Viṣṇupada Mandir
Where the ancestors are set free
⭐ Why it is famous
The 40 cm footprint of Viṣṇu in basalt, centre of the Pitṛpakṣa śrāddha rites performed for ancestors.
📜 Pilgrimage history
Rebuilt in 1787 by Ahilyabai Holkar on the Phalgu river bank over a much older shrine.
🕰️ Temple timings
- Darśan 06:00 – 19:30
- Piṇḍadāna rites from early morning
🙏 Darśan details
- Entry to the sanctum for Hindus only
- Piṇḍadāna arranged through registered gayāwāl paṇḍās — agree fees beforehand
- Pitṛpakṣa Melā (Sep–Oct) draws millions
🚉 Location & getting there
📍 Viṣṇupada Mandir, Gaya, GayaGaya Jn (GAYA) — 3 km
Gaya bus stand — state transport buses stop here.
Gaya (GAY) — 12 km
Buses and taxis from Patna (100 km, 3 hrs) and Bodh Gaya (13 km).
🪔 Poojas, sevās & tickets
This temple does not publish a rate list. Darśan is free; ārcanā, abhiṣeka and other sevās are booked at the counter inside the temple on the day.
🧭 Around the temple
Places to see besides the temple — tap any one to open it in Google Maps.
🛏️ Where to stay
- Dharmaśālās near the temple
- Hotels in Gaya and Bodh Gaya
₹ Indicative trip cost (per head, 2 days)
| Budget | Standard | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| ₹1,800 | ₹3,800 | ₹9,000 |
🛕 Nearby temples
📌 Other attractions nearby
- Bodh Gaya Mahābodhi
- Barabar caves
- Phalgu ghāṭs
📅 Best time to visit
October–March; Pitṛpakṣa for śrāddha