Mangla Gauri Temple

Mangla Gauri Temple in Gaya is dedicated to the goddess Mangla Gauri, worshipped as a form of Sati, the consort of Shiva. It counts among the 51 Shaktipeethas: legend holds that Vishnu's discus cut Sati's body apart to halt Shiva's Tandava, and that her breast fell on this spot, so the goddess is revered here as a giver of nourishment. The shrine is traced to the 15th century and is mentioned in several Puranas.

Besides the presiding goddess, the sanctum holds images of Shiva, Durga, Dakshina-Kali, Mahishasura Mardini and Sati, and smaller shrines to Kali, Ganapati, Shiva and Hanuman stand within the complex. Women keep a Tuesday fast here, offering sixteen bangles, seven fruits and five sweets. Crowds are largest during Navratri.