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
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