Vishnupada Temple - Feet Of Vishnu In Gaya

                                         
                                                    Vishnupada Temple

Vishnupada Temple is marked by a footprint of Vishnu. This footprint is the significance of the act of Lord Vishnu crushing Gayasur under his foot. The temple that stands today was rebuilt by Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar in the 18th century. As per the Buddhist tradition and culture, this footstep mark is regarded that of Lord Buddha who is said to be the avatar of Vishnu.
The temples and the Ghats that are present by the River Falgu are also of great spiritual significance. Some trees are also held sacred by the Hindus and in Gaya one would find Pipal trees, Akshayavat and the undying Banyan which are also offered prayers and offerings in huge numbers by the pilgrims coming into the city.

Gaya is held as an important spiritual center by Hindus as a site which offers salvation to the souls. Buddhists hold Gaya as an important pilgrimage center because of the presence of the Brahmayoni or the Gayasia hill where Buddha preached the Fire Sermon or the Adittapariyaya Sutta..

History of Gaya:-

Ancient history: Documented history of Gaya dates back to the birth of Gautam Buddha. About 15 km from Gaya town is Bodh Gaya, the place where Gautam Buddha got enlightenment. Since then the places around Gaya (Rajgir, Nalanda, Vaishali, Patliputra) had been the citadel of knowledge for the ancient world. These centers of knowledge further flourished under the rule of dynasties like the Mauryans who ruled from Patliputra (modern Patna) and covered the area beyond the boundaries of the Indian subcontinent. During this period, Gaya was a part of the Magadh region.

Medieval history:-

 In the 14th-15th century Gaya was frequently attacked by foreign Muslim invaders including other Hindu holy and sacred places. The Hindu rajputs from rajasthan moved towards north-east to defend Banaras and Gaya, the expedition of Maharana Lakha being the most important. Maharana Lakha, was the forty-fifth ruler of the Mewar Dynasty (r. 1382-1421); succeeded his father, Maharana Kshetra Singh; ruled for thirty-nine years from Chittor. He was a brave and gallant fighter throughout his life and led his life defending Gaya. The remaining army settled in parts of city of Magadha Kingdom. After the attack of the Muslim rulers these centers were severely damaged and along with them the historical city of Gaya lost its glory. But, in the medieval era under the rule of the great Sher Shah Suri (an Afghan ruler based in the Sasaram district of modern Bihar), Gaya got connected with the rest of India by the famous Grand Trunk road (passing through Sherghati) built by the ruler.

Modern history:-

 In modern Indian history, Gaya played an important role in the freedom movement. Though Gaya may not have produced many great leaders during that era, the common people from Gaya participated in the freedom struggle. Many national level conferences were organized in Gaya during that period. In 1922, the national level meeting of Indian National Congress was held in Gaya. It was in this session that Chittaranjan Das, the President of the Gaya session of Indian National Congress, remarked, trial "At the moment Rajendra Prasad appears to be the sole excuse for a further honest trial of Gandhism to solve a political problem". Also, one of the famous 'Seven Martyrs', the seven young men who sacrificed their lives in the Quit India movement of August 1942, was from Gaya.
Several freedom fighters were lodged in Gaya Central Jail. One of them was the nephew of Yogendra Shukla, Baikunth Shukla who was convicted and hanged in Gaya Central Jail on May 14th, 1934 at a young age of 28 years.

Importance to Hindu Mythology:-

Gaya derives its name from the mythological demon Gayasur (which literally means Gaya the holy demon), demon (asur, a Sanskrit word) and Gaya. Over its history dating millennia, the word asur got deleted and the name Gaya remained in currency. Lord Vishnu killed Gayasur, the holy demon by using the pressure of his foot over him. This incident transformed Gayasur into the series of rocky hills that make up the landscape of the Gaya city. Gaya was so holy that he had the power to absolve the sins of those who touched him or looked at him; after his death many people have flocked to Gaya to perform shraddha sacrifices on his body to absolve the sins of their ancestors. Gods and goddesses had promised to live on Gayasur's body after he died, and the hilltop protuberances of Gaya are surmounted by temples to various gods and goddesses. These hilltop temples at Rama Shila, Mangla Gauri, Shringa Sthan and Brahmayoni are part of the pilgrimage circuit, and grand staircases have been built up to most of them.

