The Vishnupad Temple in Gaya, Bihar is a sacred ancient Hindu temple on the banks of the Falgu River, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is built around the Dharmashila, a sacred rock bearing Lord Vishnu’s 40 cm footprints, believed to mark where he subdued the demon Gayasura centuries ago. The magnificent octagonal temple was reconstructed in 1787 by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar and features towering granite architecture with carved pillars and a gold flag atop its shikhara. Vishnupad Temple is one of the most revered places for Pind Daan, Tarpan, and Shraddha rituals, especially during Pitru Paksha, bringing peace and moksha (liberation) to ancestors.
The Vishnupad Temple, located on the banks of the Falgu River in Gaya, Bihar, is a highly sacred and ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple is famous for its Dharmashila (Vishnu's footprints), which are believed to be approximately 40 cm long and are enshrined within a silver casing in the sanctum sanctorum.
📜 History and Mythology
📖 Gayasura Legend:
According to the Puranas, a demon named Gayasura became powerful through penance. Lord Vishnu asked him to perform a sacrifice dedicated to him and ultimately pushed him beneath the earth. Lord Vishnu's footprints were imprinted on the Dharmashila at that very spot, which are worshipped today at the Vishnupad Temple.
🔱 Significance of Pind Daan:
Devotees believe that performing Pind Daan, Tarpan, and Shraddha here grants liberation, peace, and contentment to their ancestors, making it a major pilgrimage site for attaining salvation in Hinduism.
🛕 Architecture and Features
🛕 Grand Structure:
The Vishnupad Temple is constructed from dense granite stones. Its octagonal structure is approximately 100 feet tall, featuring intricately carved pillars all around, and topped with a flag and finial made of 50 kg of gold.
🪔 Dharmashila and Worship:
In the sanctum sanctorum, the stone bearing Lord Vishnu's footprints is enclosed in a silver casing, and an idol of Goddess Lakshmi is also present, which receives daily adornment and worship. gi
🙏 Puja Rituals and Pind Daan (
🌊 Pind Daan and Tarpan:
This temple is a center for Pind Daan and Pitru Shraddha rituals, where devotees perform Tarpan, Pind Daan, Brahmin Bhojan (feeding of Brahmins), and Shraddha on the banks of the Falgu River — especially during Pitru Paksha, when millions of devotees visit.
🪔 Shraddha Period:
Special rituals and pujas are organized at the Vishnupad Temple during Pitru Paksha and Amavasya (new moon), where devotees perform Pind Daan and Tarpan with complete adherence to the prescribed rituals.
🌟 Services Available through Pujariji.com
🔹 Puja Arrangement & Pind Daan Service: Complete arrangement of Pind Daan, Tarpan, and Shraddha according to scriptures.
🔹 Experienced Pandit Guidance: All ritual services including Vedic mantra chanting, Sankalp (vow), and puja materials.
🔹 On-site and Online Options: Puja experience with on-site contact/online reservation.
🔹 Brahmin Bhojan & Donation Services: Provision for feeding Brahmins, offering Dakshina (donation), and other charitable donations after the puja.
👉 We make your pilgrimage smooth, well-organized, and spiritually fulfilling.
🌍 Religious Significance
✨ Moksha and Peace for Ancestors: Performing Pind Daan here according to the prescribed rituals grants liberation to ancestors and brings peace to their souls.
Shradhingaya
✨ Prosperity and Peace in the Family: Pitru Shraddha brings positive energy, peace, and prosperity to the family.
✨ Spiritual Experience: Performing puja rituals on the banks of the Falgu River leads to a profound experience of peace, self-reflection, and devotion.
📍 Access and Travel
📌 Location: Vishnupad Temple Road, Chand Chaura, Gaya, Bihar – 823001.
🚆 Nearest Rail: Gaya Junction — The temple is easily accessible by auto/cab.
✈️ Nearest Airport: Gaya Airport.
Shri Vishnupad Temple, Gaya Ji — This is an ancient and prominent pilgrimage site built on the sacred footprints of Lord Vishnu, where Pind Daan, Tarpan, Shraddha, and Brahmin puja rituals are performed. This site is known for Pitru Moksha (liberation of ancestors). The home is considered a powerful center for achieving family peace and spiritual energy. With the services of Pujariji.com, you can perform your rituals in a simple, organized, and auspicious manner.
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The below are the travel details for the temple
Temple Puja associated with the temple