Temples in Gaya
Vishnupada Temple
On behalf of their forefathers, the pilgrims pour water on the temple's main object of worship, a stone imprint, 40cm long (16 inches) and 6 inches wide, of the lotus feet of Lord Vishnu in an octagonal basin, 4 ft in diameter. The footprint is imprinted in solid rock and is surrounded by a silver-plated basin. This temple has a 39metre (93 ft) high tower. The temple was renovated by Ahalya Bai, queen of Indore, in 1787.
The temple is on the banks of the Phalgu River. The river is completely dry in the winter, but there is plenty of water in November.
Last rites are offered to the ancestor under the Akshaya-vat, or immortal banyan tree, which grows in the yard of the Vishnupada Temple. It is said that Buddha practiced meditation under this tree before going to Bodh Gaya to attain liberation.
There are other shrines near the Vishnupada Temple. There are Deities of Adi Gadadhar, Saksi Gopala, and Krishna Dwarka. There is an ancient carving of Lord Vishnu on Sesa-naga in back of the temple where Lord Vishnu's footprints ore located.
Non-Hindus are not supposed to enter the temple, but ISKCON devotees or converted Hindus can enter the temple.
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