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Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir or CR Park Mandir is situated in the Bengali-dominated locality, CR park of south Delhi. It was founded in 1973, first as a small temple shrine for God Shiva. It was soon added with Goddess Kali and was later – by late 1980s – developed into what is today’s CR Park Mandir complex that hosts three shrines devoted to God Shiva, Goddess Kali, and Radha-Krishna.

A modern age temple, the architecture, during its expansion in the 1980s, took the form of Bengal terracotta temple art. It has grown into a cultural and traditional hub of Bengalis in Delhi. As Bengalis are synonymous to the grandeur celebrations of Durga pooja, the tradition of celebrating the pooja at this temple began in the late 1970s.

Situated on a small hill top, the mandir is known for its calm and serenity within the hustle – bustle of Delhi. It is surrounded by a vast garden which was declared as the ‘Best Kept Garden’ by Agri-Horticulture Society in 1999. The mandir complex also houses halls for cultural functions and discourses, and spaces crafted to accommodate festivals like Durga Puja, library, tirthashram, homeopathy, naturopathy yoga centres, children’s park, and a musical fountain.

The mandir maintains a Charitable ‘Balanada’ Dharmashala, viz., ‘Yatri Niwas’ – meaning a ‘Traveller’s Home’, and a canteen.  Any visitor to the city is welcome here, and would be accommodated for a maximum of seven days at a nominal price.

CR Park 2

Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir History

  • A resolution to build a temple was taken in 1973 by the residents of CR Park, and a steering committee, ‘Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir Society’ was formed.  A proposal for the construction of a temple within two acres lands on the ‘Rock Garden’ was sent to the government in 1974.
  • On 25th April 1974 on the eve of ‘Akshay Tritiya’, a Shivlinga was installed in a temporary shed.
  • Foundation of Kali Mandir was laid in 1979, and the idol of Goddess Kali was established on 21st February 1985.
  • The Radha-Krishna establishment and temple inauguration was conducted in February 1994.
  • The terracotta ar
  • The Musical Fountain in the mandir complex was inaugurated by Dr. Anita Bose, daughter of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in February 2013.

Significance of the Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir

  • In 1947, during the India – Pakistan partition, the state of Bengal separated into two entities – East Bengal in Pakistan and West Bengal in India. A large group of government employees who was a refugee of East Bengal migrated to Delhi. Forming East Pakistan Displaced Persons (EPDP) Association, they lobbied for a residential colony in 1954.
  • In 1967, the 218-acre barren rocky land was assigned to the applicants with refugee status. 2147 people with the status were given plots in the area now known as Chittaranjan Park or CR Park.
  • The colony was founded with plots going exclusively to migrants from East Bengal; but over time, it attracted general Bengali settlers resulting in demographic diversification.
  • The residents of CR Park founded and established the Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir by 1980s.
  • The Kali Mandir soon grew into a traditional hub of all the Bengalis in Delhi with various religious and cultural activities all round the year.
  • Durga pooja is celebrated, during Durgashtami, at the mandir annually; with barrels of Bengal-specific flowers, such as Shuli (night flowering jasmine) and blue-lotus, flown in fresh for pooja everyday, and includes a typical Bengali cuisine, bhog.

Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir Timings

Due to the extreme variation of temperature in Delhi, the mandir timings change according to the season.

Summer (April – October): 4.45am – 12.30pm & 5.00pm – 10.00pm

Winter (November – March): 5.45am – 1.00pm & 4.30pm – 9.00pm

Everyday Arati timings are as follows:

AratiSummerWinter
(April – October)(November – March)
Mangal Arati4.45am – 5.15am5.45am – 6.15am
Puja8.00am8.30am
Bhog Arati11.20am – 11.50am11.20am – 11.50am
Sandhyarati6.30pm – 7.30pm6.00pm – 7.00pm

Musical Fountain Timings

Tuesday – Sunday: 7.00pm – 7.15pm (after Sandhyarati. No show on Mondays)

Poojas and Rituals at Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir

Regardless of any particular ritual or pooja, this shrine is an emblem of great fidelity. Various customary Bengali poojas are offered to the Gods on special occasions.

