Corridor Projects for Vishnupad Temple & Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar

Why in news?

The very recent Union Budget had it when Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled a socio-cultural fantastic venture for Bihar. Plans have been approved for corridor projects associated with the Vishnupad Temple located at the city of Gaya and the Mahabodhi Temple situated at Bodh Gaya; the corridor projects have been proposed a-la Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor. The said projects seek to transform these sites into international class pilgrim/tourist attractions.

Significance of Vishnupad Temple

Historical and Religious Importance

The Vishnupad Temple that is situated in Gaya, Bihar is sacred temple of Hindu culture. It is considered as Vishnu temple and relates the story of Gayasur – demonic character who wished a boon that everybody who looked at him would attain salvation or Moksha. To avoid this, Lord Vishnu put his foot over the demon’s head and thus the imprint of Vishnu’s foot made the Gayapuram today. This 40cm-long imprint is, therefore, a center of devotion for the followers.

Architectural Marvel

Located in Gwalior and constructed in the year 1787 as per the directions of Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Ahmadnagar the Vishnupad temple is a major architectural marvel. Located on the bank of the Falgu River with a height of 44 stories, it has 44 elaborated columns having a measurement of 100 feet each. The temple receives huge crowd during Pitra Paksha, a specific phase of Hindu calender specially venerated in terms of rituals of ancestors.

Significance of Mahabodhi Temple

Apparently situated in a World Heritage site

The Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya is one of the holiest places to Buddhist with World Heritage Site tag to it. Gautam Buddha was conceived here and it’s under this tree known as Bodhi Tree that Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment. The temple with its independent style of architecture and with a maximum height of 170 feet gives the glimpse of the ancient actuality of India.

Historical Legacy

Mahabodhi Temple was originally built by Ashoka in the 3rd century BC but, the present structure of the building can be traced to the 5th-6th centuries AD and it is the oldest temple literally made of bricks. This work has set the course of the art of brick work in architecture for such a long time making it such a significant hall mark of any civilization.

Modern-Day Significance

Today this temple the Mahabodhi Temple is visited by millions of people, pilgrims and tourists from all the corners of the world. With such a high level of tourism the improvement of the physical facilities and social services becomes very obvious. The need portrayed here points towards the corridor project in an attempt to meet these need while at the same time conserving the religious and spiritual significance of the site.

The Corridor Projects

Vision and Inspiration

The corridor projects for the Vishnupad and Mahabodhi Temples are pattern of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor project. The purpose for such mobilization is to turn them into potential international pilgrim and visitors’ destinations by upgrading access and facilities.

Proposed Developments

Enhanced Pathways: To facilitate the movement of a large number of devotees and tourists the approach paths need to be enhanced.
Visitor Amenities: Furniture and other facilities like changing rooms, sitting area, and points to get drinks and snacks.
Cultural Hubs: Service facilities, premises for cultural performances and exhibitions and additional educational and entertaining facilities for enhancing the visitor’s appreciation.
Green Spaces: Well designed gardens and lawns to ensure the visitors find a calm atmosphere.

Heritage Impact Assessments

That is why any development will always be preceded by Heritage Impact Assessments that will put consideration on historical and / or spiritual importance of such locations. These assessments will help in determining the extent of respect for the religious and the cultural aspects of the temples that the projects will be implementing.

Importance of the Corridor Projects

Boosting Tourism

The corridor projects are expected to acting like a magnet to increase the tourist arrivals in Bihar. Through the improvement of the visitor experience, these developments will increase the potential for domestic and international tourism thus benefiting the regional economy.

Cultural Preservation

However, at the same time, the projects will aim at modernizing the infrastructure investing in the cells of the Vishnupad and Mahabodhi Temples. These indices show that there has to be a balanced approach of development and conservation in these sites to retain their holiness.

Economic Benefits

Tourism is directly going to translate into new employment opportunities and improvements of the economy. Contractors and local supporters such as business people, artists, traders, and those in the service industry will have an opportunity to get business hence employment will be created and the economy boosted.

Conclusion

Corridor projects of Vishnupad Temple at Gaya and Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya are announced which is a steps towards developing the structurally rich state Bihar. The projects, similar to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor Project, are to make these places globally acclaimed pilgrim and tourist places. As the envisaged corridor projects enhance the approaches and facilities to accommodate the surging numbers of visitors, the spiritual and cultural reliefs of the temples remain intact; thereby, attracting more tourists, augment the economic returns, and celebrating Bihar’s history.

FAQS

Q1: What are the Vishnupad and Mahabodhi Temples?
Ans: This Temple in Gaya is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, while the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya is a Buddhist temple where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment. Both are significant cultural and religious sites in Bihar.

Q2: What is the significance of the Vishnupad Temple?
Ans: The Temple is believed to have a footprint of Lord Vishnu and is associated with the legend of the demon Gayasur. It is an important site for Hindu rituals, especially during Pitra Paksha.

Q3: Why is the Mahabodhi Temple important?
Ans: The Mahabodhi Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major pilgrimage destination for Buddhists. It marks the location where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree.