Astava dasa Shakti peetam - Shrinkala devi Praddyumnam (West Bengal)

Shrinkala devi Praddyumnam (West Bengal):-

Shrinkala devi was supposed to be in West bengal, hoogly district.But as such there is no temple also.A story says that Sage Rishya Shringala has brought to her to shringeri in karnataka.

At present there is no temple in the place, a minar was built there by muslim invaders and at present the place is under the protection of Archaeological society of India, the door was locked and when we enquired the way inside we came to know that entry was banned into the temple (the so called minar) because of security reasons, but there were clear cut and significantly distinguishable features at the main door of the construction showing that it was once the main entrance of a Hindu temple probably of Shrinkhala Devi. There were ruins of temple infront of minar.

Another supportive evidence about the temple was obtained when we enquired local residents, Every year during magha maasa (Around February) a festival by name MELA TAALA of about 30 days duration is celebrated in the premises of the minar which is attended by local hindu and muslim communities in large numbers (More than 1 lakh). It is one of the important celebration of that place.
Another interesting fact is that near to Pandua there is a temple of Hanseswari mata which is regarded as Shakti peetha.
Taking into consideration all the above facts observed and collected it could be a possibility that it was the place where there was Shrinkhala devi temple.
Regarding the story of Rushya srunga it is said that he was grown up by his father from his child hood without exposure to the external world away from everyone except his father himself in the forest.This sage was pure at heart that he had a soul of an infant who does not get into the wordy joy. This made him a devotee of Shrinkhala devi.

There is also a contest in great epic of hindus ''The Ramayana'' about this sage that he was the one who conducted the Putrakaameshti yaaga for king Dasaradha.
King Romapada a friend of Dasradha adopted Santha devi who was the sister of Sri Rama. He requested this sage to conduct a yagna to get relief of very long famine which was relieved after the yagna.On the request of the king this sage married Santha devi and conducted the above metioned Yagna .


After some time this great sage as was a great devotee of Shrinkhala devi brought her in the sense his mother to Sringeri and distributed the energy around the Srunga parvatha and there he constructed temples to the deity. These places are also regarded as Shakti peethas.

Sarvamangala Gauri temple in Gaya

Sarvamangala Gauri:-
 

The Mangla Gauri temple in Gaya, Bihar, India has been mentioned in Padma Purana, Vayu Purana and Agni Purana and in other scriptures and tantric works. The present temple dates back to 15th century. The shrine is dedicated to Shakti 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 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. 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 the temple. The sanctum houses the symbol of the Goddess and it also has some finely carved ancient relief sculptures. A small hall or mandap stands in front of the temple. The courtyard also houses a fire pit for the home. There are also two minor shrines dedicated to Shiva and images of Mahishasura Mardini, Durga and Dakshina Kali.,


Gaya Mangalya gourika :- 

 The Mangalagauri temple in Gaya (Bihar) has been mentioned in Padma Purana, Vayu Purana and Agni Purana and in other scriptures and tantric works. The present temple dates back to 1459 AD. The shrine is dedicated to Shakti 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 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 is facing east, and is built on top of the Mangalagauri hill. A flight of steps and a motorable road lead to the temple. The sanctum houses the symbol of the Goddess and it also has some finely carved ancient relief sculptures. A small hall or mandap stands in front of the temple. The courtyard also houses a fire pit for the home. There are also two minor shrines dedicated to Shiva and images of Mahishasura MardiniGaya is one of the most famous spiritual destinations in India. Gaya is located in 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.

About Idol:-

The Mangla Gauri shrine in Gaya, one of the most holy sites has two rounded stones which symbolizes the breasts of the Goddess Sati, who is regarded as the first wife of Lord Shiva.

Significance:-

This is a shrine dedicated to Shakti or the mother Goddess in the predominantly Vaishnavite pilgrimage center of Gaya. Mangalagowri 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. It is a well visited temple where Shakti is worshipped in the form of a breast symbol, a symbol of nourishment.



