Mangla Gauri Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Bodh Gaya Airport (GAY) is the nearest airport.

• By train

  Gaya Junction Railway Station (GAYA) is the nearest railway station.

• By road

  The temple is reached by steps or a motorable road. Auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws run within Gaya town.

Rules to know

• Remove footwear before entering the temple.
• Keep silence during prayers, and take part in rituals with respect.

Why devotees come here

Mangla Gauri Temple stands on Mangalagauri hill in Gaya, Bihar. It is one of the eighteen Maha Shakti Peethas, and Devi Mangla Gauri is believed to be an incarnation of Sati.

Legend says Sati's breast fell at this spot. Since then Devi Mangla Gauri has been worshipped here as a symbol of nourishment. Devotees come to seek her blessed darshan. The shrine's presiding deity is also believed to be the first wife of Shiva.

The temple's origins date back to the 15th century, and the present temple also dates back to that time. It stands on Mangalagauri hill and faces east. The sanctum houses the symbol of Devi, with ancient relief sculptures. The complex also has temples of Kali, Ganesha, Hanuman and Shiva.

Three hills, including Mangala-Gauri, surround Gaya on three sides. Gaya lies about 100 km from Patna, the state capital. A short distance away lies the Vishnupad Temple, which enshrines Vishnu's footprints on a celestial rock.

Festivals

• Navratri monthNavratri

  Large crowds of devotees come for darshan during the auspicious month.

Tips for your visit

• If climbing steps is hard for you, use the motorable road up the hill.
• The sources checked give no step count, lift or wheelchair access details, so ask the temple about access before you go.

Questions people ask