Corridor Projects Announced for Bihar’s Vishnupad and Mahabodhi temples in Budget 2024

In the Union Budget of 2024, Corridor Projects were announced for the Vishnupad Temple at Gaya and the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya in Bihar. 

• The project will be modelled on the successful Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor, aiming to transform them into world-class pilgrim and tourist destinations.
• The two temples are located around 10km from each other

About The Vishnupad Temple at Gaya

• Presiding Deity: Lord Vishu.
• Location: It is situated on the banks of the Phalgu river in Gaya district of  Bihar, India.
• Built by: The temple was built in 1787 on the orders of Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Ahmadnagar.
• Architecture: The temple is around 100 feet tall and has 44 pillars built of large gray granite blocks (Munger Black stone) jointed with iron clamps. The octagonal shrine faces east.
• Myth: As per popular legend, It is a place where Lord Vishnu put his right foot atop the demon Gayasur’s head and pinned him to the paatal lok underground. 
  • Dharamshila: A 40cm-long imprint of a foot incised into a block of basalt, known as Dharmasila is believed to mark that spot.
• Important month: Devotees visit the temple during pitra paksh (a period in the Hindu calendar when people take part in rituals to remember their ancestors) as Lord Rama went to Gaya to do pind-daan of his father Dashrath
• Traditional Priest: The Brahma Kalpit Brahmins, who are also known as Gayawal Brahmins are the traditional priests of the temple from the ancient times.

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Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya

• Location: Bodh Gaya, In the Gaya district of Bihar.
  • The temple stands to the east of the Mahabodhi Tree, where Gautam Buddha is believed to have attained nirvana. 
• Recognition: It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
• Built by: The Mahabodhi Temple Complex is the first temple built by Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century B.C. and the present temple dates from the 5th–6th centuries.
• Architecture: The temple has a unique shape and a height of 170 feet and is one of the earliest Buddhist temples built entirely in brick, still standing, showing significant influence in the development of brick architecture over the centuries.
• The Complex: 
  • The Main Temple: The grand Temple is  50m high and is built in the classical style of Indian temple architecture. It has entrances from the east and from the north and has a low basement with mouldings decorated with honeysuckle and geese design.
    • Shikharas: The temple includes two large straight-sided shikhara towers, the largest over 55 metres (180 feet) high inspiring the development of Pagodas style of structure.
  •  The  Vajrasana (the Diamond Throne): It was originally installed by Emperor Asoka to mark the spot where Buddha sat and meditated
  • Sacred Bodhi Tree and other six sacred sites of Buddha’s enlightenment, surrounded by numerous ancient Votive stupas.
  • A seventh sacred place, the Lotus Pond, is located outside the enclosure to the south

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