Mangla Gauri Temple :-

 


It is a very old temple built in 15th century. We have to climb up a small hillock to reach the temple. The steps route is in between houses of local people. At the starting of steps route there is temple of Bhima (One of Five Pandavas). We can see his knee impression here. Here Bhima did Shraddhakarma, hence called as Bhimvedi Gaya.

The Mangla Gauri temple in Gaya, Bihar, India has been mentioned in Padma Purana, Vayu Purana and Agni Purana and in other scriptures and tantric works. The present temple dates back to 15th century.After climbing around 200 steps we will reach Mangala Gowri temple campus. There are several temples in that campus. The shrine is dedicated to Shakti 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 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. 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 the temple. The sanctum houses the symbol of the Goddess and it also has some finely carved ancient relief sculptures. A small hall or mandap stands in front of the temple. The courtyard also houses a fire pit for the home. There are also two minor shrines dedicated to Shiva and images of Mahishasura Mardini, Durga and Dakshina Kali.Main temple is very small temple and only 2 to 3 members can go into the temple at a time. There is no idol in the temple. We can see Breast of Satidevi in deepa lighting. Lord Shiva also present in the form of Shivaling beside maa. Some Tantriks will offer Bali to Mother Goddess.

The temple complex encompasses of temples of Maa Kali, Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman and Lord Shiva.


History of Gaya:-

Ancient history: Documented history of Gaya dates back to the birth of Gautam Buddha. About 15 km from Gaya town is Bodh Gaya, the place where Gautam Buddha got enlightenment. Since then the places around Gaya (Rajgir, Nalanda, Vaishali, Patliputra) had been the citadel of knowledge for the ancient world. These centers of knowledge further flourished under the rule of dynasties like the Mauryans who ruled from Patliputra (modern Patna) and covered the area beyond the boundaries of the Indian subcontinent. During this period, Gaya was a part of the Magadh region.

Medieval history:-

 In the 14th-15th century Gaya was frequently attacked by foreign Muslim invaders including other Hindu holy and sacred places. The Hindu rajputs from rajasthan moved towards north-east to defend Banaras and Gaya, the expedition of Maharana Lakha being the most important. Maharana Lakha, was the forty-fifth ruler of the Mewar Dynasty (r. 1382-1421); succeeded his father, Maharana Kshetra Singh; ruled for thirty-nine years from Chittor. He was a brave and gallant fighter throughout his life and led his life defending Gaya. The remaining army settled in parts of city of Magadha Kingdom. After the attack of the Muslim rulers these centers were severely damaged and along with them the historical city of Gaya lost its glory. But, in the medieval era under the rule of the great Sher Shah Suri (an Afghan ruler based in the Sasaram district of modern Bihar), Gaya got connected with the rest of India by the famous Grand Trunk road (passing through Sherghati) built by the ruler.

Modern history:-

 In modern Indian history, Gaya played an important role in the freedom movement. Though Gaya may not have produced many great leaders during that era, the common people from Gaya participated in the freedom struggle. Many national level conferences were organized in Gaya during that period. In 1922, the national level meeting of Indian National Congress was held in Gaya. It was in this session that Chittaranjan Das, the President of the Gaya session of Indian National Congress, remarked, trial "At the moment Rajendra Prasad appears to be the sole excuse for a further honest trial of Gandhism to solve a political problem". Also, one of the famous 'Seven Martyrs', the seven young men who sacrificed their lives in the Quit India movement of August 1942, was from Gaya.

Several freedom fighters were lodged in Gaya Central Jail. One of them was the nephew of Yogendra Shukla, Baikunth Shukla who was convicted and hanged in Gaya Central Jail on May 14th, 1934 at a young age of 28 years.


