Why to visit Vishnupad Temple
Lord Vishnu is honoured at Vishnupada Mandir, a historic Hindu temple devoted to him. This temple may be found in Gaya, Bihar, beside the Falgu River. It is characterised by Lord Vishnu's footprint, known as Dharmasila, carved into a rock of basalt.
The name Vishnupad Mandir comes from a 40-cm-long footprint of Lord Vishnu found in a basalt rock. Lord Vishnu is said to have destroyed the demon Gayasur here by stamping his foot on his chest. Lord Vishnu's footprint was preserved in a rock when he shoved the demon into the soil with his foot. Though the temple's origins are uncertain, it is thought that the current octagonal shrine was established in 1787 by Ahilya Bai Holkar, the queen of Indore.
In the month of Pitripaksha, a special fair is held on the temple grounds. Pitripaksha is a Hindu festival in which Hindus pay their gratitude to their ancestors, particularly through food offerings. A Pind Daan performed by family members of the deceased soul during Pitripaksha is beneficial.
