A quaint temple on the top of a hillock in the holy city of Gaya, which celebrates the divinity of Shakthi as the benevolent Goddess Sarvamangala devi, is the Mangala Gauri shrine. One of the 18 Maha Shakthipeetha, the breasts of the Goddess is believed to have fallen here. The shrine has been mentioned in Padma Purana, Vayu Purana and Agni Purana and in many other tantrik scriptures. Bhima, the Pandava has a small temple at the start of the steps to the Mangala Gauri shrine, where his knee impressions can be seen. The current temple dates back to the 15th century.

Location Bihar, Gaya, Patna

Legend

The Temple is one of the Shaktipeethas. When Lord Shiva's wrath at the death of his wife Sati manifested as the Tandava which would destroy the Universe, Lord Vishnu's Sudarshan chakra cut her corpse into pieces which scattered around the subcontinent.  It is believed that the Goddess' breasts fell where the temple of  Mangala Gauri stands today.

This temple is part of famous Shaktipeethas.

Architecture

Mangala Gauri Temple is a small shrine, simple in its structure, facing east built on top of a small hillock. Here Shakti is worshiped in the form of a breast, a symbol of nourishment. The sanctum houses the symbol of Goddess along with the continuously burning lamp. The entrance door to the shrine is very small where the devotees have to bow down to enter. The Grabha griha has two parts, the Sabhamandir and the sanctum sanatorium. The temple complex encompasses smaller shrines of Maa Kali, Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman and Lord Shiva. The temple is adorned with red chunri.

Culture

Gaya is an ancient city, its history rooted deeply in mythology and religion. The place is an important pilgrimage centre for Hindus, Buddhista and Jains. 'Pind dhan' or rituals to the departed are conducted here. Bodh Gaya is the place where Gautam Budha attained spiritual enlightenment.

Picture Courtesy: www.panoramio.com

Darsan Info

Mangla Gauri Temple  timings : 6.00 AM to 8.00 PM . The temple is said to be associated with tantric worship.

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are advised to wear clean and conservative attire

Famous Festival

October - Navrathri

Temple Rituals

The priests perform regular pujas and rituals. There is no idol in the main sanctum. The symbol of goddess' breast are worshipped.

Special Rituals

Tuesdays are considered auspicious to visit the shrine. Married women observe the Mangala Gauri Vrat on Tuesday during the Shravan month.

Additional Info

 

Mirch Masala

Saas Bahu restaurant

Annapurna restaurant

 

 Supermarket : Available