VISHNUPAD AND MAHABODHI TEMPLES

Source: IndianExpress

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Context

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman 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 successful Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor, to transform them into world-class pilgrim and tourist destinations,” she said as part of her speech.
• The two temples are located around 10km from each other.

Details

Mahabodhi Temple

Historical Background

• Origins:The Mahabodhi Temple, located in Bodh Gaya, India, marks the site where Siddhartha Gautama, later known as the Buddha, attained enlightenment around 589 BCE. The original shrine was established by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE.
• Development:Over centuries, the temple evolved through various reconstructions and renovations, particularly during the 5th-6th centuries CE under the Gupta period. It became one of the earliest and most influential examples of brick architecture in India​​.

Architectural Features

• Temple Structure:The central tower, or shikhara, of the Mahabodhi Temple stands at approximately 55 meters, surrounded by four smaller towers.
• Sacred Sites:The temple complex includes the Vajrasana (Diamond Throne), the Bodhi Tree (a descendant of the original tree under which the Buddha meditated), and several other sacred locations such as the Animeshlochan Chaitya and Ratnachakrama. These sites represent key events from the Buddha's seven weeks of meditation following his enlightenment​​.

Spiritual Significance

• Pilgrimage Site:The Mahabodhi Temple is a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide. It symbolizes enlightenment and is central to the practice and reverence of Buddhism.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site:In 2002, the Mahabodhi Temple was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its cultural and historical importance.

Decline and Restoration

• Periods of Decline:The temple faced periods of neglect, particularly following the decline of Buddhist patronage and invasions in the region. It was largely abandoned until restoration efforts began in the 19th century under British colonial administration.
• Restoration Efforts:Key figures like Sir Alexander Cunningham and Anagarika Dharmapala played crucial roles in restoring and preserving the temple. The Bodh Gaya Temple Act of 1949 formalized the temple's management, ensuring its maintenance and protection​.

Vishnupad Temple

Location and Historical Significance

• The Vishnupad Temple is situated in Gaya, Bihar, on the banks of the Falgu River.
• The temple is built around the footprint of Lord Vishnu, which is believed to have been placed on the demon Gayasura to subdue him.
• This sacred site has been an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus, especially for performing the "Pind Daan" rituals for ancestors.

Architectural Features

• Structure: The current temple structure, rebuilt by Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar in 1787, stands 30 meters tall with an octagonal shrine and a 100-foot high pyramidal tower. The temple is constructed from large grey granite blocks joined with iron clamps.
• Pillars and Pavilion: The temple features eight rows of intricately carved pillars supporting the pavilion. A silver-plated basin encircles the 40 cm footprint of Lord Vishnu, which is carved in solid granite.
• Other Elements: The temple complex also includes the sacred Akshayavat tree, where rituals for the dead are performed, and various other shrines, including the Mangla Gauri Temple, one of the 51 Shaktipeeths.

Festivals

• Chhath Puja: This is one of the primary festivals celebrated at the Vishnupad Temple, where devotees worship the Sun God, Surya.
• Makar Sankranti: A harvest festival celebrated in January, marked by various rituals and offerings.

Nearby temples

• Mangla Gauri Temple: Located nearby, this temple is one of the 18 Maha Shaktipeeths, revered for its significance in the story of Sati.
• Other Temples: The region around the Vishnupad Temple is dotted with numerous temples, including those dedicated to the Sun God, indicating a historical tradition of Surya worship in the area.

Important Cultural Sites in Bihar

Site	Location	Description & Significance
Mahabodhi Temple	Bodh Gaya	A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Mahabodhi Temple is where Buddha attained enlightenment. It is a major pilgrimage site.
Nalanda University	Nalanda	An ancient center of learning, one of the world's oldest universities, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Vishnupad Temple	Gaya	A temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, believed to mark his footprint. Important for the "Pind Daan" rituals for ancestors.
Barabar Caves	Jehanabad	The oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India, associated with the Mauryan period and Jainism.
Ruins of Vikramashila	Bhagalpur	One of the ancient Mahaviharas of India, a major center of learning during the Pala dynasty.
Takht Sri Patna Sahib	Patna	One of the holiest Sikh shrines, associated with the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru.
Kesaria Stupa	Kesaria, East Champaran	One of the largest stupas in the world, associated with the Buddha's last sermon.
Vaishali	Vaishali	An ancient city, significant in both Jainism and Buddhism. It is known for the Ashokan Pillar and Buddha's last sermon.
Pawapuri	Nalanda	A holy site for Jains, it is where Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, attained Nirvana.
Madhubani	Madhubani District	Famous for the Mithila painting (Madhubani art), a traditional form of Indian painting.
Bodhgaya Archaeological Museum	Bodh Gaya	Houses a collection of artifacts and relics related to Buddhism and the history of Bodh Gaya.
Sasaram	Rohtas District	Notable for the tomb of Sher Shah Suri, an Afghan ruler of North India.
Jalmandir Temple	Pawapuri	A sacred Jain temple located in the middle of a lake, associated with the last days of Lord Mahavira.
Sonepur Cattle Fair	Sonepur	One of Asia's largest cattle fairs, held annually during Kartik Purnima.
Ashoka Pillar	Vaishali	Erected by Emperor Ashoka, it is a significant archaeological and historical monument.

Sources:

IndianExpress

PRACTICE QUESTION Q: Consider the following statements regarding the Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar: The Mahabodhi Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. The temple marks the location where Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. The original Mahabodhi Temple structure was built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, and the current structure dates back to the 5th-6th century CE. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2, and 3 Answer: d)