Vishnupad Temple, Gaya – Timing, History & Photos
In the Indian state of Bihar, there is a historic Hindu temple called Vishnupad Temple. It is located close to the Falgu River in Gaya. The Brahmin priests Ramanujanacharya, Shankaracharya, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, and Madhavacharya visited this ancient temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. May a large number of devotees visit this shrine. Gaya, Bihar is home to the ancient shrine known as Vishnupad Temple. In the shape of a footprint, it enshrines Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped by people. A demon by the name of Gayasura is said to have obtained the boon during a period of intense penance. The boon said that everybody who looked upon him could be saved.
History of Vishnupad Temple, Gaya
Lord Vishnu is worshipped in the Vishnupad Temple, which is located on the banks of the Falgu River. The historical records indicate that the Vishnupad temple dates back to the 5th century CE, when Samudragupta ruled over a sizable realm. The Basarh Seal found in Vaishali serves as the inscriptional basis for this proof. King Chandragupta II’s Mehrauli Pillar inscription provides more proof. The inscription documents the installation of a ‘dhvaja’, or pillar of Vishnu, on the Vishnupad Hill and describes this King as a devotee of Lord Vishnu. An inscription from the 9th century remembers how the Pala monarch Narayanapala dedicated a house for ascetics at Vishnupad.
The Gadadhara temple, which is a component of the Vishnupad temple complex, was constructed by Vishvarupa, the monarch of Gaya, according to a document dated 1058 CE. The current octagonal temple was constructed in 1787 by Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar, the queen of Indore, however its origin is uncertain.
Gayasur, a demon who received a boon as a recompense
A demon by the name of Gayasura once underwent extreme penance and received a boon in exchange: whosoever saw him would be saved (Moksham). Salvation is now readily attainable since it is obtained by leading a life that is in line with righteousness. Lord Vishnu gave Gayasura the order to crawl beneath the soil and place its right foot on Asura’s head in order to stop immoral people from finding salvation.
Even when Gayasura was forced into the ground, Vishnu’s footprint remained. There are nine different symbols in the footprint, such as Shankam, Chakram, and Gadham. It is said that these are the Lord’s weapons. Now lying on the ground, the Gayasura dragon wailed for food. Lord Vishnu bestowed upon him the blessing that he would be fed daily. The souls of those who do so will be carried to paradise. On the day that Gayasura goes without food, it is believed that he will come out. Every day, people from various parts of India would pray and feed Gayasura in order to ensure the wellbeing of their departed.
Lord Vishnu’s footprint at Vishnupad Temple, Gaya
The temple is reported to have been constructed in the footsteps of Lord Vishnu, who is said to have arrived on Earth to establish dharma. According to Hinduism, this impression represents Lord Vishnu placing his foot on Gayasur’s chest after defeating him. The Vishnupad Mandir, which is surrounded by a silver-plated basin, has Lord Vishnu’s 40 cm-long footprint carved into solid rock. Eight rows of finely carved pillars support the temple’s pavilion, which rises to a height of thirty meters. The temple is made out of large grey granite stones that are joined by iron clamps.
Best Time To Visit Vishnupad Temple, Gaya
Every day, people flock to the well-known Hindu temple of Vishnupad. As a result, every day is revered for Vishnupad Temple visits.
How to reach Vishnupad Temple, Gaya
Gaya city has excellent access to the main roads, trains, and aeroplanes. Buses, speed trains, and aeroplanes are the means that people can get to Gaya. Local transit is used to get about Gaya.
Gaya Junction is the closest train station.
Bodhgaya Airport is the closest airport.
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