 Legend related to Gaya Mahatmya:-

(Significance of ancestral rites at Gaya)In olden times there lived a sage by name Dhaibhya who once went to GayaKshetraand performed sacred rites (Pinda Pradhana) to his forefathers with utmostdevotion and after that started doing penance at this place. One day while he wasdoing penance a cosmic plane appeared before him and a divine person got downfrom it and asked him why was he doing this penance? Then the sage Dhaibhyainreply asked the cosmic person to disclose his details.The cosmic person told the sage that he was the Brahma Manasa Puthra and brotherof Rudra called Sanathkumara who lives in one of the urdhva lokas (Jano loka). Hefurther said, O’ Sage “you have performed Pinda Pradhana at Gaya Kshetra with theresult the entire Brahma Vamsa got the benefit and I have come here to bless you andshow my affinity towards you.” On further questioning by sage as to how his actionhad benefited, Sanathkumara started narrating an incident related to GayaMahatmya.In olden timesthere lived a king called Vishala who was a highly spiritual andreligious minded person ruling his kingdom in Dharma Marga. His only shortfall was lack of children. On being advised by his purohits the king went to GayaKshetraand performed sacred rites to his forefathers (Pinda Dana, Thila Tharpana). While doing so there appeared three persons in the sky who were in three differentcolours (white, red and black) and they started glaring at the King with love andaffection.On being asked the white coloured person started telling that,“he was his father, thered coloured person was his grand father who had committed lot of sins while hewas alive and the black coloured person was his great grand father who also hadcommitted similar worst sins during his life time. Due to this they were suffering inthe hell. Because of good deeds done, I have (white coloured person) acquired theheavenly status.” Now, due to your visit to the Gaya Kshetra and performing sacredrites (Pinda daana) your grand father and great grand father have been released fromthe hell and have joined me in the heaven. Thus you are responsible for theliberation of your forefathers from the hell by performing Pinda Pradhana andTharpana at Gaya Kshetra. Now we are happily going to Pitru Loka and have comehere to see you and bless you.After this incident the king Vishala returned to his kingdom and soon was blessedwith a son. Hence, this place (Gaya) has acquired lot of significance and Lord MahaVishnu holding macein his hand is residing here. Thus spoke Sanathkumara to thesage Dhaibhya and disappeared.

Legend of Vishnupada Mandir :-

 According to a legend once a demon practised penance and was blessed with a boon by Lord Vishnu that one who perceives him will achieve moksha. People thus, easily achieved salvation by seeing him. To resist this Lord Vishnu advised Gayasura to descend underneath the earth and placed his right food on the demon's head. One can thus, see the footprints of the Lord on the rock having nine different symbols. When the demon requested for food the lord blessed him that he would be served food everyday by some devotee.
 The upper portion of the Vishnupada Mandir is adorned with a gold flag and a couple of gold made kalash. According to a story once two thieves attempted to steal the gold kalasha and the flag by climbing atop the temple. However, it is said that one of them turned into stone and the other too became a stone after falling down from the top. The stone images of the thieves have been preserved by the temple.

Temple Deity:-

The footprint of Lord Vishnu known as Dharmasila is 40 cm long surrounded by a silver plated basin and imprinted in solid rock. There is a silver umbrella over it. The temple is built of large gray granite blocks joined with iron clamps and is at a height of 30 mts with its pyramid shaped tower at a height of about 100 feet. The sides of the tower are sloping with plain and intended sections alternating with each other to create a series of peaks joined at the top. The pavilion is supported by 8 rows of beautifully carved pillars.  The traditional priests of the temple are the Bhumihar Brahmins known as the Gayawar Pandas. A peepal tree called Akshayavat on the bank of the Falgu River is considered very sacred and worshipped by the pilgrims who offer final rites for the departed soul here.  To the South West of the temple is the Brahmajuni hill with a flight of 1000 stone steps leading to the top which offers a magnificent view of the temple.