  • Bipattarini Pooja – The Bipattarini Pooja/Vrata is observed by women on the Panchami, fifth day of the Shukla paksha(waxing moon) in the month of Ashadha according to the Hindu calendar, in order to overcome troubles. Bipattarini is an avatar of Goddess Durga. Legends established her name, Bipada – Tarini, which literally means ‘deliverer from troubles’.
  • Jagadhatri Pooja – ‘Jagadhatri’ is the ‘Protector of the World’. She is celebrated on Gosthastami. It is also referred to as another Durga Pooja as it also starts on Asthami tithi and ends on Dashami tithi. The date of the pooja is decided by the luni-solar Hindu calendar.
  • Satyanarayan Pooja – It is done on special occasions and during times of achievements as an offering of gratitude to God Vishnu.
  • Shani Pooja – Shani Pooja is performed to appease planet Saturn; it is sought for mental peace and to get rid of various diseases.
  • Shradh Ceremony – ‘Shraddha’is a Sanskrit word meaning anything or any act that is performed with all sincerity and faith. Shradh Ceremony is a ritual that one performs to pay homage to one’s ancestors, especially to one’s dead parents.
  • Til Tarpan – It is a specific form of Tarpan (offering made to divine entities) involving libationsoffered to the Pitrs (deceased ancestors) using water and sesame (Til) seeds during a death rite.

The mandir also celebrates Kali Mandir Pratistha Diwas, Shiv Mandir Pratistha Diwas, and Radha Krishna Mandir Pratistha Diwas to commemorate the mandirs’ installations.

Mandir also assists devotees in conducting personal obeisance.

Hari Sabha and Ladies regularly conduct Sankirtan and evening Kirtan (devotional songs), at the three temple shrines.

Festivals Celebrated at CR Park Mandir

  • Durga Pooja – Durga Pooja festival marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the evil buffalo demon Mahishasura. Celebrated all over India, it is the biggest festival of the year for Bengali Hindus.
  • Maha Shivratri – It is a festival celebrated annually in reverence of the God Shiva. Shivratri is celebrated during the night by keeping a “jaagaran” – a night-long vigil with worship, as it is believed that God Shiva saved the universe from darkness and ignorance.
  • Ram Navami – It is a festival celebrating the birth of the god Ramato King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya in Ayodhya.
  • Neel Sashti – It is the day in the Bengali month of Chaitra when Bengalis celebrate the marriage of Lord Shiva with Devi Parvati by offering puja to the Lord.
  • Holi Milan – It is a spring festival, also known as the festival of colours or the festival of sharing the love.

Activities

Apart from the religious activities, CR Park Kali Mandir Society conducts and organizes many sports, cultural, developmental, and social activities throughout the year. They accept donations, whatever amount they may be, and use the amount for the service of God and mankind.

Sports & Cultural Activities

The ‘Chittaranjan Park Mandir Society’ actively promotes cultural and sports events.

  • As a part of cultural events, it celebrates Naba Barsha (Bengali Poila Baisakh/ New Year), birth anniversaries Bengali dignitaries such as Rabindranath Tagore, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Rishi Aurobindo, Thakur Sri Sri Maa Sarada, Swami Vivekananda and Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose.
  • Arranges exchange of Cultural Artists from different states and region for varieties of the programme.
  • Arranges four days cultural programmes by selected artists during Durga Pooja.
  • Emphases are given more on local talents for their exposure. Similar programmes are also arranged by the prominent artist on other public pooja days.
  • Organises Children’s day in the month of January. The programme is for the children and by the children. A platform is provided for them to expose their hidden talents. The programme is conducted by children themselves.
  • Netaji Subhash hall is set to organise regular religious discourses by different religious and philanthropic organisations.
  • Cultural Division felicitated to Bengali dignitaries, who have excelled in different fields, every year as “Gunijan”
  • Organizes Annual Sports in January every year.

Social Activities

The CR Park Mandir Society exhibits tremendous socio-economic values through their charitable and social events.

  • Running free Homeopathy and Naturopathy Dispensaries
  • Running Free Reading Room and Library. About 5000 books covering all sections are stacked in the library. There is a special section for the children. A good number of Magazines and News Papers are subscribed on a regular basis.
  • Running free Yoga Centre
  • Assisting students from Under-privileged section in meeting their educational expenses
  • Organizes free Bengali Learning Classes every week
  • Assisting the patients from down-trodden sections towards their medical expenses
  • Assisting the senior citizens who are staying alone in the colony, in case, they suddenly fall ill or otherwise.
  • Facilitate the citizens to meet together in the Mandir Prangan everyday for the exchange of views and pleasantries.
  • Making donations to Religious Organization for the pursuit of their religious activities.
  • Organizing “Daridra Narayan Sewa” once a month.

