Bihar’s Vishnupad and Mahabodhi Temples

Why in the News?

Finance Minister announced during her Union Budget speech that corridor projects will be built for the Vishnupad Temple at Gaya and the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya in Bihar.
- These will be modelled on the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor, to transform them into world-class pilgrim and tourist destinations.

	Details
Dedicated to	Lord Vishnu
Significance	Contains a 40 cm long footprint of Lord Vishnu; considered sacred in Hinduism; attracts pilgrims for *“Pind Daan”* rituals.
Historical Importance	Believed to be over 1000 years old; associated with various legends and historical references in Hindu texts.
Architecture	Built in Shikhara style; Features intricate carvings and silver-plated flagposts; Constructed of grey granite blocks.
Built by	Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in 1787.
Festivals and Rituals	Major site for “Pind Daan” rituals during Pitru Paksha; Attracts thousands of pilgrims during this period.
Mythology	The footprint is believed to be where Lord Vishnu placed his foot to subdue the demon Gayasur.
Associated River	Located on the banks of the Phalgu River, considered sacred for ritual offerings.
Access and Visitation	Accessible year-round; major pilgrimage site with facilities for devotees.
Recent Developments	Ongoing efforts for preservation and restoration; improved infrastructure for pilgrims.

	Details
Location	Bodh Gaya, Bihar;
Significance	Marks the location where Buddha attained enlightenment
UNESCO Status	World Heritage Site since 2002
Historical Importance	One of the four holy sites related to Buddha’s life (Enlightenment). Other holy sites: Lumbini (Birth) in Nepal, Sarnath (First Sermon) in Uttar Pradesh, Kushinagar (Death) in Uttar Pradesh
Original Construction	Built by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka around 260 BCE
Reconstruction	Reconstructed in brick during the late Gupta period (5th or 6th centuries)
Archaeological Finds	Indicates site of veneration since the Mauryan period. Vajrasana (Diamond Throne): Located within the temple, dated to the third century BCE
Main Temple Structure	Dates from the 6th century CE, incorporates parts from 2nd or 3rd century CE
Architectural Features	Two large shikhara towers, the largest over 55 meters high Influenced Jain, Hindu, and Buddhist architecture globally
Materials	Made mostly of brick covered with stucco
Bodhi Tree	Direct descendant of the original tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment
Traditional Accounts	Describes 7 weeks Buddha spent meditating after enlightenment at various spots within the complex
Decline and Revival	Declined after Huna invasions and early Islamic invasions. Revived under the Pala Empire (8th-12th century). Declined again after 12th century CE invasions by Turk armies.