DELHI TEMPLES

Akshardham
Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi epitomises 10,000 years of Indian culture in all its breathtaking grandeur, beauty, wisdom and bliss. It brilliantly showcases the essence of India’s ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spiritual messages. The Akshardham experience is an enlightening journey through India’s glorious art, values and contributions for the progress, happiness and harmony of mankind.
The grand, ancient-styled Swaminarayan Akshardham complex was built in only five years through the blessings of HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) and the colossal devotional efforts of 11,000 artisans and BAPS volunteers. The complex was inaugurated on 6 November, 2005.

Chattarpur Mandir

Location: 4-km From Qutb Minar, South Delhi
Presiding Deity: Goddess Durga
Attraction: Navaratra Festival

The Chattarpur Mandir is a fine example which presents Delhi a place that not just contain beautiful monuments created by the Moghuls but also has some spectacular Hindu Temples to it's credit.

Barely 4-km away from Qutb Minar stand the flamboyant and rich temples of Chattarpur. Made of shining white marble, these temples are very popular with the city's Hindus and the queues during Durga Puja have to be seen to be believed. The main temple dedicated to goddess Durga is built in South Indian style.

Gauri Shankar Temple

Location: Next To Lal Mandir, Old Delhi
Built In: 1623
Presiding Deity: Lord Shiva

Right next to Lal Mandir is situated this Hindu marble temple of Gauri Shankar, that was there even before Shahjahanbad was established in 1623. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it's home to impressive statues of probably all the deities of the Shaiv sect. It is believed that the patron was Sardar Ganga Appadhar, an erstwhile senior officer in the Mughal army.

There is a very interesting tale attached to this temple. It is believed that the Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb gave an order that the temple bells should not be rung. But he couldn't sleep for three nights in a row because the bells would keep ringing in his ears. At last he had to relent and take back his orders.

It is dominated by eight 'lingam' and is Delhi's holiest Shiva temples. Devotees enter through the marble steps, flanked by pillars carved with chains and bells that open in a spacious courtyard. Inside the temple, offerings for sale include bilva (wood apple), chandan (sandal wood paste), marigolds, red powder, rice and cotton threads.

The main sanctuary holds bejewelled statues of Gauri or Goddess Parvati and Shankar or Lord Shiva standing beneath the silver canopy and the ancient brown stone lingam resting on a marble 'yoni' encased in silver and draped with silver serpents. Shrines of other deities line the south wall.

These days, major renovation work is being carried out at the temple premises, the height of the 'shikhara' is being raised to 110ft.

Hanuman Mandir

Location: Baba Khadak Singh Road, Southwest Of Connaught Circus, New Delhi
Originally Built By: Maharaja Jai Singh

Situated on the Bada Kharak Singh Road (old Irwin Road) about 250m southwest of Connaught Circus, this temple is of little architectural importance. The residents of Delhi are, however, particularly devoted to it.

The original temple appears to have been constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh about the same times as the Jantar -Mantar, but has undergone large scale renewals since then.

Iskon Temple

Location: Hari Krishna Hill, East Of Kailash, South Delhi
Built In: 1998
Dedicated To: Lord Krishna
Built By: Hare-Rama-Krishna Cult Followers

Built in 1998, the temple complex of Isckon stands at Hari Krishna Hill, Sant Nagar Main Road, East of Kailash. The magnificent temple has 'Shikharas' at a height of 90-feet above the ground level. The hall of the temple is centrally air-conditioned with a capacity to accommodate about 1,500 people.

There are beautiful paintings of Russian artists on the different past times of Radha Krishna, Sita, Ram, Laxman, Hanuman and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Special programmes like kirtan, aarti, pravachan and prasadam are held every Sunday between noon to 3.00pm.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and was built by the Hare-Rama Hare-Krishna cult followers.This complex is elegantly built and is one of the largest temple complexes in India. Currently the main attraction of the temple is the Robot who enacts and preaches the Gita.

Timing: The temple remains open in the morning from 4.30am to 12.00pm and then in the evening from 4.00pm to 9.00pm

Kali Bari Mandir

Location: Near Lakshmi Narayan Temple, New Delhi
Presiding Deity: Goddess Kali
Main Attraction: Festival Of Durga Puja Followers

A stone's throw from Birla Mandir to the right is the much smaller but quite popular temple devoted to the Goddess Kali. Especially dear to the Bengali community of Delhi, it is the centre of celebration during the festival of Durga Puja held every October.

Since, Kali is believed to be the manifestation of Durga in her most terrifying, warlike avatar, liquor is offered to the goddess in this temple.

The temple is rather small and very simple in design. From within the temple grows a huge 'peepul' tree that pierces through the ceiling to shade the temple. Hindus consider the peepul sacred and red threads are tied around its bark when beseeching a boon.

