Popular Temple
Vishnupad Temple, Gaya
Gaya, Bihar
Vishnu's footprint on the bank of the Phalgu, and the chief site for Pitru Paksha shraddha
At a glance
- Location
- Gaya, Bihar
- Presiding deity
- Lord Vishnu (worshipped as a footprint)
- Temple type
- Popular Temple
- Tradition
- Vaishnava
- Nearest railway station
- Gaya Junction (~3 km)
- Nearest airport
- Gaya International Airport (~8 km)
- Best time to visit
- October to March. If you are coming for shraddha during Pitru Paksha (September-October), book accommodation well in advance.
History
The Vishnupad temple stands on the bank of the Phalgu river at Gaya. The sanctum holds a footprint about 40 cm long incised into a block of basalt, known as the Dharmashila and traditionally held to be the footprint of Vishnu. The present structure is generally credited to Rani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in the 18th century.
Spiritual significance
By the legend this is where Vishnu pressed down the asura Gayasura with his foot. Gaya is the foremost site for shraddha and pinda-dana for one's ancestors; during the fifteen days of Pitru Paksha lakhs of people come from across the country to perform the Gaya shraddha, a practice referred to in the Puranas.
Plan your visit
Darshan timings
Open from early morning to night. Arrangements change completely during Pitru Paksha, when queues are very long.
Timings change on festivals and special occasions. Confirm with the temple's official source before you travel.
Gaya Junction has direct trains from Delhi, Kolkata and Patna. The temple is within the town, a few minutes by auto from the station. Bodh Gaya is about 15 km away.
Continue your Vishnu bhakti
Devotional texts for this deity, already on the site.