Vishnupad Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in the city of Gaya, in the Indian state of Bihar. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and it is believed that the temple was built on the site where Lord Vishnu put his foot (Vishnupada) on Earth. The temple is considered to be one of the most sacred temples for Hindus, and it attracts a large number of pilgrims from all over the world.
History
The history of Vishnupad Temple dates back to the time of the Mahabharata, an ancient Indian epic. It is believed that the Pandavas, the heroes of the Mahabharata, came to Gaya to offer prayers to their ancestors. During their visit, they met Lord Vishnu, who granted them a wish. The Pandavas wished that Lord Vishnu should stay in Gaya forever, and Lord Vishnu agreed to their wish by placing his foot on the ground.
The current temple was built in the 18th century by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, and it has undergone several renovations since then. The temple complex consists of several small shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities, and the main temple is a 30-meter high structure with a pyramid-shaped tower. The temple is built on the banks of the Falgu River, and it is surrounded by several other important Hindu temples and shrines.
Overall, Vishnupad Temple is an important religious site for Hindus, and it is considered to be one of the holiest places in India. The temple attracts a large number of pilgrims every year, and it is believed that offering prayers at the temple can bring peace, prosperity, and good fortune.
Nearby Attractions
There are several other important Hindu temples and shrines located near Vishnupad Temple that you can visit. Some of the popular ones include:
- Mangla Gauri Temple: It is a temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati and is believed to be one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas.
- Pretshila Hill: It is a hill located near the Vishnupad Temple and is considered to be a sacred place for performing religious rites for ancestors.
- Ramshila Hill: It is another hill located near the temple and is believed to be the place where Lord Rama along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman stayed during their exile.
Best Time to Visits
The best time to visit Vishnupad Temple is between October to March when the weather is pleasant, and the temperatures are mild. The temperature during this time ranges between 10°C to 25°C, making it comfortable for visitors to explore the temple and the nearby attractions.
It is important to note that the temple is open from 5:30 am to 9:30 pm every day, and it can get crowded during peak pilgrimage season, which is during the months of September and October.
How to Reach
Gaya is well connected to major cities in India by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport to Gaya is the Gaya Airport, which is approximately 10 km away from the temple. Regular flights operate from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata to Gaya.
The Gaya Junction Railway Station is the nearest railway station, and it is well connected to major cities in India. The temple is located around 2 km away from the railway station, and you can hire a taxi or take an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple.
If you are traveling by road, the temple is located around 100 km away from Patna, and you can take a taxi or a bus to reach the temple.
