Origin of Mangla Gauri Temple Mangla Gauri Temple dates back to the 15th Century. Goddess Durga or Mangla Gauri is revered as the "Goddess of Benevolence". The temple faces to the eastern side and has been built atop the Mangalagauri Hill. An Upa-Shakti Pitha is located in the temple. It is believed that during Shiva’s Tandav after Sati’s self immolation, her breasts fell in this place. Shakti is revered in the form of a breast symbol. It is sign of nourishment. Structure of Mangla Gauri Temple Mangla Gauri Temple can be reached by climbing a flight of 200 steps. The steps route is in between houses of local people. At the starting of steps route there is temple of Bhima. We can see his knee impression here. Here Bhima did Shraddhakarma, hence called as Bhimvedi Gaya. The sanctum that houses the idol of the Goddess which has been embellished with some exquisitely carved early relief sculptures. A small hall has been constructed in front of the temple. The temple compound also houses the temples of Lord Ganesha, Maa Kali, Lord Shiva and Lord Hanuman. A fire pit has been built in the courtyard in the temple complex. Two small shrines are located here that houses the images of Lord Shiva, Mahishasurmardini, Durga and Dakshina Kali. Main temple is very small temple and only 2 to 3 members can go into the temple at a time. There is no idol in the temple. Lord Shiva also present in the form of Shivalingam beside Maa. |