Where to eat

The mandir hosts a canteen, attached to the Dharmashala, which provides both veg & non-veg cuisines at nominal rates.

For the food savvies, Chittaranjan Park area houses a variety of traditional Bengali veg & non-veg cuisine (it is home to one of the city’s main markets for freshwater fish, an important part of Bengali Cuisine).

Where to Stay

The ‘Yatri Niwas’, a charitable Dharmashala, has 30 double bedded rooms with attached bathrooms. Common hot water during winter, and room coolers during summer are provided by the Dharmashala. It accommodates any visitor of the city for a maximum of seven days at a nominal price with a two-month advance booking.

There are also several hotels and lodges in and around CR Park area which provide good accommodation options, with several markets nearby.

How to reach

CR Park is an area in south Delhi which is very well connected with the rest of the city.

By Air: Indira Gandhi International Airport is the official airport of Delhi, and is around 15.2km from CR Park Kali Mandir.

By Rail: Delhi Junction Railway station is the major rail station of Delhi. It also has full-fledged metro rail system also operating within the city.

The nearest metro station is Nehru place metro station, 2 km from CR Park guest house.

By Road: Several state government run buses and taxis operate round the city which transports to CR Park area.

Nearby Temples

Delhi is a city with rich history housing several monuments and temples with great cultural and political significance. Below are some of the places which are nearby CR Park.

  • Kalkaji Temple – Built in the mid-18th century, Kalkaji temple/Mandir is a renowned temple dedicated to Kalka Devi or Goddess Kali. Certain changes and additions were made to the temple in mid-19th century by Raja Kedarnath, treasurer of Emperor Akbar II. The whole temple is built using white marble and granite. In the sanctum sanctorum is the stone that represents Goddess Kali, housed in a 12-sided structure. There are many Dharmashalas (rest houses) in the vicinity of the temple, built with donations from devotees. The temple is open to devotees from 6 am to 10 pm every day.
  • Lotus Temple – Bahá’í Temple, popularly known as the Lotus Temple is a masterpiece of 20th-century architecture which was designed by Fariburz Sabha, a Canadian Bahá’í of Iranian descent. Built between 1980 and 1986, it is the latest among the seven Bahá’í temples across the world. Shaped akin to a half-open lotus, light and water have been used as fundamental elements of design of this house of worship. Set among sprawling green lawns, the petals of the grand lotus are surrounded by nine pools that represent floating leaves. The Lotus Temple is conducive to meditation. There are no priests, idols, pictures, sermons or rituals. Religious discrimination does not exist here as its symbol, the lotus, connotes peace, purity and a manifestation of God. It is open to all free of cost from 9 am to 7 pm, six days a week except for Mondays.
  • ISKCON Temple – Built in 1998, ISKCON Temple is one of the 40 temples built by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). The actual name of the temple is Sri Radha Parthasarthy Temple, popularly known as Hare Krishna Temple. It has three shrines dedicated to Radha–Krishna, Sita–Ram and Guara–Nitai. Decorated beautifully with fresh flowers, the air is thick with spiritual discourses and chants, enhancing the divine atmosphere. Multimedia shows are organized regularly to educate the devotees about the Hindu epics. One can savour a delicious Saatvik (pure vegetarian) meal at ‘Govinda’, the temple cafeteria. It is open daily from 4.30am to 1 pm and from 4.30pm to 9 pm.

Chhatarpur Temple Delhi Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Chhatarpur Temple is located on the outskirts of the South-western Delhi, i.e. Chhatarpur. It is 4 km away from Qutub Minar. This temple is home to Goddess Durga’s both manifestations namely, Maa Gauri and Maa Katyayani.

The temple is popular among its devotees by the name of Shri Adhya Katyayani Shakti Peeth Mandir. Sant Shree Nagpal Baba founded the temple in 1974. The temple expands to the area of about 70 acres. And for a fact, it is one of the biggest temple complexes in India.

It is like a marble art coming alive and is a modern mix of both northern and southern architectures. Nevertheless, the temple’s architecture is of the Vesara genre.

The temple has a huge area. Moreover, other smaller temples too stand on the Chhatarpur temple land. Some of these shrines are Ram Mandir, Hanuman Mandir, Shiv Mandir, Nageshwar Mandir etc.

Chhatarpur temple introduction
Chhatarpur Temple is also known as Shree Adhya Katyayani Shakti Peeth.

