Mangla Gauri temple is located in Gaya in the Indian state of Bihar. The temple finds its mention in Padma Purana, Vayu Purana and Agni Purana. It has also been mentioned in several scriptures and tantric works. Mangla Gauri Temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga regarded as Maa Shakti or Mother Goddess. The shrine serves as the Vaishnavite pilgrimage centre of Gaya. This temple is among the 18 Maha Shakti Pithas. A Bilwa tree also present in that temple. Mangla Gauri temple is visited by devotees from far off places. It is believed that if the deity is worshipped with devotion all the wishes get fulfilled.
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.