Importance to Hindu Mythology:-

Gaya derives its name from the mythological demon Gayasur (which literally means Gaya the holy demon), demon (asur, a Sanskrit word) and Gaya. Over its history dating millennia, the word asur got deleted and the name Gaya remained in currency. Lord Vishnu killed Gayasur, the holy demon by using the pressure of his foot over him. This incident transformed Gayasur into the series of rocky hills that make up the landscape of the Gaya city. Gaya was so holy that he had the power to absolve the sins of those who touched him or looked at him; after his death many people have flocked to Gaya to perform shraddha sacrifices on his body to absolve the sins of their ancestors. Gods and goddesses had promised to live on Gayasur's body after he died, and the hilltop protuberances of Gaya are surmounted by temples to various gods and goddesses. These hilltop temples at Rama Shila, Mangla Gauri, Shringa Sthan and Brahmayoni are part of the pilgrimage circuit, and grand staircases have been built up to most of them.


 Legend related to Gaya Mahatmya:-

(Significance of ancestral rites at Gaya)In olden times there lived a sage by name Dhaibhya who once went to GayaKshetraand performed sacred rites (Pinda Pradhana) to his forefathers with utmostdevotion and after that started doing penance at this place. One day while he wasdoing penance a cosmic plane appeared before him and a divine person got downfrom it and asked him why was he doing this penance? Then the sage Dhaibhyainreply asked the cosmic person to disclose his details.The cosmic person told the sage that he was the Brahma Manasa Puthra and brotherof Rudra called Sanathkumara who lives in one of the urdhva lokas (Jano loka). Hefurther said, O’ Sage “you have performed Pinda Pradhana at Gaya Kshetra with theresult the entire Brahma Vamsa got the benefit and I have come here to bless you andshow my affinity towards you.” On further questioning by sage as to how his actionhad benefited, Sanathkumara started narrating an incident related to GayaMahatmya.In olden timesthere lived a king called Vishala who was a highly spiritual andreligious minded person ruling his kingdom in Dharma Marga. His only shortfall was lack of children. On being advised by his purohits the king went to GayaKshetraand performed sacred rites to his forefathers (Pinda Dana, Thila Tharpana). While doing so there appeared three persons in the sky who were in three differentcolours (white, red and black) and they started glaring at the King with love andaffection.On being asked the white coloured person started telling that,“he was his father, thered coloured person was his grand father who had committed lot of sins while hewas alive and the black coloured person was his great grand father who also hadcommitted similar worst sins during his life time. Due to this they were suffering inthe hell. Because of good deeds done, I have (white coloured person) acquired theheavenly status.” Now, due to your visit to the Gaya Kshetra and performing sacredrites (Pinda daana) your grand father and great grand father have been released fromthe hell and have joined me in the heaven. Thus you are responsible for theliberation of your forefathers from the hell by performing Pinda Pradhana andTharpana at Gaya Kshetra. Now we are happily going to Pitru Loka and have comehere to see you and bless you.After this incident the king Vishala returned to his kingdom and soon was blessedwith a son. Hence, this place (Gaya) has acquired lot of significance and Lord MahaVishnu holding macein his hand is residing here. Thus spoke Sanathkumara to thesage Dhaibhya and disappeared.


 Holy Places at Gaya:-

Phalgu River:-

 
It is said that Agni Purana has explained the river Phalgu as a combination of Phala(merit) + Gau (wish fulfillingcow) and its etymology implies that the river manifeststhe highest power of piousness added with merit. It is said that as per Vayu Puranathe river Phalgu is considered to be superior to the river Gangessince it is the liquidform of Lord Vishnu whereas Ganges has originated from the foot of Lord Vishnu.Two streams Lilajan (Niranjara) and Mohana originating from a hill called KorambePahar about 75km south of Gaya meet together to form the river Phalgu at Gaya. It isa tributary of river Ganges and most of the time it is said to remain dry due to a cursegiven by Goddess Sita Devi.

