About Mangla Gauri Temple
The Mangla Gauri Temple stands on the Mangalagauri hill in the city of Gaya, Bihar, not far from the Vishnupad Temple and the Phalgu river. The goddess is worshipped as Mangla Gauri, the giver of auspiciousness and well-being, a form of Sati and Parvati. Gaya is one of the holiest places in India for ancestral rites (pind daan), and many pilgrims who come for these rites also climb to the shrine of the goddess.
The temple is counted among the Shakti Peethas and is named in the hymn of the eighteen Maha Shakti Peethas. Tradition says that a breast of Sati fell here, and the goddess is worshipped in the form of a stone symbol representing it, as a sign of the nourishing Mother; other lists differ on the details. The shrine is praised in several Puranas and Tantric texts. The present temple building is generally dated to the 15th century, though the site is considered much older.
The temple faces east and is reached by a short climb of steps up the hillside. The sanctum is small and dimly lit, with a lamp that is kept burning, and devotees bend low to enter it. The stone symbol of the goddess is covered with flowers, cloth and sindoor. Within the complex there are smaller shrines of Kali, Ganesha, Hanuman and Shiva, and from the hill there are views over the old city of Gaya. Women in particular pray here for the long life of their husbands and the welfare of their families.
Mangla Gauri Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from early morning to evening, with a break in the afternoon at many times of the year. Check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning aarti | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | At sunset |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Mangla Gauri Temple
By air
Gaya Airport is about 10 km away; Patna airport is about 115 km away.
By train
Gaya Junction is about 4 km away.
By road
Autos and e-rickshaws run from Gaya Junction and the Vishnupad area to the foot of the hill.
Festivals at Mangla Gauri Temple
- Mangla Gauri Vrat (Tuesdays of Shravan)Jul/Aug
- Pitru Paksha MelaSep/Oct
- Sharad NavratriSep/Oct
- Chaitra NavratriMar/Apr
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing is recommended.
- Entry
- Free darshan.
- The sanctum is small and low; be ready to bend and move through quickly in a queue.
- Tuesdays are the main day of worship and are crowded.
- Combine the visit with Vishnupad Temple and, if you have time, Bodh Gaya.
- Wear footwear that is easy to remove, as there are several shrines in the complex.
Places to visit near Mangla Gauri Temple
- Vishnupad TempleTemple built over Lord Vishnu's footprint on the Phalgu river, about 2 km away
- Brahmayoni HillHill with a temple and wide views over Gaya, about 3 km away
- Bodh GayaMahabodhi Temple, where the Buddha attained enlightenment, about 15 km away
- Barabar CavesAncient rock-cut caves of the Mauryan period, about 35 km away
Frequently asked questions
Is Mangla Gauri Temple a Shakti Peetha?
Yes. It is counted among the Shakti Peethas and named among the eighteen Maha Shakti Peethas. Tradition says a breast of Sati fell here, though lists differ.
Where is Mangla Gauri Temple in Gaya?
It is on the Mangalagauri hill in Gaya city, about 2 km from the Vishnupad Temple and about 4 km from Gaya Junction.
What is the Mangla Gauri Vrat?
It is a fast kept by women on the Tuesdays of the month of Shravan for the well-being of their families, and the temple is very busy on these days.
How far is Mangla Gauri Temple from Bodh Gaya?
It is about 15 km from Bodh Gaya by road.
What is the aarti time at Mangla Gauri Temple?
Morning aarti: Early morning (approx.); Evening aarti: At sunset. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
What are the Mangla Gauri Temple timings?
Usually open from early morning to evening, with a break in the afternoon at many times of the year. Check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Mangla Gauri Temple?
Modest traditional clothing is recommended.
Visited recently and noticed something has changed? Suggest an update — Sevaks help keep every temple guide accurate.
