Vishnupad Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. According to legend, the temple marks the site where Lord Vishnu's footprint is imprinted on a rock, known as the "Dharma Shila." Vishnupad Temple is a significant pilgrimage site, especially during the Pitripaksh Mela, when devotees perform Pind Daan rituals for their ancestors.
Pitru Paksha starts from the full moon day of Bhadrapada month and ends on the new moon date of Ashwin month.
A Timeless Symbol of Devotion and Salvation
Vishnupad Temple, located in the ancient city of Gaya, Bihar, is one of the most revered Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This sacred temple holds immense spiritual significance, as it is believed to enshrine the footprint of Lord Vishnu, imprinted in a basalt rock known as "Dharma Shila." According to legend, Lord Vishnu stepped on the demon Gayasura, who had gained immense power, to restore dharma. The temple marks the exact spot where Vishnu's footprint is said to have been left, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
The temple's origins are steeped in history and mythology, with the current structure believed to have been built in the 18th century by Queen Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore. The Vishnupad Temple is an exquisite example of traditional Hindu architecture, featuring intricate carvings and a majestic shikhara (tower). The sanctum sanctorum, housing the sacred footprint, is the focal point of worship, attracting devotees from all over India who come to offer prayers and perform rituals for the salvation of their ancestors' souls.
Vishnupad Temple is especially significant during the Pitripaksh Mela, a time when thousands of pilgrims gather in Gaya to perform Pind Daan, a ritual for honoring and seeking liberation for departed ancestors. The temple, standing tall on the banks of the Falgu River, serves as a powerful spiritual center where the bonds between the living and their forefathers are celebrated and renewed. Visiting Vishnupad Temple is considered a deeply pious act, believed to bring peace, prosperity, and divine blessings to the devotees and their families.