Chhatarpur Temple – Facts

DeityGoddess Katyayani
Temple Timings4:00 am – 11:00 pm
Opening and Closing DatesOpen 365 days in a year
Time required for Darshan2-3 hours
Entry feeNo fee
Festivals 2019Navratris, Guru Purnima,
Maha Shivratri, Babaji’s birthday,
Babaji’s Nirvaan Divas,
Krishna Janmashtmi
Best Time To VisitDuring Janmashtmi, Navratri and
Maha Shivratri
Nearest AirportIGI Airport
LocationChhatarpur, Delhi

Timings of Chhatarpur Temple

Devotees can offer prayers in the temple during the following timings-

TimingFrom
Open4:00 am
Close11:00 pm

Poojas and Rituals in the Chhatarpur Temple

Morning Aarti is done by the Pujari of the temple at 4:00 am when its still dawn, every single day. Special Aartis of Kumbabhishek and Guru Purnima takes place during Navratri and Guru Purnima respectively.

Aarti at Chhatarpur Temple
Aarti taking place inside the Chhatarpur Temple.

Significance of Chhatarpur temple

  • Chhatarpur Temple has a unique architecture from being an all-in-all marble structure to its ornate designs on the temple Jalis. Apart from it, the temple hosts beautiful lawns and gardens that add to the scenic beauty of the temple complex.
  • Both soft and perilous manifestations of Navdurga, Gauri and Katayayani respectively sit inside the temple. Devotees can offer prayers to Goddess Gauri every day.
  • Furthermore, the temple also has an ancient tree, Kalpavrikasha, in its entrance. In addition to this, the threads and bangles tied by devotees cover the entire tree. It is so because of the popular belief of wish fulfillment after the tying of the thread and bangles around the tree.

Darshan of Goddess Katyayani can be done only on the Ashtami of every month or during the nine days of Navratri.

History of Chhatarpur Temple

Baba Sant Nagpal Ji supervised the construction of the temple in 1974. Beliefs say that after the death of his mother, an unknown lady took Babaji under her care. The lady, however, claimed to be the mother of the universe. Hence, Babaji developed an unknowing devotion to the Goddess.

Hence, the temple came into existence after he moved to Delhi. He purchased this land from villagers and set up the huge temple complex.

He dedicated it to Goddess Katyayani. She is the sixth incarnation of Navdurga. Religious texts state that Goddess Katyayani is the creation of Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu and the savior of the Gods.

Katyayani was born to the Rishi Katyayani who used to pray to the Goddess Durga. Hence, he got the happiness of being a father to one of her incarnations. Its believed that Katyayani was extremely beautiful and hence caught the attention of the demons.

And so the demon Mahishasur had intentions to woo her. However, the Goddess insisted upon war as the only way to get her. And that is when the demon met his death in the hands of the eight-armed fierce protector of the Gods.

Chhatarpur-temple-history
Chhatarpur Temple is built by the determination and hard work of Baba Sant Nagpal Ji.

Legend of Chhatarpur Temple

Worshipped as the Sixth manifestation of Navdurga, Maa Katyayani is the “Mahishasurmardini”. For the Goddess is the one who took away the life of demon Mahishasur.

According to Shaktism, Goddess Katyayani is the creation of Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu. She is the mighty one with three eyes and eighteen arms all of which hold lethal weapons. Her beautiful black locks and awestriking beauty never fails to charm her devotees.

Legend-of-Chhatarpur-temple
Goddess Katyayani killed the buffalo demon Mahishasur and hence became popular as ‘ Mahishasurmardini’

What’s inside the Chhatarpur Temple

  • The temple has a very big complex. There are around 20 small and bigger temples divided into three complexes.
  • Apart from the main deity, there are other smaller temples too. However, two incarnations of Navdurga, namely Gauri and Katyayani have their separate temples.
  • There are two main shrines one is a dedication to Gauri and the other to Katyayani. Gauri temple is accessible all days of the year. However, the devotees can visit Katyayani temple only on Ashtami of every month or during all the nine days of Navratris.
  • Goddess Katyayani’s golden faced idol is put up in a big hall, accessible from the prayer hall. The idol is always dressed up in heavy clothes and amazing jewellery accompanied by flowers.
  • Near to the Aarti Complex are two rooms. One is a living room with silver furniture. And the other is the “Shayankaksh”, the bedroom consisting of silver bed and dresser. However, the rooms have glass enclosures all around and can be seen from outside only.
  • There is also a huge area for Langar. Also at the entrance is the huge ancient Kalpavraksha. Moreover, on this tree, people tie threads and bangles for wish fulfilment.