History of Vishnupada Temple :-

The construction date of the temple is unknown and it is believed that Rama along with Sita had visited this place. The present day structure was rebuilt by Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar, the ruler of Indore, in 1787, on the banks of the Falgu river. A flight of 1000 stone steps leads to the top of the Brahmajuni hill, 1 km south-west of the Vishnupad mandir. Visitors prefer to go to the top of Brahmajuni hill see the magnificent view of the temple from the top. There are many small temples near this temple. Once a demon known as Gayasura did a heavy penance and sought a boon that whoever see him should attain salvation Moksham. Since salvation is achieved through being righteous in one's lifetime, people started obtaining it easily. To prevent immoral people from attaining salvation Lord Vishnu asked Gayasura to go beneath the earth and did so by placing his right foot on asura's head. After pushing Gayasura below the surface of the earth, Lord Vishnu's footprint remained on the surface that we see even today.
The footprint consists of nine different symbols including Shankam, Chakram and Gadham. These are believed to be weapons of the lord. Gayasura now pushed into earth pleaded for food. Lord Vishnu gave him a boon that every day, someone will offer him food. Whoever does so, their souls will reach heaven. The day Gayasura doesn't get food, it is believed that he will come out. Every day, one or the other from different parts of India will pray for the welfare of his departed and offer food, feeding Gayasura. On top of the temple is a gold flag weighing approx 51kg. Inside the temple is a silver coated hexagon railing also known as .

Visitor Information:-

•Footwear is not allowed inside the temple.
• Wear decent clothes and avoid wearing dresses that are too revealing.
• Taking pictures inside the temple is not allowed, though you can take pictures in the premises.
• Keep the temple premises clean and do not litter.
• During the time of the festivals, the temple can get too crowded so plan your trip accordingly.
• Wait for your chance for darshan and mind the queue.
• Deposit your offerings in Hundi only.
• Don’t consume liquor or other intoxicants.
• Respect ancient customs and usages while at Temple and promote religious sentiments among co-pilgrims.
• Beggary shouldn’t be encouraged by pilgrims as well as tourists.

Vishnupad Mandir Gaya Timings:-

•Vishnupad Mandir Gaya is opened every day. The darshan timing begins from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm.
•Vishnupad Mandir Gaya is also opened on Saturday and Sunday from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm.
•Vishnupad Mandir Gaya does not remains close on public holiday. Even on public holiday the timing for darshan is from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm.

Devotees, who are willing to take the panoramic view of the Vishnupad Temple have to cross 1000 stone steps to reach the top of Brahmajuni hill, located 1 km southwest of the temple.

Darsan Dresscode:-

 Devotees are expected to wear conservative and modest clothing while visiting Visnhupad Temple.

Culture:-

Over the ages, Bihar has been the center of attraction regarding its involvement since the days of Ramanayana and the Mahabharata. The capital of the mighty Mauryan Empire was also at Pataliputra- which lies in the present day Bihar. Even today, many important relics of Emperor Chandra Gupta Maurya, Bindusara and the mightiest of them all Emperor Ashoka are found.
Moreover, Bihar proudly houses the centers of learning like the famous Nalanda University and the prestigious Vikramshila University during the ancient times.
The state boasts on its flagship religious culture, the enriched heritage that grew up associating different popular shrines in Bihar.  Alongside, Bihar's culture extends to the vibrant Madhubani art and Manjusha art.

Language Spoken:-

 Maithili, Bhojpuri, English, Hindi, Bengali

Best Time to Visit:-

November to February is the best time to pay a visit to Vishnupad Mandir. The temperature is really nice during this period and you will be able to enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Location of vishnupad temple:-

The temple is located besides the falgu river at chand chaura at a distance of 3.5 Kms from Gaya and 110 Kms from Bihar capital patna. Buddhists most sacred place bodhgaya which is famous for bodhi tree and mahabodhi temple is located at a distance of 15 Km.

How to Reach Gaya:-

Gaya is well connected to the rest of India and the world by roadways, railways and airways.

By Air:-

 The city has the only operating international airport in Bihar and Jharkhand. It has domestic operations for Kolkata, New Delhi and Varanasi, while international flights are for Bangkok, Yangon and Colombo.

By Rail:-

 The nearest railway station is Gaya Jn. (5 km).

By Road:-

 Bodhgaya is well connected by road to Gaya (17 km), Nalanda (101 km), Rajgir (78 km), Patna (135 km), Varanasi (252 km), Calcutta (495 km)
Local Transport: City Bus, Taxis, Tongas, Auto Rickshaws, Cycle Rickshaws are available.

