The Mangla Gauri temple in Shakti Peetham, 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.
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 complex encompasses of temples of Maa Kali, Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman and Lord Shiva.