On our recent trip to Bihar, we had the pleasure to visit the holy land of Varanasi for 2 days. Following which we spent a week in Bihar. Wherein we visited the temples of Bodh Gaya. And also the Vishnupad Temple Gaya, which is located just 12km from Bodhgaya. Along with the Gaya ghat. Both of which hold considerable significance for Hindus.
Today, I take you through the lanes of Gaya – one of the most ancient cities of India. During which, we will halt at Visnhupad temple. Followed by a visit to the tranquil Gaya ghat on the banks of the Falguni river.
Vishnupad Temple Gaya
The Vishnupad Temple is an ancient and revered Hindu temple located in Gaya, Bihar, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. And is believed to be the site where Lord Vishnu’s feet (literally known as “Vishnupad”) are imprinted. The name “Vishnupad” itself refers to the “footprints of Vishnu”. Which is a significant feature of the temple.
Historical and Religious Significance of Vishnupad Temple Bodh Gaya
The Vishnupad Temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus, particularly for those performing the Pind Daan (rituals for ancestors), which is commonly done in Gaya. It is believed that offering Pind Daan at this temple will liberate the souls of deceased ancestors and lead to their salvation (Moksha).
Vishnupad temple is over 2000 years old. While various accounts attribute its construction to different periods. But the present structure was built by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar in the 18th century.
The footprints of Lord Vishnu are enshrined in the temple, carved on a large rock. These footprints are housed in a stone platform and are considered extremely sacred by devotees.
Legends and Mythology associated with Vishnupad Temple Bodhgaya
According to Hindu mythology, Gaya is the place where Lord Vishnu granted liberation to King Gaya after he had performed intense penance. The place became associated with the spiritual practice of offering salvation to the souls of ancestors.
Then there is also a story that the footprints are those of Lord Vishnu from his visit to the region during the time of the Mahabharata.
Although the temple is visited year-round. But certain times, like during the Pitrapaksha (an annual period dedicated to ancestors, typically in September), see a surge in pilgrim activity. As many Hindus come during this time to perform the Pind Daan. And offer prayers for their forebears.
Architecture of Vishnupad Temple Bodhgaya
The architecture of the Vishnupad Temple is Hindu in style, featuring a Shikhara (tower) and a large courtyard surrounding the sanctum. The temple is made of stone and features intricate carvings and sculptures depicting various deities and mythological stories from Hindu scriptures. The temple’s sanctum has a golden footprint of Lord Vishnu, which is considered the central object of worship. The footprint is often highlighted with a sacred design.
How to reach the Vishnupad Temple Bodhgaya
The Vishnupad Temple is located on the banks of the Falgu River in Gaya, a city which is well-connected by road and rail. Gaya is about 100 kilometers south of Patna, the capital city of Bihar. There is an international airport in Gaya and an airport in Patna as well which together connect the region to all major cities of India. One can also reach Gaya using the Indian Rail Network. The Gaya railway station is just 5km from the temple. And road connectivity to Bodhgaya as well as Gaya is excellent.
Once you are in Gaya, you can take an autorickshaw or a hand pulled rickshaw to Vishnupad Temple. You can also drive here in your own vehicle like we did. The last 300-400 metres of road will take you through narrow and winding streets. Before you reach near the temple. Where there is a big parking area outside.
From here, you can take the steps and then a corridor that leads to the temple premises. On one side of this corridor, there are a bunch of shops selling prasad as well as souvenirs and snacks. You can leave your slippers in this coridoor before you enter the main temple premises.
The Gaya Ghat
Gaya Ghat is one of the prominent ghats located in the city of Gaya, Bihar, India. Situated on the banks of the Falgu River, it holds immense religious and cultural significance for Hindus, particularly in the context of performing the Pind Daan ritual, which is believed to provide salvation (Moksha) to the souls of deceased ancestors.
The Falgu River plays a central role in the religious rituals performed at Gaya Ghat. It is believed that the river’s waters have special powers to purify the soul and aid in the spiritual journey of the departed.In the mythology surrounding the region, it is said that the river has been blessed by Lord Vishnu, making it an essential part of the Pind Daan ceremonies.
History and Mythology associated with Gaya Ghat
According to Hindu mythology, Gaya is a significant place for the ancestors’ rites. The city is named after King Gaya, a legendary figure who is said to have performed penance here. It is believed that Lord Vishnu himself granted salvation to King Gaya and blessed the region. The legend of King Gaya‘s penance and his association with the river and the region has made the site a symbol of spiritual liberation.