People are expected to come to the temple in decent attires. Also, any kind of provocative clothing is prohibited. Moreover, devotees take out their slippers outside the temple and wash their hands before offering prayers.

Inside-chhatarpur-temple
The golden idol of Devi Katyayani inside the Chhatarpur temple accompanied by the holy tree where devotees tie threads and bangles for wish fulfilment

Festivals celebrated at Chhatarpur Temple

  • Navratris– Both Vasant Navratri coinciding with Ram Navmi and MahaNavratri coinciding with Durga Puja calls for a celebration here. The first one falls in the months of March/April and the later in the months of September/October. Kumbaabhishek or the holy bath of Goddess Katyayani marks the beginning of the festival. After this grand celebrations go on for almost 9 days on both times. Also on the days of Navratri, Goddess Katyayani is accessible to the devotees on all days.
  • Krishna Janmashtami– The festival falls on the Bhadrapad Ashtami (8th day) of the Hindu month of Bhadon (August/September). And as the clock strikes midnight, the pujaris chant Vishnu Sahasranam in the temple. Hereafter, Aarti takes place after which prasad is given to the devotees.
  • Guru Purnima – This calls for celebration in August every year. A procession starting around 10.00 am from Shree Shiv Shakti Mandir, Kilokari village reaches Babaji Samadhi at 2 pm in the main temple complex. After which Aartis take place.
  • Babaji’s Birthday– The festival falls on the full moon day in February or March. The devotees play with colours just like in Holi at the Markandeya Hall. After that lunch is served. On this day, various cultural and religious programs are held.
  • Babaji’s Nirvaan Divas- Babaji’s Samadhi was accomplished on 15th December 1998. The Samadhi is decorated with flowers and illuminated with lights on the day. The Tilak of Babaji’s statue is done. And the samadhi is beautified with lights and flowers. Langar is held on this day for many saints. They also receive clothing etc as gifts.
Navratri-at-Chhatarpur-Temple
Grand Navratri celebrations at the Chhatarpur Temple

How to Reach the Chhatarpur Temple?

  • By Air– The nearest airport is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. The temple is 12 km away from the airport.
  • By Train– The nearest railway station to the temple is Hazrat Nizamuddin. It’s at a distance of about 11 km from the temple.
  • By Road- Delhi possesses good connectivity throughout the city via Roads. There are three bus terminuses namely, Kashmere Gate and Anand Vihar. One can also take city buses to the temple from here.
  • By Metro– Metro trains are air-conditioned alternatives that connect every nook and corner of the state. Hence, the nearest metro station to the temple is Chhatarpur Metro station.
Metro-Station-near-Chhatarpur-Temple
Metro Station nearby Chhatarpur Temple

Metro Station is at walking distance of 800 meters from the temple. Devotees can either take a sharing auto rickshaw or walk to the religious site.

Where to stay nearby?

The temple has a Dharamshala of its own for the stay of its devotees. The Dharamshala consists of 12 halls which can accommodate 30 people each. Furthermore, there are 36 rooms which can host the stay of 6 people each.

Moreover, there are several luxurious hotels nearby the temple like-

  • The Ocean Pearl Retreat– Its a hotel packed with all the luxuries for its guest. And has both interior and exterior beauty one can imagine of.
  • Opulent Hotel by Ferns and Petals– This is another luxurious stay with all the amenities for the best of the comfort of its guests.

Where to eat?

Delhi being the city, devotees have many options open to them. One can obviously enjoy the tasty langar at the temple or choose to eat from the nearby outlets. Delhi has many options on its street food to choose from and also does have outlets like Moti Mahal etc.

Streetfood-nearby-Chhatarpur-Temple
Some tasty streetfood options available near Chhatarpur temple

Nearby Temples

  • Bala Hanuman temple– It’s one of the ancient Hanuman temples located at Baba Kharak Singh Marg in Connaught Place. According to the legends, the Hanuman idol here appeared on its own and has been here since then.
  • Gauri- Shankar temple– This temple is one of the most sacred temples of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. The 800-year-old Shivlingam here is the pride of the place.
  • Aurobindo Ashram– The centre is an extension of the main branch in Pondicherry. Further its the centre for yoga and meditation to seek the ultimate truth of life.
  • Digambara Jain temple– According to the beliefs, this is the oldest and most known Jain temple in Delhi. It was built in 1656 in Chandni Chowk where it still is. And it stands out for the fact that it has Jain Bird Hospital behind the Main Temple.