Timing: The temple remains open in the morning from 4.30am to 12pm and then in the evening from 4pm to 9pm

Kalkaji Mandir

Location: Near Lotus Temple, New Delhi
Presiding Deity: Kalka Devi.
Also Known As: Kalika Or Kalka Devi
Main Festivity: Navratra

Situated beyond the commercial complex of Nehru Place lies this temple dedicated to the goddess Kalka Devi. This domed twelve-sided Shakti Kalkaji temple, also known as Kalika or Kalka Devi lies on the same hill as the Baha'i temple. Its oldest section dates back to 1764 and additions were made in the mid-19th century, yet, most of the building is modern.

This popular Kali shrine is at the heart of a village and the Hindu worship of its 'Mahants' (important sadhus) makes a fascinating contrast with the brash new faith of the Baha'is. Thousands of pilgrims throng the temple, especially in October during the nine days of 'navratra', when a huge fair is held over here.

Lakshmi Narayan Mandir

Location: West Of Connaught Place, Mandir Marg, Central Delhi
Also Known As: Birla Mandir
Built In: 1933-1939
Presiding Deity: Lord Vishnu

This enchanting temple is located west of Connaught Place and was build by Raja Baldev Das in 1938. The temple is dedicated to the goddess of prosperity and good fortune & is commonly known as the Birla Mandir.

It is modern in concept and construction and attracts several devotees and international tourists. The presiding deity here is Lakshmi Narayan, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. The walls of the temple are decorated with various Hindu symbols and quotes from the Gita and the Upanishads.

This temple was built over a six-year period (1933 - 1939) and was inaurgated by Mahatma Gandhi on the condition that people of all castes especially untouchables would be allowed in. It was built in the 20th century by the Birla family of industrialists known for its many other temples in India.

Built in Orissan style, the highest tower in the temple reaches a height of 165ft, while the ancillary towers reach 116ft. The Geeta Bhavan, a hall adorned with beautiful paintings depicting scenes from Indian mythology. There is also a temple dedicated to Buddha in this complex with fresco paintings describing his life and work.

The entire complex, especially the walls and the upper gallery are full of paintings carried out by artists from Jaipur in Rajasthan. The rear of the temple has been developed as an artificial mountainous landscape with fountains and waterfalls.

The festival of Janmashtami is celebrated here with much goodwill and cheer. The exterior is faced with the white marble and red sandstone typical of Delhi's Mughal architecture. The interior court is overlooked by two-storey verandahs on three sides; there are gardens and fountains at the rear.

For many foreign tourists, this is the place in India where they are confronted with the incongrogous sight of multiple 'swastikas'. The original meaning of the sign, an ancient Aryan symbol of the striving for perfection, as explained on one wall.

Durga and Shiva are the other major deities housed in this temple. Mention must be made of the Buddha temple in this complex.

Lotus Temple

Location: Atop Kalkaji Hill, 12-km Southeast of Connaught Place, New Delhi
Also Known As: Baha'i Temple
Completed In: 1986
Timing: Daily - April To September; October To March From 9.30am to 5.30pm.

Baha`i Temple is known as one of the most beautiful architectural temples in India. Popularly called Lotus Temple as it is built in the shape of a Lotus flower and reaches a height of more than 40m. It was completed in 1986 and one can enjoy its exquisite beauty even from a kilometre distance, at night.

This grand temple is termed by many as the Taj of modern India. It belongs to the Baha`i sect and is now a significant landmark of Delhi. The structure is made of pure white marble in the shape of a half-opened lotus and is surrounded by delicately manicured lawns.

This architectural wonder is made of a combination of marble, cement, sand and dolomite. One can see 27 giant white petals of marble in a lotus shape, springing from nine pools and walkways indicative of the nine unifying spiritual paths of the Baha'i faith. People of any faith can enter this temple to offer their prayers.

The Baha'i House of Worship is dedicated to the oneness of all religions and mankind. Its doors are open to people of all faiths, races and cultural backgrounds. Subsidiary buildings that afford relief to the suffering, sustenance to the poor, shelter to the traveller, solace to the deprived and education to the ignorant will abound around the House of Worship.

There are no clergymen in the Baha'i Faith and its service consists of prayers and readings of selections from Baha'i scriptures.The Baha`i religion is an independent one and not a sect of any other religion's manifestion.

The Baha`is lay great emphasis on prayer and meditation. These, they believe are important instruments for the progress of the human soul, both in this world and the next. The Baha'i`is pray to one God, the Creator of the Universe.

The act of praying is described as 'Conversation with God' and meditation is perceived as the 'Key for opening the doors of mysteries'. In that state, man withdraws himself from all outside objects and immerses himself in the ocean of spiritual life.

In the Baha`i Holy Writings, there are prayers for all occasions and can be offered individually or collectively. A great importance is given to prayers as it is revealed in all the Scriptures. But the Baha`i Writings specify that the mere act of praying is not sufficient. The inspiration drawn from one's prayers must be translated into action that promotes the well-being of humanity.

The temple represents the Baha`i faith, which is broad in its outlook, scientific in the influence it exerts on the hearts and minds of men. It signifies the purity and the universality of the lord and equality of all religions. Visited by over four million people, annually, this gleaming lotus-like marble structure is located on Bahapur Hills and it is the seventh and most recent Baha'i houses of worship in the world. The temple is a must visit for every tourist who comes to Delhi.