Vishnupada Temple In Gaya:-

 

Vishnupada Temple is marked by a footprint of Vishnu. This footprint is the significance of the act of Lord Vishnu crushing Gayasur under his foot. The temple that stands today was rebuilt by Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar in the 18th century. As per the Buddhist tradition and culture, this footstep mark is regarded that of Lord Buddha who is said to be the avatar of Vishnu.
The temples and the Ghats that are present by the River Falgu are also of great spiritual significance. Some trees are also held sacred by the Hindus and in Gaya one would find Pipal trees, Akshayavat and the undying Banyan which are also offered prayers and offerings in huge numbers by the pilgrims coming into the city.
Gaya is held as an important spiritual center by Hindus as a site which offers salvation to the souls. Buddhists hold Gaya as an important pilgrimage center because of the presence of the Brahmayoni or the Gayasia hill where Buddha preached the Fire Sermon or the Adittapariyaya Sutta.

Akshayavata (Imperishable Banyan Tree:-

 

 
It is said that as per Mythology at the time of deluge (Pralaya) when the entire earthgot submerged into water Lord Maha Vishnu slept on the leaf of Banyan Tree in the form of a child. Lord Maha Vishnu is also called by name Vatapathra Sai. Thisbanyan tree is said to be in existence since time immemorial, undecaying andperpetual. Symbolized as a link between earth and heaven where ancestral rites areperformed as a part of Gaya Shraaddha. Generally once in a year every banyan treereleases all its leaves, but it is said that this Akshayavat tree does not release itsleaves at all and remain green always even in draught condition. It is said that thetree has existed since Thretha Yuga when Sitadevi gave a boon that the tree wouldremain immortal. It is located in the courtyard of Vishnupada temple.


Gadadhar Vishnu temple:-

 
Next to vishnupad temple just on the banks of Phalgu river is temple of Gadadhar Vishnu. The beautiful black deity is 4 armed form of lord- especially carrying gada(mace) to deliver devotes from evil forces.

Stupa Sita Temple:-

Stupa Sita III Temple is an ancient shrine situated in Nalanda, Bihar. The temple is a rectangular structure with its lofty sanctum is approached by flight of steps with parapet walls decorated with figures of lions. It has four, stupa-like corner towers, which are beautifully decorated with niches containing Buddhist stucco images.

Ram Gaya  and Sita Kunda:-

Exactly opposite to Vishnu pad temple but on the other banks of phalgu river is a small temple depicting the spot where sita devi performed pinda dana for her father-in-law. This lila is depicted in form of a beautiful deity of sita devi offering the pinda with sand balls of river phalguni(now phalgu) & hand of Dashrath appearing from the earth to accept it.


Jalmandir:-

Jalmandir is a white marble temple located at Pawapuri in Patna District of Bihar. It is situated in the middle of a tank with lotuses. The temple is dedicated to Lord Mahavir, the last and 24th Tirthankar of the Jain religion. There is a long bridge (over 40 ft long and 4 ft in width) inside the tank for reaching the temple. The surroundings of the temple are furnished by a well-kept garden. Legend has it that the tank was formed as a result of the mass removal of sand from around the funeral pyre of Lord Mahavir, in order to meet the demand for his ashes. Samosaram and Naya Mandir are two famous Jain temples situated nearby. Pawapuri is about 38 km from Rajgir. Nearest railway station is at Gaya.

 Prapithamaheswara Temple:-

This is an ancient temple of Lord Shiva called Prapithamaheswara who is said to be awitness deity for the performance of sacred rites to ancestors at Gaya. Its reference issaid to have been mentioned in Agni Purana. It is an east facing temple adjacent totwo hills called Brahmayoni and Vasmakuta.

Dhakshinaarka Temple (Sun Temple):-

It is an ancient temple dedicated to Sun God facing east, where ancestral rites are alsoperformed at the Surya Kunda in front of the temple. It is close to Vishnu PaadaTemple. Large number of devotees visit the Sun related sites in Gaya during themonths of Chaitra and Karthikacorresponding to March-April and October-November months in a year. It is said that Chhath festival (worship of Sun God asthe Mother) is a popular festival celebrated in Bihar. It is believed that as perMahabharatha worship of Sun God is described as a fasting ritual and the traditionhas been maintained since then.