Frequently asked questions about the temple

Can I offer prayers to Goddess Katyayani everyday?

No. Goddess Katyayani’s darshan can only be availed on Ashtami of every month and on all Navratri days.

Does the temple provide any facility for a night stay?

Yes. The temple has its own Dharamshala for this purpose.

Is the temple open during the afternoon?

Yes, the temple can be visited at all times from 4 am to 11 pm.

Are facilities provided for the handicapped like wheelchair?

Yes, wheelchair facilities are provided by the temple staff.

Is there a parking facility near the temple?

Yes, The temple provides free parking for all transports.

Do the temple provide child Mundan facilities?

Yes, One can get their child’s Mundan done here.

Photography is allowed in the temple?

Yes, Photography is allowed here.

How can I reach the temple from Chhatarpur Metro Station?

The temple is 800 metres from the temple so you can either walk or take an Auto Rickshaw.

Which is the best time to visit the temple?

The best time to visit the temple is during Navratris as the devotees can easily offer prayers to Goddess Katyayani.

Is there a theft report counter in the temple?

Yes, one can complain to the security staff and get things checked in the CCTV footage.

Baglamukhi Temple – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Baglamukhi Temple is a popular Hindu temple dedicated to the Mahavidya Goddess Bagalamukhi which is located in the city of Amleshwar to the south of Raipur town in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The temple was established by Param Pujaya Shri  Pitambara Pithadhishwar Yogiraj Youdhishthir Ji Maharaj. The temple was established on 16th May and the most sacred occasion to visit the temple during Navratri.

There is an immense significance of Goddess Bagalamukhi who is one among the ten Mahavidyas in Hinduism. She is believed to smash the misconceptions and delusions of her enemies and protects them from their enemies with her cudgel. Popularly known as Pitambara Maa in the northern part of India, Bagalamukhi is the wisdom goddess who symbolizes the potent force of primeval female.

The word Baglamukhi has been derived from “Bagala” meaning bride and “Mukhi” meaning faced. Her name symbolizes “the one with the face that has the power to capture or control”. She represents the hypnotic power of the Goddess.

Another meaning of her name is crane faced. Goddess Bagalamukhi has golden complexion and she is always seen in a yellow dress. The Goddess sits on a golden throne which lies in the midst of an ocean of nectar which is full of yellow lotuses and her head is adorned with a crescent moon. In sacred texts, the Goddess is described as the Dwi-Bhuja or the two handed and the Chaturbhuja or the Four handed.

According to the Dwi-Bhuja depiction, she is described as Soumya or mild where she holds the club in her right hand that is used by her to beat a demon and she pulls out his tongue with her left hand. With this image, she exhibits the power of Stambhana where she can stun or paralyze the enemy into silence. The devotees of Bagalamukhi worship her for this boon.

Bagalamukhi has another name Pitambara Devi as well as Brahmastra Roopini and according to the name she turns everything into its opposite like knowledge into ignorance, speech into silence, power into impotence and defeat into victory. The Goddess allows her devotees to master their weaknesses.

Baglamukhi Temple History

According to Hindu mythology once a huge storm erupted over the earth and this storm threatened to destroy the creation and all Gods assembled in Saurashtra region. Goddess Bagalamukhi at this point emerged from Haridra Sarovara appeased by the prayers of God and calmed down the mighty storm. From then onward, she was worshiped by her devotees as a form of Goddess Parvati.

Significance of Baglamukhi Temple

Bagalamukhi Devi, also known as Pitambara Maa exists is a Shakti. Thus, Goddess Bagalamukhi represents potent female primeval force and is the one among ten forms of wisdom Goddesses.

There are very few Baglamukhi Temple in India and some of the main Baglamukhi Temple dedicated to her are as follows:

  1. Aligarh: A major district headquarters in the state of Uttar Pradesh with a Maa Baglamukhi Temple in Biharipuram. The temple lies 4 km from Aligarh Railway Station and 135 km from New Delhi.
  2. Haridwar: A pilgrimage temple in the Uttarakhand State has a Maa Bagalamukhi Siddhi Peeth near Bhagiradhi Vidyalayam.
  3. Ludhiana- A major district head quarter in Punjab State has a Maa Bagalamukhi Mandir just 6 km from Ludhiana Junction Railway Station.
  4. Nalkhera: This is a Nagar Panchayat in the Shajapur district in Madhya Pradesh State with a Bagalamukhi Temple and is 107 km from Ujjain.
  5. Pappankulam: This is a small village in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu and this is a location for Shri Bagalamukhi Devi Temple.
  6. Raigarh: A major district headquarters in Chhattisgarh State has a Bagalamukhi Mandir and is just 1.5 km from Raigarh Railway Station.
  7. Sameli: A small village in the Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh State has a Bagalamukhi Temple.
  8. Tewar: A small village near the Kachnar city of Jabalpur district in Madhya Pradesh State has a Bagalamukhi Temple just 16 km from Jabalpur.

