Stambh, a Heritage Podium

Vishnupad Temple is one of the most important religious sites in India, located in the city of Gaya in the state of Bihar. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. The temple is believed to be one of the oldest and holiest temples in India, attracting thousands of pilgrims and tourists from all over the world every year. In this article, we will explore the historical and religious significance of the Vishnupad Temple in Gaya. Vishnupad Temple, Gaya (Source: Author) Historical and Religious Importance: The Vishnupad Temple is believed to have been built in the 18th century, although its origins date back to ancient times. The temple is located on the banks of the Falgu River, which is considered to be a sacred river in Hinduism. The temple is built on the site where Lord Vishnu is believed to have left his footprints, also known as "Vishnupada" in Sanskrit. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu visited Gaya to rid the world of e

Lakshman Temple in ruins, Gaya (Source: Vikash Kumar) It is believed that a creator gives his best to create a beautiful piece of art, which is then admired for its aesthetics. But who is responsible for adding beauty to the broken piece of columns, altered cornices, defaced carvings, damaged walls, broken capitals, faded inscriptions, collapsed shikhar and abstract assembly of columns. Who is responsible for adding beauty to the nature surrounding? Is this the TIME? …..Think! Yes Beauty in RUINS!......Architecture in RUINS!   Lakshman Temple frond entrance, Gaya (Source: Vikash Kumar) The temple structure, believed to be dedicated to Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Ram, is situated on eastern bank of river Falgu, in very close proximity to the Sita Kund temple complex. The temple structure lies in the north of the Sita Kund temple complex in a very dilapidated condition, however endowed with its own beauty. The temple is endowed with beauty even in ruins. Mr. Rakesh Kumar Si

  Jhunjhunwala ki Haveli or Tilha Dharmashala, Gaya (Source: Author) The land of Gaya is full of architectural marvels. One of them is "Rai Surajmal Jhunjhunwala ki haveli" which is also commonly known as "Tilha Dharamshala". The elegant structure built in 1909 with eye- catching carvings, beautiful human figured cornices,  decorative parapets with mouldings and carvings is an excellent example of Indo-Islamic architecture with colonial influence. In its construction, Rai Surajmal Prasad Jhunjhunwala Bahadur, the grandson of Seth Ramcharan Das ji and great-grandson of Tuganramji, resident of Ravetri Rajputana located in Chidwa area, played the main role. This Dharamsala was inaugurated by the then Governor of Bengal, Lord Walker.   Jhunjhunwala ki Haveli or Tilha Dharmashala, Gaya (Source: Author) The structure is situated on Ramsagar road of Navagarhi area in the old historic core of Gaya. Carved stucco works on the facade, Floral stucco on the spandrels of arc

  Ruined Koncheswar Mahadev temple (Source: British Library, Thomas Fraser Peppé in 1865) The temple is one of the few surviving ancient Hindu Temple in a small 'market town' of Konch CD Block under Tekari subdivision in Gaya District of Bihar state. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and inspite of its historicity and beauty, the place is very less visited even by the local people and is one of the lesser known tourist destinations. The temple was built in Nagara style in 8th century AD.   Ruined Koncheswar Mahadev temple (Source: British Library, Thomas Fraser Peppé in 1865) Ruined Koncheswar Mahadev temple (Source: British Library,  Joseph David Begglar in 1870s. ) The temple's remain was first noticed and described by 'Buchanan', during his survey of Gaya District on 3rd December 1811. The temple also finds its mention by several other surveyors/travellers, who visited the site during the "Raj" like Cunningham, Thomas F Peppe etc. Even the local

  Lal Kothi, White House Compound, Gaya (Source: Author) The Maharaja of Tekari built two magnificent buildings namely White house and Red house in a common compound of around 100 acres with approximately 60 and 40 acres for white house and red house respectively. Later known as white house compound and red house compound. The compound comprises orchards, gardens, lawns, a pond and wooded area. There were out houses, horse stables, a garage to house the fleet of cars, servants, staff and guard quarters, chabutaras and swimming pool. The whole campus was properly landscaped.   Lal Kothi, White House Compound, Gaya (Source: Manish Sharma) At some point of time Maharaja Gopal Sharan Narain Singh of Tekari resided here in the white house. It was believed that the red house was built by the Maharaja to house meetings and other conferences. The 37th conference of Indian National Congress was held here in the red house compound in 1922, where Motilal Nehru and Chitranjan Das formed the &q