Prethashila:-

Prethashila,the hill of the ghosts is one of the three symbolic primal objects of natureat Gaya. It is lying at a distance of about 8km to the north east of Vishnupada templewhere the sacred rites are required to be performed first before even visiting thetemple. It is said as per Mahabharatha that by performing rituals at this site one canget released even from the sin of killing a Brahman(Brahmahatya dosha). It is saidthat Vayu Purana mentions that one has to offer Pindas to ancestors on its summit,take a holy bath in the Brahma Kunda at the foot of the hill and offer its water to the divinities. It is believed that Lord Brahma had performed Ashwamedha Yaga at this place.

Brahmayoni Temple :-

Brahmayoni Temple In Gaya, Bihar Brahmayoni Temple, located at a distance of one kilometre to the south-west of the Vishnupad Temple, is one of the major attractions of Gaya. For those visiting the temple need to climb up 424 high stone steps so as to reach the top of the hill. In addition, the temple perched atop a hill offers tourists beautiful views of the city. On the hill where this temple is located, there are two caves, namely, Brahmayoni and Matreyoni along with an ancient temple of Astabhujadevi.


 Bawan Pokhar Temple:-

It is an old temple of Vaishali. It is situated on the northern banks of Bawan Pokhar. It was built during the Pala period and comprises some significant images of several Hindu Gods.

Patan Devi Temple is a magnificent temple, located in the Chowk area of Patna. The temple comprises into two temples, Bari (big) Patan Devi Temple and Chhoti (small) Patan Devi Temple. It widely believed that the name of this district has been inspired by the name of the Patan Devi Temples.The small or the Chhoti Patan Devi Temple stands in the Chowk area of Patna. This temple is more popular in comparison to the Bari Patan Devi Temple. The temple consists of various idols of Lord Ganesh, Surya and Lord Vishnu.

On the other hand, Bari Patan Devi Temple is near the Ganga River and faces the northern side. The main attraction of the temple is that of the idols at the entrance of goddesses Mahakali, Maha Lakshmi, Maha Saraswati and Bhairav made in black stones.

Mahavir Mandir:-

It is one of the most prominent and well-renowned temples in Bihar, which is enshrined with the deity of Lord Hanuman. The initiation of this temple is unknown, however according to historical facts, this temple is said to be established by Swami Balanand, who was a disciplinary of Ramanandi Sect during 1730 AD.

This is the only temple of the country, where the donation made to the priest while performing ceremonies also goes to the temple’s trust. It is definitely the first temple in the northern India to utilise its entire donation in religious projects or programmes that involve helping and aiding the poor.

Ratnaghara Temple :-

The entire seven weeks of Buddha’s meditation were done in different locations within the complex and one of them is the Ratnaghara, a charming and roofless temple. In one of those seven weeks, Indradev and Lord Brahma created a marvelous hall studded with the seven valuable elements for the Lord to meditate. During his meditation, the Buddha’s body radiated rays of five colors and illuminated the close by Bodhi tree.

Dungeshwari Cave Temples:-
 
Dungeshwari Cave Temples also known as Mahakala Caves, is situated 12 km north-east of Bodhgaya, Bihar. There are three caves containing Buddhist shrines, where the Buddha is believed to have meditated.

Lakshmi Narayan Temple:-

 Lakshmi Narayan Temple in Rajgir of Nalanda District in Bihar, is devoted to Lord Vishnu and his consort, Goddess Lakshmi. Painted in pink, this sacred temple stands beside the Saptadhara—a group of seven hot springs.

Durga Mandir:-

 Durga Mandir is situated at Bettiah, in West Champaran District, Bihar. The temple enshrines Goddess Durga as the presiding deity. Durga Puja, held in remembrance of the victory of Durga over Mahishasura, is celebrated with great pomp and festivity.Harikatora Temple is located in Vaishali of Bihar. It is believed to have been built during the Gupta period. The highlight here is an image of Lord Kartikeya, which is in a sitting posture on a peacock.


 Shyama Temple  , in  Darbhanga:-
This temple, devoted to Goddess Kali, is one of the most prominent temples built upon the private graveyard of the Darbhanga royal family. The temple is famed for its beauty.