Baglamukhi Temple Timings

Baglamukhi Temple is open on all days from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Festivals Celebrated at Baglamukhi Temple

Navaratri that is a major festival dedicated to Goddess Durga and Shakti is one of the most celebrated temples in the Maa Pitambara temple. The baglamukhi temple hosts a major celebration before Dussehara. During the occasion, all forms of Shakti including Maa Baglamukhi are revered and a major ritual that runs a length of 9 days is celebrated here. Special arrangements are made for complete and enriching worshiping procedures for the deity and the methodologies adhere to the principles of the Vedas.

During this time, many yogis and Tantriks pray to the Goddess for special powers and people from all parts of the country visit the region to enjoy the exemplary decorations and celebrations in this part of the country. The celebrations involve many processions and there are elaborate preparations for Prasadam and religious Poojas during the time in Amleshwar.

The Baglamukhi temple also hosts a huge celebration on the occasion of Guru Purnima during navratri celebrations and also special poojas are arranged during Vasant Panchmi. These are perfect occasions to begin any religious proceedings or sadhanas.

Poojas and Rituals at Baglamukhi Temple

Like the Kamakhya Temple of Guwahati, the Bagalamukhi temples too are considered to be the centers of Tantricism. Here there are temples dedicated to ten Mahavidyas. These temples are powerful Bagulamukhi Siddha Peeth where the Goddess is worshiped by Yogis for special powers.

The major difference between Baglamukhi temple and any other temple is that if someone worships all Gods in these temples, they would be worshiping all 33 types of Gods and Goddesses together at one place.

Maa Baglamukhi is the eighth mahavidya and is invoked for the destruction of the enmity. She is the supreme divine force and was believed to be invoked by Lord Rama to destroy Ravana along with his descendants. All offerings that are made by the devotees to the deity in the temple are in compliance with the Vedic rules.

The holy chants that reverberate the temple premises during the rituals are performed with Divine grace. The Bagalamukhi Yantra also is of paramount significance for offering Pooja to the deity and for the successful completion of the rituals. It protects the devotees and also shields them from the negatives forces of enmity.

How to Reach Baglamukhi Temple: By Rail, Road, and Air

The Amleshwar Temple lies about 15 km from Raipur Airport and is at a distance of 25 km from Durg. It is accessible by train, approximately 5 km from Raipur Railway Station and also well connected through buses. The nearest airport, railway station, and bus stands are at Raipur. The temple can be reached by various modes as follows:

By Air: The major airport near Raipur is Swami Vivekanand International Airport located at Mana, 15 km south of Raipur. All major cities are connected to Raipur through flights.

By Rail: Raipur junction is the main railway station that is connected to the entire country through major trains.

By Road: Raipur is well connected to all other major cities of the country via regular buses and the major bus stations are at Raipur.

Where to Stay and Eat

Although Amleshwar is a small place and doesn’t have many boarding and lodging options, still Raipur being a close city can be a comfortable place to stay at while visiting. There are many 4 star and 5 star hotels in Raipur like Hotel Piccadilly, Hotal Mayura, Hotel Babylon International and Hotel Madhuban.

Nearby Temples

Chattisgarh has many ancient temples that are both a tourist attraction as well as a pilgrim for devotees. Here are some major temples of the region:

