MAHABODHI & VISHNUPAD TEMPLE: HISRORY/ART

MAHABODHI & VISHNUPAD TEMPLE: HISRORY/ART

NEWS: 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.

 

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

Mahabodhi Temple

Origins:

  • Located in Bodh Gaya, India.
  • Site where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment around 589 BCE.
  • Original shrine established by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE.

Development:

  • Evolved through reconstructions and renovations, especially during the 5th-6th centuries CE under the Gupta period.
  • Influential example of early Indian brick architecture.

Architectural Features

Temple Structure:

  • Central tower (shikhara) stands approximately 55 meters tall.
  • Surrounded by four smaller towers.

Sacred Sites:

·         Vajrasana (Diamond Throne).

·         Bodhi Tree (descendant of the original tree).

·         Animeshlochan Chaitya and Ratnachakrama representing key events from Buddha's meditation.

Spiritual Significance

  • Pilgrimage Site: Major pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide, symbolizing enlightenment.
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site: Designated in 2002 for its cultural and historical importance.

Decline and Restoration

  • Periods of Decline: Faced neglect after the decline of Buddhist patronage and regional invasions.

Restoration Efforts:

  • Restoration began in the 19th century under British colonial administration.
  • Significant figures: Sir Alexander Cunningham and Anagarika Dharmapala.
  • Bodh Gaya Temple Act of 1949 formalized management for maintenance and protection.

Vishnupad Temple

Location and Historical Significance:

  • Location: Situated in Gaya, Bihar, on the banks of the Falgu River.
  • Footprint of Lord Vishnu: Built around the footprint believed to have subdued the demon Gayasura.
  • Pilgrimage Destination: Important for Hindus, especially for performing "Pind Daan" rituals for ancestors.

Architectural Features

Structure:

  • Rebuilt by Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar in 1787.
  • Stands 30 meters tall with an octagonal shrine and a 100-foot high pyramidal tower.
  • Constructed from grey granite blocks joined with iron clamps.

Pillars and Pavilion:

  • Eight rows of intricately carved pillars.
  • Silver-plated basin encircles the 40 cm footprint of Lord Vishnu carved in granite.

Other Elements:

  • Akshayavat tree for rituals.
  • Various other shrines, including Mangla Gauri Temple.

Festivals

  • Chhath Puja: Worship of the Sun God, Surya.
  • Makar Sankranti: Harvest festival celebrated in January with rituals and offerings.

Nearby Temples

  • Mangla Gauri Temple: One of the 18 Maha Shaktipeeths.
  • Other Temples: Numerous temples dedicated to the Sun God, indicating a tradition of Surya worship.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/budget-bihar-announcements-vishnupad-mahabodhi-gaya-9470812/