The footprint which has become a shrine with the passage of time

Dec. 8: Legend has it that when Lord Vishnu came to Pragjyotishpur, the ancient name of Guwahati, to do battle with the demon king Narakasur, he left behind his footprint on a stone. The site, known both as Vishnupada and Gayakunda, became a holy place with the passage of time.

On the day of Ashokasthami or Mahalaya, hordes of believers visit the spot to offer pindodan (funeral offerings) to their deceased ancestors. According to belief, pindodan at Vishnupada frees the soul from the cycle of birth and rebirth.

The strong current of the Brahmaputra is, however, taking its toll on the holy stone. Located on a slope on the eastern section of the Aswakranta temple in North Guwahati, the stone embedded with Lord Vishnu’s footprint is being eroded.

Temple priest Tarani Kanta Sarma, also referred to as doloi, said the river could wash away the stone someday. “If steps are not initiated to save the holy stone, it might disappear.”

Vishnupad remains under water during the monsoon. It becomes visible only in winter, when the water level of the Brahmaputra reduces. As a temporary measure, the temple authorities have constructed a one-and-a-half-inch tall demarcation line.

Every year, as autumn sets in, the Aswakranta temple management clears the accumulated dirt and sand from Vishnupad and readies it for Puja. But going there is still a hazardous proposition. “As the stone is on a slope and there is no fencing, most devotees are scared to walk down to the spot to offer Puja,” Sharma said.

The temple priest urged the administration to construct a 30 feet long and 10 feet board spur and a row of stairs for the safety of the visitors. “This will at least prevent a tragedy during the pilgrimage season,” he said.

The tombstone of Karmabir Nabin Chandra Bordoloi on the foothills near Gayakunda adds to the importance of the spot. “Very few visit Vishnupad, except during Mahalaya. Poor publicity and lack of infrastructure are to blame for this,” another priest said.

Vishnupad does not find mention in the Puranas, but Yoginitantra, an ancient text, gives a brief profile of the spot along with that of 14 other tirthasthans (pilgrimage spots). These are Sita Tirtha, Vijoy Tirtha, Mukti Tirtha, Britta Tirtha, Amrit Sorobor, Hrinmochon Tirtha, Dwipanchak Tirtha, Siddha Kunda, Brahma Sarobor, Chandra Sarobor, Brahmayoni, Surya Tirtha, Manas Tirtha and Naag Tirtha.