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

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