Vishnupad Mandir - Ancient Temple of Bihar

✎ Vishnupad Mandir is an ancient temple in Gaya, Bihar, India. It is Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

✎ This temple is located along the Falgu River, marked by a footprint of Lord Vishnu known as Dharmashila, incised into a block of Basalt.

✎ The Brahmkalpit Brahmas are the traditional priest of the temple from ancient time who is known as Gayamal Tirth Purohit or Panda.

✎ Several legendary saints as Ramanujacharya, Madhvacharya, Chaitanya, Mahaprabhu and Sri Ramakrishna have visited this shine.

✎ Once demon known as Gayasura did heavy penace and sought a boon that whoever sees him should attain salvation (Moksham). So Lord Vishnu asked Gayasura to go beneath the earth and did so by placing his right foot on Asura’s head and Lord Vishnu print remain on the surface that we see even today. Gayasura pushed into earth pleaded for food and Lord Vishnu gave him a boon that everyday someone will offer him food and whosoever do it, there soul will reach heaven.

✎ The footprints consist of nine different symbols including Shankam, Chakram and Gadham. These are believed to be weapons of the Lord.

The construction date of temple is unknown and it is believed that Rama and 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 stones steps lead to the top of the Brahmajuni hill, 1km southwest from the Vishnupad Mandir. There are many small temples near this temple.

✎ Inside the Vishnupad Mandir, the 40cm long footprint of Lord Vishnu is imprinted in solid rock and surrounded by silver plated basin.

✎ The height of this temple is 30 metres and it has 8 rows of beautifully carved pillars which support the pavilion.

✎ The temple is built of large gray granite blocks jointed with iron clamps.

✎ Its pyramidal tower rises up a 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 Akshayat where the final rituals for the dead takes place.

✎ On the top of the temple is (Garv Ghiri) silver coated hexagon railing also known as (Pahal).

✎ Vishnupad Temple is open on all days and even on public holidays from 6:30a.m. To 7:30 p.m.