Context:
Recently, the Finance Minister 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.
Relevance:
GS I: History
Dimensions of the Article:
- Vishnupad Temple
- Mahabodhi Temple
Vishnupad Temple
Location and History:
- State: Bihar, India.
- Dedicated To: Lord Vishnu.
- Built: 1787.
- Order By: Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Ahmadnagar.
- Location: Situated on the banks of the Falgu River.
Architecture:
- Height: Approximately 100 feet.
- Structure: Features 44 pillars.
Significance:
- Pitra Paksh: A significant period in the Hindu calendar when devotees visit the temple to perform rituals to honor their ancestors.
Mahabodhi Temple
Location and Historical Context:
- Location: Bodh Gaya, central Bihar, on the banks of the Niranjana River.
- Proximity: East of the Mahabodhi Tree, under which Gautam Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment (nirvana).
- Historical Significance: The temple complex was first built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century B.C., with the current structure dating from the 5th–6th centuries.
Architecture:
- Height: 170 feet.
- Design: One of the earliest Buddhist temples built entirely in brick, from the late Gupta period. It has significantly influenced the development of brick architecture.
Recognition:
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Recognized in 2002.
Key Points:
- The Vishnupad Temple is renowned for its architectural and cultural importance in Bihar, while the Mahabodhi Temple holds a pivotal role in Buddhist history and architecture, recognized globally for its heritage value.
-Source: Indian Express
