Vishnupad Mandir Gaya Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

Vishnupad Mandir is one of the most attractive temples in Bihar. A large number of devotees come here every day to offer prayer and seek blessings. Vishnupad Mandir is located in Gaya which is 100 km away from Patna, the capital of Bihar.

Vishnupad Mandir is located on the banks of Falgu River and has a footprint of Vishnu incised into a block of basalt. People believe that Lord Vishnu killed Gayasur by placing his foot on Gayasur’s chest.

Gaya is equally important for Buddhists as this was the place where Lord Buddha preached the Fire Sermon i.e. Adittapariyaya Sutta to around 1000 agriculture workers who were fire-worshipers. The influence of Buddha’s discourse was so enormous that all of them converted to Buddhism.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73cKZu2eN78
Vishnupad Temple – Video
What are the timings of the Vishnupad Temple?
Vishnupad Mandir is open every day. The darshan timings are from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
Vishnupad Mandir does not remain closed even on public holidays and the timings remain the same.
What is the history of the Vishnupad Mandir?
Legends say that the date of construction of Vishnupad Mandir, Gaya is unknown. It is believed that Lord Rama along with Sita Mata visited this place.
The present building of the temple was built by the ruler of Indore, Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar in 1787. The temple was built on the banks of the river Falgu.
On the southwest of the Vishnupad Temple, there is a Brahmajuni Hills which is built above 1000 stone steps. There are many other small temples near.
It is believed that once a demon named Gayasur committed a penance. It was said that whoever sees him would get salvation. And as it is known that salvation is attained if a person does something right in his life, everyone started attaining it easily.
To prevent bad people, Lord Vishnu asked Gayasur to go beneath the earth’s surface. Lord Vishnu himself sent Gayasur beneath the earth’s surface by keeping his right foot and pressing him under the earth surface.
While pushing Gayasur beneath the surface, Lord Vishnu’s footprint remained on the surface. This footprint is still visible and we can see it. This footprint has nine different signs symbols including Shankha, Chakram, and Gadham. These symbols are believed to be Lord Vishnu’s weapons.
After being pushed beneath the earth’s surface, Gayasur started pleading for food. That day Lord Vishnu said that every day there will be someone who will feed him food and whoever will feed him will be sent to heaven. It is believed that if Gayasur does not get food, he comes out.
It is also said that Lord Buddha meditated here for 6 years.
What is the significance of the Vishnupad Mandir?