Pilgrims often spend time here offering prayers and seeking blessings for their families, especially for the peaceful rest of their ancestors. The Gaya Ghat is also a place of several social gatherings and religious celebrations.
Pind Daan Ritual of Vishnupad Temple & Gaya Ghat and it’s significance
One of the main reasons for visiting Gaya and the Vishnupad Temple is to perform the Pind Daan ceremony, which is a ritual offering to deceased ancestors. It is believed that performing this ritual in Gaya can bring peace to the souls of the ancestors and endow the living with blessings.
The temple plays a central role in this ritual, and many pilgrims come here specifically for this purpose. The Pind Daan is usually performed at the banks of the Falgu River, which is nearby. Pilgrims performing the Pind Daan at Gaya Ghat usually take a dip in the river and then offer rice balls (called “Pind”) to symbolize their ancestors’ souls. These offerings are placed on sacred stones or platforms at the river’s edge.
The ritual is believed to provide peace to the souls of the departed and ensure their journey to the afterlife is complete, with Moksha being attained.
Other rituals and religious ceremonies of Gaya Ghat
Apart from Pind Daan, devotees also perform other sacred rituals, including Shradh (annual rites for ancestors) and Tarpan (offering water to the departed souls). The riverbanks are dotted with several temples, ashrams, and places of worship where pilgrims engage in various forms of prayer and offerings.
How to reach Gaya Ghat
From the Vishnupad Temple, you can proceed further on the other side of the coridoor. You will enter into narrow lanes. Navigating through which strongly reminded me of the lanes and temples of Varanasi that I had explored few days back. As you pass through these lanes towards the ghat, you will see colorful houses, shops on the ground floor and kids playing in the streets. Many of these streets lead towards the ghat. And the good thing is that you will see numerous sign boards in the streets which will keep you from wandering.
The most auspicious time for visiting Gaya Ghat is during the Pitrapaksha Mela, an annual event held in September. During this period, millions of Hindus come to Gaya to perform Pind Daan in honor of their ancestors. The city becomes a hub of activity, with devotees gathering to perform the rituals at the ghats and temples.
Other important ghats of Gaya
Apart from the main Gaya ghat, there are several other important ghats along the river Falguni in Gaya. Some of these include –
- Manjhar Ghat: Another important ghat on the Falgu River, where similar rituals are performed.
- Pret Ghat: Also a significant site for ancestral rituals and prayers.
- Brahmakund Ghat: Associated with bathing and purification rites for pilgrims.
Apart from everything else, what I liked most about the Gaya Ghat was the utter tranquility that I felt here. As we reached here towards the evening and sat on the ghats. We could see the bridges on the river Falguni at the far end, with people walking across. And the boats plying in the calm waters of the river. While on the ghat, the rituals were being performed in pockets. Apart from that, it was all peace and calm!! There’s definitely something about these river ghats in India. That draw you like nothing else. And then immerse you in this peaceful feeling.
The feelings were very similar to the one I had sitting on the banks of river Ganga in Rishikesh for a brief while. On my trip to Uttarakhand last year.
What is the best time to visit Gaya
The best time to visit Gaya is between October and March. When the weather starts being milder. However, the festivities time is in september when people flock here in large numbers during the “Pitripaksh” to attend the mela and do pind daans.
Where to stay in Gaya
There are many guesthouses and small hotels near the Vishnupad temple where the devotees stay. For a more tranquil experience, particularly when visiting for tourism purpose, you can stay outside the main town of Gaya. Either in Bodhgaya or on the old highway that connects Gaya and Bodhgaya. Here’s a list of hotels and resorts in Bodhgaya region that you can explore. We also stayed in this region only in Bodhi Palace Resort. And our experience was decent. Here’s a list of hotels in Gaya if you would like to stay closer to the Visnhupad Temple.
Other general tips on visiting Gaya
If you are visiting Gaya for religious rituals, specifically pind-daan you should keep ample time at hand (1-2 days). As the place is often very crowded. Also the Purohits / Pandas who do the pind daan ask for a huge sum of money. So, enquire with some locals before you agree on a price. Many also visit here with their own purohits to perform the rituals. And just use the premises of the temple and adjacent ghat for the ceremony.