Vishnupaada Temple at
Gaya in
Bihar is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The foot-impression found on a rock here called Dharmasila, believed to be that of Lord Vishnu, is the main icon. This shrine is considered auspicious for ritual sacrificial rites to the deceased. Archeological evidence has proved the site's importance as far back as the 4th century. The structure that stands at the site today was undertaken by the Rani (Queen) of
Indore, Ahalyabai Holkar in 1783.
The temple is built of large gray granite blocks jointed with iron clamps. The octagonal shrine faces east. Its pyramidal tower rises up a 100 feet. The tower has sloping sides with alternately indented and plain sections. The sections are set at an angle to create a series of peaks joined at the top. The sacred emblems of the lotus and urn form the crest. Another attraction is the multi-pillared Sabha Mandapa (assembly hall) with its exquisitely carved figurines. Minor shrines of other deities are found all over the temple complex. Several legendary saints as Ramanujacharya, Madhavacharya, Sankaradeva and Swami Vivekananda have visited this shrine.
