Mangalagauri Temple, Gaya(Bihar)
Location:
Gaya in South Bihar.
Significance:
This is a shrine dedicated to
Shakti or the mother Goddess in the predominantly Vaishnavite pilgrimage
center of Gaya. Mangalagauri 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 (see below). It is
a well visited temple where Shakti is worshipped in the form of a breast
symbol, a symbol of nourishment..
Antiquity:
Mangalagauri in Gaya has been mentioned in Padma Purana, Vayu Purana and
Agni Purana and in other scriptures and tantric works. The present temple
dates back to 1459 AD.
Architecture:
This is a small brick temple facing east, built on top of the Mangalagauri
hill. A flight of steps and a motorable road lead to the temple. The sanctum
houses the symbol of the Goddess and it also has some finely carved ancient
relief sculptures. A small hall or mandap stands in front of the temple. The
courtyard also houses a fire pit for the homa.
Other shrines in the
temple: There are two minor
shrines dedicated to Shiva and images of Mahishasura Mardini Durga and
Dakshina Kaali.
Other Shakti shrines
in Gaya: The Falgu-chandi,
Smaasaanaakshi, Mundaprishta, Sankata and Kaamaakshya temples deserve
mention.
Other points of
interest about the temple : This
temple is associated with tantric worship Animal sacrifices are offered
here. |