About Temple
According to Adi Shankaracharya, Mangla Gauri temple / Sarvamangala Devi Peeth is one of the Ashtadasa Shakti Peeths. The temple has been mentioned in Padma Purana, Vayu Purana, Agni Purana and in many scriptures and tantric works and it upholds the faith of Hindus in “Shakti”. Mangala Gauri Temple is located in Gaya, Bihar and stands on the bank of Falgu River. Gaya in India is held holy and pious by both Hindu and Buddhists. The narrow by lanes with age old buildings, beautiful natural surroundings with rocky hills on the three sides and river flowing by the city on the western side makes the city look beautiful and elates the spiritual atmosphere of the place.
The present temple was constructed in 1459 AD. The temple is dedicated to Mangala Gauri, the Mother Goddess Shakti, who is worshipped as the Goddess of benevolence. This temple constitutes an Upa-Shakti Pitha – where it is believed that a part of the body of Shakti fell – according to mythology. Here Shakti is worshiped in the form of a breast symbol, a symbol of nourishment.
The temple faces east and is situated on top of the Mangala Gauri hill. There is a flight of steps as well as a motorable road that lead to the temple. The sanctum is adorned with some intricately carved ancient sculptures. There is a small hall in front of the temple and a fire pit in the courtyard. There are two small shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Mahishasura Mardini, Durga and Dakshina Kali.
There are several temples inside the temple campus they are Lord Ganesh temple, Lord Shiva temple and Lord Janardhan swamy temple. Photography is not allowed in Mangala Gauri Temple.
Gaya Mangala Gauri Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM all days. About Gaya Mangala Gauri Temple:
The city derived its name from the demon, Gayasur who is said to have resided in this area. It is said that Lord Vishnu killed the demon by crushing him under his feet. On his being crushed, the demon got transformed into numerous rocky hills that form the topography of the city today. Then the deities decided to sit over the dead demon and that is the reason why one can find numerous temples over these surrounding rocky hills. It is said that any one who touched him or looked at him were fred of all sins. Mangla Gauri, Rama Shila, Brahmayoni and Shringa Sthan are the places where one can find temples on the hill tops and which comprise of the pilgrimage circuit of the city.
The Mangla Gauri shrine in Gaya, one of the most holy sites has two rounded stones which symbolizes the breasts of the Goddess Sati, who is regarded as the first wife of Lord Shiva.
Vishnu pad Temple is marked by a footprint of Vishnu. This footprint is the significance of the act of Lord Vishnu crushing Gayasur under his foot. The temple that stands today was rebuilt by Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar in the 18th century. As per the Buddhist tradition and culture, this footstep mark is regarded that of Lord Buddha who is said to be the avatar of Vishnu.
The temples and the Ghats that are present by the River Falgu are also of great spiritual significance. Some trees are also held sacred by the Hindus and in Gaya one would find Pipal trees, Akshayavat and the undying Banyan which are also offered prayers and offerings in huge numbers by the pilgrims coming into the city.
Gaya is held as an important spiritual center by Hindus as a site which offers salvation to the souls. Buddhists hold Gaya as an important pilgrimage center because of the presence of the Brahmayoni or the Gayasia hill where Buddha preached the Fire Sermon or the Adittapariyaya Sutta.
How to Reach Gaya Mangala Gauri Temple:
By Air:
The nearest airport is the Gaya Airport which is 9 km from the temple.
By Rail:
Gaya Junction is the nearest Railway Station is at a distance of 4.3 km from the temple.
By Road:
GT Road connects Gaya to the northern cities of India. Buses, taxis and other local transport facilities are available to reach the temple.
Gaya Mangala Gauri Temple Address:
Mangla Gauri Mandir Road,
Shakti Peetham,
Gaya,
Bihar – 823001.
Phone Number: 094485 10493