Gaya Mangala Gouri - is one of the 18 Shaktipeethams and is one of the most ancient pilgrimages of SHAKTI worship. Among the three pilgrimages on the name of Gayasura - Siro Gaya (Bihar), Nabhi Gaya (Orissa) and Pada Gaya (Pithapuram) - this is the first one.
Sri Maha Vishnu is the ADHISHTANA DEVATA of this KSHETRAM. Mother Goddess Sarva Mangala Devi / Mangala Gouri is respected as the sister of Sri Maha Vishnu here.
Mangala Gouri Devi is considered as the Goddess of benevolence and is worshiped as a 'symbol of Nourishment'. Goddess has no idol here. The temple of Mangala Gouri Devi is located on a small hill called 'Mangala Gouri Hill'. Gaya is on the banks of Falgu river.
Gaya is predominantly Vaishnavite and Budhdhist pilgrimage, and Mangala Gouri temple is very less known. Gaya Vishnupada temple is more famous where Lord Sri Maha Vishnu is believed to had left his foot marks on a rock called 'Dharmavrata Sila' which in turn is placed on the head of Gayasura. Vishnupada temple is very famous for PINDA PRADANA.
From the below photos, first three are of Mangala Gouri Devi and fourth one is VishnuPadam.
No comments:
Post a Comment