By Bus:-

 Regular direct bus services are available from Gaya to Patna, Nalanda, Rajgir, Varanasi,Ranchi,Tata(Jamshedpur),Kolkata,Dhanbad. Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation and Bihar State Road Transport Corporation run buses to Patna, Ranchi, Jamshedpur and other major cities.

Umananda Temple - A Peacock Island In Assam

                                                    Umananda Temple

 According to Hindu mythology, Lord Siva created this place his wife Uma's happiness and pleasure. Siva is said to have resided here in the form of Bhayananda. Thats why this place is called Uma-Nanda. Uma means Siva's wife and Ananda means happiness. According to another myth in Kalika Purana, Lord Siva burnt Kamdeva with his Third eye in this place when he tried to interrupt Siva's deep meditation. So it is also known as 'Bhasmachal'. 'Bhasma' means ash and 'chal' means home in assamese.This place a small island, probably one of the smallest among the river islands, situated in the majestic Brahmaputra river.

 In 1694, the Ahom King Gadadhar Singha ordered his minister Gargaya Handique Phukan to build a temple. The deity of the temple is also called Umananda, Lord Sambhu- ruma- nandakarah. In 1897, a great earth quake damaged the temple heavily. but later it was repaired by a local merchant. The temple displays mixture of both Hindu Vaishnavism and Shaivism. There are beautiful assamese crafting of Lord Ganesha, Shiva, Pavati, Vishnu, and other Hindu Gods. During the repairing work of the temple some new Vaishnavi scripts were written to the walls. Apart from the temple walls sculptures on the rocks of the Umananda Island presents talents of ancient assamese craftsmen.

The Presiding Deity:-

 The presiding deity of the temple is Umananda (Tatrasti bhagavan sambhu- ruma- nandakarah Prabhu). It is believed that, worship here on the Amavasya day when it falls on Monday brings the highest bliss. The Siva Chaturdasi is the most colourful festival that is held here annually. Many devotees come to the temple on this occasion for the worship of the deity.

The Legend of Umananda Temple :-

Siva is said to have resided here in the form of Bhayananda. According to the Kalika Purana, in the beginning of the creation Siva sprinkled ashes (bhasma) at this place and imparted knowledge to Parvati (his consort). It is said that, when Siva was in meditation on this hillock, Kamadeva interrupted his yoga and was therefore burnt to ashes by the fire of Siva's anger and hence the hillock got the name Bhasmacala.
 This mountain is also called Bhasmakuta. The Kalika Purana states that Urvasikunda is situated here and here resides the goddess Urvasi who brings Amrit (nectar) for the enjoyment of Kamakhya and hence the island got the name Urvasi Island.

Architecture of Umananda Temple:-

 Umananda Temple is further known for the architecture which depicts the art of Assamese craftsmen. The temple is decorated with fine rock cut sculptures that include all the major Hindu god and goddesses represented in the deities of Lord Surya, Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati with the emblem of a scorpion along with the sculptures of Lord Vishnu and his ten incarnations which are known as Das Avatars of Lord Vishnu. The temple is reached by a series of steep staircases. The main temple includes a principle deity of Umananda. The temple celebrates the occasion of Shiva Chaturdas. This is one of the most colourful festivals that attract millions of devotees who come to worship the deity. Besides religion this temple is also known as one of the historical sites in Assam. Originally built by king Gadadhar Singh in 1694 who was a great devotes of Lord Shiva, this was renovated for a second time in 1897 as the original temple was heavily damaged due to earthquakes.

Significance of Umananda Temple:-

The Umananda Temple was built in 1694 A.D. by Bar Phukan Garhganya Handique on the order of the King Gadadhar Singha who was one of the strongest and ablest rulers of Ahom dynasty. A devastating earthquake destroyed the original temple in 1897. Later Umananda Temple was reconstructed by some rich local merchant. He chose to inscribe interior part of the Shiva temple with Vaishnavite slogans.
When the Mughals occupied the region of Kamroopa, land, men and money were given to the priests of Umananda Temples from Mughal Emperors Jahangir and Aurangzeb and they used this to reconstruct the temple totally.

