Stambh, a Heritage Podium

Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak, is an auspicious occasion celebrated by Buddhists all around the world. It marks the birth, enlightenment, and death (parinirvana) of Lord Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Buddha Purnima falls on the full moon day of the Vaisakha month in the Hindu calendar, which usually falls in April or May. Mahabodhi Temple Complex (Source: Manish Bhandari) Lord Buddha spent a considerable amount of time in Bodhgaya, a small town in Bihar, India, which is considered one of the most sacred places for Buddhists. It is the place where Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, which still stands today in the Mahabodhi Temple complex. Bodhgaya was known as Uruvela in ancient times, and it was here that the young prince Siddhartha Gautama renounced his luxurious life and began his spiritual journey. After six years of intense meditation and self-mortification, he realized that extreme asceticism was not the path to liberation. He then sat under the Bodhi tre

Bihar Diwas is an annual celebration that commemorates the formation of the state of Bihar on March 22, 1912. The day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor across the state of Bihar, as well as by the Bihari diaspora around the world. The occasion is marked by various cultural and social programs, parades, exhibitions, and seminars, all aimed at promoting the rich heritage and culture of Bihar. Source: Facebook - Gaya, the Heritage City Bihar has a long and fascinating history, which stretches back to ancient times. The region was a center of power during the Mauryan and Gupta empires, and has been home to several important centers of learning, including Nalanda and Vikramshila Universities, which were among the oldest universities in the world. Bihar has also been a crucible of religious and spiritual traditions, with Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism all having deep roots in the region. In more recent times, Bihar has been associated with poverty, backwardness, and social stri

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

Gaya is a city in the Indian state of Bihar that has a rich history dating back to pre-vedic times. The city is located on the banks of the Falgu River and is surrounded by hills and mountains. In this article, we will explore the evolution of Gaya city from the pre-vedic period to the modern period. Pre-Vedic Period: Gaya has a long and illustrious history that dates back to the pre-vedic period. Archaeological excavations have revealed that the region around Gaya was inhabited by humans as early as the Neolithic period. The region was home to many small kingdoms and tribes, and Gaya was an important trading center due to its location on the banks of the Falgu River. Vedic Period: The Vedic period saw the rise of many powerful kingdoms in the region, including the Magadha Kingdom. The Magadha Kingdom was one of the most powerful kingdoms of ancient India, and it played a significant role in shaping the political and cultural landscape of the region. During this period, Gaya became an

Gaya is a city in the Indian state of Bihar that is surrounded by hills and mountains. These hills not only add to the scenic beauty of the city but also hold significant cultural and religious importance. In this article, we will explore the hills of Gaya and their significance. Dungeshwari Hill, Gaya (Source: tourismindia.co.in) 1. Mangla Gauri Hill: Mangla Gauri Hill is located in the heart of Gaya and is considered one of the most sacred hills in the region. According to legend, the hill was the site where the goddess Shakti's breast fell after Lord Shiva performed the Tandava dance while carrying her dead body. The hill is home to the Mangla Gauri temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Shakti. The temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Gaya and is visited by thousands of devotees every year. 2. Brahmayoni Hill: Brahmayoni Hill is located to the south-west of Gaya and is considered to be the site where Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, performed a ya

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