Patliputra Teerth:-

The Patliputra Teerth is situated at Patna in Bihar State. The temple is managed by a trust called Shri Patna Jain shwetambar Mandir Trust and is dedicated to the Jain god Bhagvan Vimalnath Swami. The ancient, beautiful idol of Bhagvan Vimalnath Swami, nearly 60cm high, is white in colour and seated in the Padmasan posture. Patna city is important to the Jains because many prosperous Jains and saints lived in this city during the ancient times.

Bari Patan Devi Temple:-

Bari Patan Devi Temple is a magnificent shrine located in Patna, Bihar. The temple enshrines the black stone idols of Goddess Kali, Goddess Lakshmi, GoddessSaraswati and Bhairav in a standing posture. The Choti Patan Devi Temple, situated in the vicinity, is worth visiting. It is believed that Patna derives its name after the Bari Patan and Choti Patan Devi temples.

Choti Patan Devi Temple:-

Choti Patan Devi Temple is a magnificent shrine located at Patna City Chowk, in Patna, Bihar. The temple enshrines the black stone idols of Goddess Kali, Goddess Lakshmi and GoddessSaraswati. The temple is situated south-east of the famous Sikh temple of Harmandir - the birth place of Guru Govind Singh. The Bari Patan Devi Temple, situated in the vicinity, is worth visiting.


Ramna's Tripur Sundari Temple:-

Ramna"s Tripur Sundari Temple attracts millions of Devotees Due to its aesthetic beauty and richness. A wealthy man, Shri Umashankar Prasad built this Beautiful and magnificent temple on 28th June 1941. It is said that it is really surprising to see that a man made temple attracts such big gathering of Devotees. This temple is also famous by the name of "Devi Temple" and Ma"s beautiful idol mesmerizes one and all.

Shyama Kali Temple:-

Built in 1933, Shyama Temple is housed in the Lalit Narayan Mithila University, in the heart of Darbhanga. This temple, devoted to Goddess Kali, is one of the most prominent temples built upon the private graveyard of the Darbhanga royal family. The temple is famed for its beauty.

Bawan Pokhar Temple:-

Bawan Pokhar Temple is sited on the northern banks of Bawan Pokhar Tank in Vaishali of Bihar. It is believed to have been built during the Pallava period. The temple houses an interesting array of basalt black images of several deities, which date back to the Gupta and Pallava periods. Besides, a four headed Shivling made of black basalt was excavated from here. There is a Jain temple, which is famous for the image of Tirthankar, behind the temple. Points of interest nearby include a Lotus Tank, which was once popular among the Lichchhavis.

Baba Garibnath Temple:-
 
Baba Garibnath Temple situated in the center of the Muzaffarpur town is undoubtedly one of the most famous "Lord Shiva" temples ! Its history goes like this-There was a Landlord in ancient times who owned the land where the present temple is. There was a huge Banyan tree in the premises of the temple which provided shade and relief to many people. It is also called second "Baidhnath".

Chaturbhuj Sthan Temple:-

Chaturbhuj Temple, situated in Muzaffarpur, is famous for its spirituality and faith. In 1303 century, in a village called "Turki", a big idol of "Lord Chaturbhuj" was found. People started worshipping the lord with full devotion but it seems the lord desired something else!

Shri Ram Temple:-

Shri Ram temple is one of the famous religious places. Situated at "Sahu Pokhar" in Muzaffarpur, it"s status was kept as one of the "Navratna" temples. It is said that it was made by artists from Rajasthan. Later Shri Shiv Prasad Sahu of Sahu family took over the order and care taking of the temple and still Sahu family is doing the same. Within the premises the biggest temple is of "Shri Ram and Mata Janaki". Beside that "Mahadev" temple is there whose Shivling is India"s third largest Shivling.

Kali Mata Temple:-

This great temple is an icon of faith, worship and belief on Ma. It is situated on the south coast of "Gandak" river. Possibly, it was made in the year of 1932 by Darbhanga Maharaj Kamlesh Singh. Devotees come in masses to worship Ma. This temple is believed to be built by Darbhanga Maharaj Kamlesh Singh in 1932. Thousands of devotees from far and near visit the shrine every year.


