Mangla Gauri Temple

Mangala Gauri Temple
Shakti Peetha
View of Mangala Gauri Temple at Gaya, Bihar.
Religion
AffiliationHinduism
DistrictGaya
DeityGauri ( Parvati )
FestivalsNavratri
Location
LocationShakti Peetham
StateBihar
Country India
Mangla Gauri Temple is located in Bihar
Mangla Gauri Temple
Shown within Bihar
Mangla Gauri Temple is located in India
Mangla Gauri Temple
Mangla Gauri Temple (India)
Mangla Gauri Temple is located in Asia
Mangla Gauri Temple
Mangla Gauri Temple (Asia)
Geographic coordinates24°46′30.5″N 85°00′08.3″E / 24.775139°N 85.002306°E / 24.775139; 85.002306
Architecture
TypeCave Style
CreatorMaadho Giri Ji Maharaj (Baba Dandi Swami)
Completed1300 CE
Specifications
Temple(s)9
Monument(s)2
InscriptionsShakti Peetha
Elevation134 m (440 ft)

The Mangla Gauri temple (Hindi: मां मंगलागौरी मंदिर) in Shakti Peetham, Gaya, Bihar, India has been mentioned in Padma Purana, Vayu Purana and Agni Purana and Devi Bhagvata Purana and Markandeya Purana in other scriptures and tantric works. This temple is among the eighteen maha shaktipeeth. The present temple dates back to the 15th century. The shrine is dedicated to Sati or the Mother Goddess in the predominantly Vaishnavite pilgrimage center of Gaya. Mangalagauri is worshipped as the Goddess of benevolence. This temple constitutes a Shakti Peeth — where it is believed that a part of the body - breast of Mata Sati fell according to scriptures of extremely ancient Hindu divine history. Here Sati is worshipped in the form of a breast, a symbol of nourishment. It is believed that whoever comes to Maa Durga with his wishes and prayers, returns successfully with all of prayers and wishes come true.

The temple is facing east and is built on top of the Mangalagauri hill. A flight of steps and a motorable road lead to it. The sanctum houses the symbol of the Goddess and it has some finely carved ancient relief sculptures. A small hall or mandap stands in front of the temple. The courtyard houses a fire pit for the hōma.

There are two minor shrines dedicated to Lord of lirds Parmeswar Shiva and images of Mahishasura Mardini, Durga, and Dakshina Kali.

The temple complex encompasses of temples of Maa Kali, Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman and Lord Shiva.