Umananda Temple History:-

According to popular legend, Shiva had resided on the location of the temple in the form of Bhayananda. Popular mythology according to Kalika Purana suggests that in the beginning of the creation Shiva had sprinkled ashes (Bhasma) on this location. Shiva had imparted knowledge to his consort Parvati here and when Shiva was in meditation here on a hillock, Kamadeva had interrupted his yoga. Thus, he was burnt to ashes by the fire of Shiva’s anger and the ashes were spread everywhere on the hilltop. Due to this, the hillock acquired the name Bhasmacala.
This mountain has another name Bhasmakuta as according to Kalika Purana, Urvasikunda was also situated here and the goddess Urvashi resides here who brings Amrit for the enjoyment of Devi Kamakhya and thus the island also acquired the name Urvashi Island.
Another legend says that Shiva lived here much to the Ananda (joy) of his consort Uma (Parvati) hence the name. Umananda is the presiding deity of the temple and it is believed that worshiping the Lord here on the day of the new moon or Amavasya day when it falls on Monday brings the devotee the highest bliss. One of the most colourful festivals here is the Shiva Chaturdashi. It is held here annually and many devotees visit the temple on the occasion to worship the deity. Maha Shivaratri is also a major festival celebrated here by the devotees.


Festivals Celebrated At Umananda Temple:-

Every year, many devotees and worshipers come to the Umananda Temple during the yearly occasion of Shivratri. On this occasion every year, many worshipers especially visit the Peacock Island to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. Shivratri is the occasion which is a very auspicious festival for Shaivites as this day marks the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Another popular belief in the region is that worshiping in the Umananda Temple on an Amavasya (New moon) day, especially if it is falling on a Monday, brings the highest bliss to the devotee. The day is marked by special Poojas and Havans that are performed to entice Lord Shiva and to attain all bliss and happiness in life.

Poojas and Rituals at Umananda Temple:-

Shivaratri is a major festival and many rituals are performed on this day in the Umananda temple. Many devotees visit the temple and perform Poojas for Lord Shiva. This includes extensive decoration in the temple and arrangement for worship as well as Prasad. The devotees celebrate in jubilation and offer special Bhoga (food offered to the deity) and fruits as well as flowers to their favourite deity.
The devotees perform special Bhajans (religious music) and the popular foods that are the favorite of Lord Shiva are consumed on this day in the temple.

Sightseeing near Umanand Temple in Guwahati:-

Chandra sekhara temple:-

It is an old temple of Lord Shiva present in Bhasmachala.

Oorvasi kundam:-

Once upon a time, the Oorvasi brought Amrutha from the Heaven to worship Goddess Kamakhya. A drop of that fell near Bhasmachala which formed Oorvasi kunda.

Kamakhya Temple:-

Guwahati is particularly famous for its Kamakhya temple located atop the Nilachal hill, at a distance of 10 km from the railway station. Known to be the most revered among the tantrik shrines of Shakti worship in the world, Kamakhya, was built in the 10th century by the Koch king, Naranarayan. Animal sacrifice is a common practice here to appease the Goddess.Kamakhya Temple .

Bhubaneshwari Temple:-

 Above Kamakhya is another small temple, Bhubaneshwari, from where one can have a bird's eye view of the Guwahati.

Navagraha Temple:-

 Atop a hill in east Guwahati is the Navagraha temple - the "temple of nine planets," - an ancient seat of astrology and astronomy. Housed in a red beehive-shaped dome, the central lingam is encircled by further nine representing the planets (graha) - Sun (Surya, Ravi), Moon (Chandra, Soma), Mercury (Buddh), Venus (Sukra), Mars (Mangal), Jupiter (Brhaspati) and Saturn (Sani). Two more were added, Rahu and Ketu, the dragon's head and the dragon's tail, or the ascending and descending nodes of the moon

How to Reach Umananda Temple :-

By Road:-

Guwahati is linked to all the major cities of Assam and nearby states. One can easily reach Guwahati by road from any part of the state.

By Train:-

The nearest railway station to Umananda Temple is Guwahati train station Junction which is 1 KM away from Umananda Temple.

By Air:-

The nearest airport to Umananda Temple is Guwahati airport, Guwahati which is 18 KM away from Umananda Temple.

Water Transport :-

 As the temple resides in an Island amidst the Brahmaputra River, one has to take a ferry to reach the temple. The ferries are arranged by the state tourism department for the tourists from all the parts of India and world.