Mahabodhi Temple In Bodh Gaya:-

Mahabodhi Temple In Bodh Gaya, Bihar The Mahabodhi Temple is a Buddhist temple in Bodh Gaya, the location where Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, is said to have attained enlightenment. Bodh Gaya (located in Gaya district) is located about 96 km (60 mi) from Patna, Bihar state, India. Next to the temple, to its western side, is the holy Bodhi tree. In the Pali Canon, the site is called Bodhimanda,and the monastery there the Bodhimanda Vihara. The tallest tower is 55 metres (180 ft) tall. The construction uses the styles of Dravidian Architecture, as opposed to Nagara Temple style.

The Giant Buddha Statue-Vishal Buddha Mandir In Gaya, Bihar:-

 

The Giant Buddha Statue is one of the many stops in the Buddhist pilgrimage and tourist routes in Bodhgaya, Bihar. The statue is 25 m (82 ft) high in meditation pose or dhyana mudra seated on a lotus in open air. It took seven years to complete with the help of 120,000 masons.[citation needed] It is a mix of sandstone blocks and red granite. It is possibly the largest built in India and was consecrated on 18 November 1989 by the 14th Dalai Lama.The foundation stone for the statue was placed in 1982. The statue is made of red granite and sandstone blocks.

Chinese Temple :-

Chinese Temple In Gaya, Bihar The Chinese Buddhist monks have erected a beautiful Buddha temple in the vicinity of the Bodhi temple complex. As is the case with other foreign Buddha temples in the area, the temple exteriors reflect rich Chinese architecture and have been liberally decorated with typical Chinese designs.

Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple:-

 
Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple In Gaya, Bihar Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple, located at a distance of 15 km from the heart of the city, is one of the most famous temples of Bodh Gaya. Carved with Buddhist preaching, the temple reflects Japanese architecture and is beautifully carved out of wood.

Cankamana Shrine is one of the revered shrines positioned along the Bodhi Temple. The shrine features various articles that were purified by the presence of Lord Buddha.

Lord  Buddha’s feet have been carved into black stone lotuses towards the northern fringe of the temple.

Vietnamese Temple:-

Vietnamese Temple In 2002, the Vietnam Government decided to construct a temple dedicated to the Buddha near Bodhi temple. The construction has taken the best of latest technology and architecture to produce a stunning shrine along with the serene and lovely surroundings. A wonderful serene looking and smiling Buddha idol known as the Avalokiteswara statue (the peaceful Buddha) has been erected within the temple.


Thai Temple:-

Thai temple is located in Gaya District. It is a beautiful temple with sloping roofs and gold lacquered tiles. The temple houses the image of a magnificent Buddha with curly hair. In order to accommodate devotees and Thai Buddhist monks, rooms are provided behind the temple.

Bhutan Temple:-

Bhutan Temple is located close to Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya of Bihar. A popular pilgrim spot, the temple is built in Bhutan architectural style.

 Transportation To Gaya:-

Gaya is well connected to the rest of India and the world by roadways, railways and airways.

By Air:-

 The city has the only operating international airport in Bihar and Jharkhand. It has domestic operations for Kolkata, New Delhi and Varanasi, while international flights are for Bangkok, Yangon and Colombo.

By Rail:-

 The nearest railway station is Gaya Jn. (5 km).

By Road:-

 Bodhgaya is well connected by road to Gaya (17 km), Nalanda (101 km), Rajgir (78 km), Patna (135 km), Varanasi (252 km), Calcutta (495 km)
Local Transport: City Bus, Taxis, Tongas, Auto Rickshaws, Cycle Rickshaws are available.

By Bus:-

 Regular direct bus services are available from Gaya to Patna, Nalanda, Rajgir, Varanasi,Ranchi,Tata(Jamshedpur),Kolkata,Dhanbad. Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation and Bihar State Road Transport Corporation run buses to Patna, Ranchi, Jamshedpur and other major cities.