sikhara type architecture. The sacred footprint of Lord Vishnu is 40 centimetres long is marked on a block of basalt rock. The temple is built keeping the footprint in the centre. It is preserved by a silver plated wall. The footprint of Lord Vishnu has signs of Shankam(Conch), Chakram (discus), and Gadham (mace) which are weapons carried by the Lord. The temple is made up of granite held together by iron clamps. It is 30 meters high and is adorned with 8 rows of pillars which are carved and supports the pavilion underneath. The main temple has a beautifully piece of tower which is 100 feet high where as the pavilion has a dome shaped tower. There are many smaller temples around the main shrine. A golden flag and kalash (golden vase) is placed on top of the main temple.