Closed to tourists during morning and evening prayers, Tuesday- Sunday from 10.00am to 4.00pm.

Sheetala Devi Temple

Location: Gurgaon, Haryana.
Presiding Deity: Mata Sheetala Devi.
Significance: Shakti-Peeth.
Main Attraction: Through Out The Year Except July-August.

One of the major Hindu pilgrimage is the Sheetala Devi Temple located near a pond at Gurgaon village, a suburb of Gurgaon, in the state of Haryana. Also referred to as a 'Shakti Peeth', the presiding deity of this temple is Mata Sheetala Devi.

Thousands of pilgrims visit the temple during the Hindu month of 'Chaitra' corresponding with the months of March and April. There is a heavy rush of pilgrims especially on Mondays of this month

Situated near a pond, this temple witnesses hordes of pilgrims throughout the year, except during the month of 'Shravana' (July-August). People also come to this temple to conduct the 'mundan' (shaving off the heads) ceremony of their children.

Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir

Location: Opposite Red Fort, Old Delhi
Built In: 1658 A.D.
Dedicated To: The 23rd Tirthankara, Parashvanath
Houses: The Birds Charity Hospital.

Digambara Jain temple dates back to the time of Aurangzeb's reign and is famous as Delhi's oldest temple. It is situated right opposite the Red Fort, at the entrance of the main road. It was built in 1658 AD, but modifications and additions are going on ever since, and it remains a haven of tranquility amidst the noisy and chaotic main street of Chandni Chowk.

Although the temple is not as ornate as the fine temples in Gujarat and Rajasthan, it does boast detailed carvings, and decorative paintwork in the antechambers surrounding the main shrine to Parshvanath, the twenty-third tirthankara. One has to remove your one's shoes, and hand them over with one's bags and all leather articles at the entrance before getting inside the temple.

The temple premises house a unique medical center for birds, the Birds' Charity Hospital. Free treatment is given here, which draws inspiration from the message of 'Live and let Live' given by Lord Mahavir, the twenty-fourth Tirthankara of the Jains.

It serves as a rescue sanctuary for partridges, caught and wounded by fowlers and bought in bulk by Jain merchants who bring them here to recover, and there are separate wards for pigeons, parrots, sparrows and domestic fowl. Squirrels, who will not hurt the birds, are also treated here, but birds of prey are seen on a strictly outpatient basis, as they are not vegetarian.

Most of the cages are home to pigeons with a disease that brings on paralysis. As their condition improves they are moved to larger cages closer to the roof, and eventually released.

Nizam-Ud-Din Shrine
The tomb of the famous sufi saint Nizam-ud-din Auliya is built on the way from Humayun's tomb. Inside the premises of the shrine is a tank which is surrounded by many other tombs. It is said that there was a controversy between the rulers of Tughlakabad and the saint over building this tank. The saint had said that the city of Tughlakabad will never flourish and so did it happen. The shrine also has the tomb of Amir Khusru and the grave of Jahanara, the daughter of Shah Jahan. It is worth visiting the shrine at around sunset on Thursdays, as it is a popular time for worship, and qawwali singers start performing after the evening prayers.

Bangla Sahib Gurudwara
A magnificent and spacious bungalow in Delhi owned by Raja Jai Singh Amber (Jaipur) who commanded great respect and honour in the court of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb now enjoys the status of a holy shrine called Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. The eighth Guru Sri Harkishan had stayed here for a few months as guest of Raja Jai Singh. Since then it has become a place of pilgrimage for both, Hindus and Sikhs. They pay their respect to the memory of Guru Harkrishan, nominated as successor by the seventh Guru, Sri Har Rai. He passed away on October 6, 1661 A.D. When only a little over five year old, he had been tried and tested as a perfect fearless and fully illuminated soul.

Sisgunj Gurudwara
Near the Police Station, Chandini Chowk the beautiful golden domes of the Gurudwara Sisgunj immediately strike your eye. It commemorates the site of the ninth guru of the Sikhs, Guru Teg Bahadur's martyrdom. The Guru was beheaded by Aurangzeb 1675. The gurudwara has been extended from time to time and it tough to tell apart the original structure anymore.

Roman Catholic Church
Here’s another church designed by Medd and by an odd coincidence, again the result of an architectural competition.
Across the road from Bangla Sahib Gurudwara just off Connaught Place, the Sacred Heart Cathedral stands between two of Delhi’s finest schools, St Columba’s and Convent of Jesus and Mary.

Built in 1930-34, it closes the vista from the North Secretariat at a strategic intersection between Connaught Circus and Raisina Hill. It is a bold, elegant design in the Lutyens tradition with an Italianate south front enriched by an oval mosaic cartouche of St Francis. In the same colour scheme as Medd’s earlier Cathedral Church of the Redemption, this one is a definite improvement!