Mangla Gauri Temple

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Mangala Gauri Temple
Sarvamangala Devi Temple
Mangala Gauri Temple at Gaya, Bihar.jpg
View of Mangala Gauri Temple at Gaya, Bihar.
Religion
Affiliation Hinduism
District Gaya
Deity Sati Parvati (Hindu Goddess Parvati)
Festivals Navratri
Location
Location Shakti Peetham
State Bihar
CountryFlag of India.svg  India
India Bihar location map.svg
Om symbol.svg
Shown within Bihar
India location map.svg
Om symbol.svg
Mangla Gauri Temple (India)
Asia laea location map.svg
Om symbol.svg
Mangla Gauri Temple (Asia)
Geographic coordinates 24°46′30.5″N85°00′08.3″E / 24.775139°N 85.002306°E / 24.775139; 85.002306 Coordinates: 24°46′30.5″N85°00′08.3″E / 24.775139°N 85.002306°E / 24.775139; 85.002306
Architecture
Type Cave Style
CreatorMaadho Giri Ji Maharaj (Baba Dandi Swami)
Completed1300 CE
Specifications
Temple(s)9
Monument(s)2
Inscriptions Shakti Peetha
Elevation134 m (440 ft)

The Mangla Gauri temple in 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 worshiped as the Goddess of benevolence. This temple constitutes an Upa-Shakti Peeth — where it is believed that a part of the body of Sati fell according to mythology. 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 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.

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Three and a half Shakti Peethas are reported in Maharashtra.

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