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. The temple is famous for its Dharmashila (Vishnu's footprint), which is believed to be approximately 40 cm long and is enshrined within a silver casing in the sanctum sanctorum.
📜 History and Mythology
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.
🔱 Importance 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.
🛕 Grand Structure:
The Vishnupad Temple is constructed of dense granite stones. Its octagonal structure is approximately 100 feet tall, featuring intricately carved pillars and topped with a 50 kg gold flag and kalash (finial).
🪔 Dharmashila and Worship:
The Dharmashila, bearing Lord Vishnu's footprints, is encased in silver within the sanctum sanctorum. A statue of Goddess Lakshmi is also present, receiving daily adornment and worship.
🌊 Pind Daan and Tarpan:
This temple is a center for Pind Daan and Pitru Shraddha rituals, where devotees perform Tarpan, Pind Daan, Brahmin feeding, and Shraddha on the banks of the Falgu River – especially during Pitru Paksha, when millions of devotees visit.
🪔 Shraddha Period:
During Pitru Paksha and Amavasya (new moon), special rituals and prayers are held at the Vishnupad Temple, where devotees perform Pind Daan and Tarpan with complete adherence to the prescribed rites. 🌟 Service Packages Offered by Pujariji.com
🔹 Puja Organization & Pind Daan Service: Complete arrangements for Pind Daan, Tarpan, and Shraddha rituals according to scriptures.
🔹 Experienced Pandit Guidance: All ritual services including Vedic mantra chanting, Sankalpa (vow), and puja materials.
🔹 On-site and Online Options: Puja experience with on-site contact/online booking.
🔹 Brahmin Feeding and Donation Services: Provision of meals, Dakshina (offering), and charitable donations to Brahmins after the puja.
👉 We make your spiritual journey smooth, well-organized, and spiritually fulfilling.
🌍 Religious Significance
✨ Liberation and Peace for Ancestors: Performing Pind Daan here according to rituals grants liberation to ancestors and brings peace to their souls.
✨ 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.
📍 Location and Travel
📌 Address: Vishnupad Temple Road, Chand Chaura, Gaya, Bihar – 823001.
🚆 Nearest Railway Station: Gaya Junction — The temple is easily accessible by auto-rickshaw/taxi.
✈️ 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 considered a powerful center for ancestral liberation, family peace, and spiritual energy. With Pujariji.com's services, you can perform your rituals in a simple, organized, and spiritually enriching manner.
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The below are the travel details for the temple
Temple Puja associated with the temple