Vishnupad Vishnu Mandir – Guide
Situated on the banks of river Falgu, Vishnupad Vishnu Mandir is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. According to historical records, the existence of the Vishnupad temple dates back to the time of Samudragupta, who ruled a vast empire during the 5th century CE.
The archival source of this evidence is based on the Basadh seal discovered at Vaishali. Further evidence is found in the Mehrauli Pillar Inscription of King Chandragupta II. The inscription mentions this king as a devotee of Lord Vishnu and records the establishment of the ‘Dhwaja’ or pillar of Vishnu on the Vishnupada hill. It is one of the ancient holy temples of Gaya.
History of this Temple
An inscription from the 9th century commemorates the dedication of a house for ascetics at Vishnupada by the Pala king Narayanpala. A record from 1058 CE mentions that Vishvarupa, the ruler of Gaya, built the Gadadhara temple, which is part of the Vishnupad temple complex.
The Vishnupad Vishnu Mandir is said to be the exact spot where Lord Vishnu pressed his feet on the body of Gayasura, leaving an imprint of his feet on the rocky surface. According to the legend, a demon named Gayasur obtained the boon after heavy penance.
According to the boon whoever sees them can attain salvation. Due to this indiscriminate action, the concept of Karma and its effect was becoming meaningless. To prevent this, Lord Vishnu pushed Gayasura down from the surface of the earth by placing his foot on his chest.
Gayasur gave him a stipend for food, then Vishnu said that he would not die of hunger and whoever fed him would get salvation. That’s why people go there to perform Pind Daan of their loved ones. It is believed that the day Gayasura would not get his food would be the day of his return to the world.
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Vishnupad Vishnu Mandir Timings
Vishnupad Vishnu Mandir opens from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon in the morning and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the evening.
Saturday | 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM |
Sunday | 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM |
Monday | 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM |
Tuesday | 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM |
Wednesday | 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM |
Thursday | 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM |
Friday | 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM |
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Places to visit near this Temple
Mahabodhi Temple
Mahabodhi Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple in Bodh Gaya. Bodh Gaya is about 96 km from Patna, Bihar, India. Mahabodhi literally means great awakening and Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment at this place. This temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sankat Maka Temple
This temple is the biggest tourist attraction of Gaya. This place gives inner peace and relaxes the mind and body. This place helps in creating many great memories. Gaya is the place to be after a busy week.
Pretshila Hills
Pretshila is a holy place for Hindus. Pinds are offered here for the ancestors by many devotees. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Yama resides on the top of the hill.
Falgu River Ghat
The name Falgu is derived from two words, Phala meaning merit and Gau meaning wish-granting cow. This place is used to perform Pitru Sanskar. Two streams named Lilajan and Mohana originate from Korambe mountain which is a high hill about 75 km south of Gaya.
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How to reach Vishnupad Vishnu Mandir
By Air- The nearest airport from Vishnupad Vishnu Mandir is Gaya airport which is at a distance of 7 km from this temple. From here you can easily reach this temple by using local transport services or taxi.
By Train- The nearest railway station from Vishnupad Vishnu Mandir is Gaya railway station which is at a distance of 4 km from this temple. From here you can easily reach this temple by using local transport services or taxi.
By Road- Roads to this temple are well connected with the other cities of the country so you can easily reach this temple by using your own vehicle or by any public buses or taxi from any part of the country.
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