  1. Amarkantak Temple: Located at the height of 3500 feet at Maikal Mountains, the temple is a major pilgrim spot for Hindus and the spot is the source of the most venerated mighty River Narmada.
  2. Bambleshwari Temple: Located at Dongargarh in the Rajnandgaon district in Chattisgarh. The temple is on a hilltop of 1600 feet. Another temple the Chhoti Bambleshwari is situated at ground about 1.5 km from the main complex. The twin shrines are revered by numerous people during Jyoti Kalash is lighted during Navratri before Dussehra.
  3. Bhoramdeo Temple: Situated in the midst of mountain ranges, this temple in Chattisgarh is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main temple is built in stone and the complex has a total of four temples. The architecture of the temple is its uniqueness and the carvings are worth having a look at. The temple is named as Khajuraho of Chattisgarh.
  4. Champaran Temple: The village is at a distance of 60 km from Raipur and is the birth place of Saint Mahaprabhu Vallabhavacharya who was the founder of the Vallabh sect.
  5. Danteshwari Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari the temple represents the 52 Shakti Peeth across the country and was built in 14th century by Chaulakyas of the south. Every year during Dussehera, thousands of pilgrims visit the temple and the presiding deity is takes out for a mega procession
  6. Hatkeshwar Temple: The Mahadev Ghat o situated on bans of River Kharun and this is a holy shrine of the Hindus. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva.
  7. ISKCON Temple: Raipur has a major ISKCON temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and many Vaishvaites come here to pray to the Lord. The temple is located behind Maharishi Vidya Mandir in Raipur.
  8. Madwa Mahal: The Shiva temple is close to the Bhoramdeo Temple and has a Linga over 16 pillars. The temple was built in 1349 CE.
  9. Mahamaya Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Durga and Lakshmi, this temple was built in the 12th century and is one of the 52 Shakti Peeths.

Raipur is a place with immense natural beauty, lush green spots, flora and fauna and has many places to visit and for the purpose of sightseeing. Thus, whenever one happens to visit the temple they should also take out some time to explore the nearby tourist spots that extremely popular among the locals as well as among the tourists. Here are some other major attractions of Raipur:

  1. Gandhi Udhyan: One of the major tourist spots in Raipur, the Gandhi Udyaan has many tourist attractions for a rejuvenating time. The place is built with world standards, innovative layouts, extraordinary architecture, and well-thought execution that makes it a place and highly coveted point of tourist interest. One can carry the camera and capture the special moments at Gandhi
  2. Madku Dweep: The place is situated on the tranquil waters of the Shivnath River and it is an island of great beauty with lush and splendid waterfalls. The place is filled with visitors during Shivratri and Paush Purnima The place is also a major spot for archeological excavation and 19 temples had been found on this island.
  3. Nandavan Garden: The garden is open all days of the week except Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm and is a major place of natural beauty in the city of Raipur. The place is a sure way to refresh after a busy weekday. The place is best to explore fabulous designs, interesting themes, colorful landscapes, amusing characters, ambient music, props, and merchandise.
  4. Urja Park: The place is great to get into the spirit of adventure and a great place for sightseeing and family visit. The place is great for rejuvenation and has an extraordinary architecture for finding fulfillment on outing and camping.

Therefore, do visit Raipur and the nearby Maa Pitambara (Bagalamukhi) Temple at Amleshwar whenever you happen to find time with the family and enjoy the religious bliss of this spot while devoting your time to the presiding Goddess here who is the provider of special powers and wisdom to all her devotees. The revered deity is one of the most sacred and sought out among the Hindus and thus, they get the best spiritual outcomes by praying here.

Mahamaya Temple

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If you really wish to visit a religious place this summer, trying going to Mahamaya Temple. Mahamaya Temple is located in Ratanpur in Chattisgarh. This temple falls in Bilaspur district. Mahamaya Temple is located aside lakes and has a marvellous panorama. This temple is culturally rich and has a great architectural work done all over it. Mahamaya Temple is located in Ratanpur which is located in Chattisgarh. Legends  say that this temple was built in the 12th-13th century. Mahamaya Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Mahamaya. This temple enshrines an amazing dual idol of Goddess Mahamaya. The front image is of Mahishasurmardini  and a rear statue of Saraswati which is supported by 16 columns.

Many archeologists and historians had their eyes on Mahamaya Temple because of its beautiful architectural work. Apart from being surrounded by lush green hills and ponds, Ratanpur town is crowded by devotees twice a year. People come here during Navratra to take blessings from their beloved goddess: Goddess Mahamaya Devi.

Mahamaya Temple in 25km away from the city of Bilaspur located in Chattisgarh. It is located on the Bilaspur-Ambikapur state highway. The Mandir has ancillary temples, palaces, domes and forts, each having a story behind it.

Because of its beauty one should definitely take the camera with themselves to capture the moment. The Temple is beautifully built which is the main cause of tourist attraction. The red stones by which this Temple is constructed makes it more beautiful. This temple is constructed on 16 columns and has various beautiful ponds around it. One should come here as this scenario helps in relaxing and rejuvenates the mind.

Mahamaya Temple 1

Mahamaya Temple History

  • Mahamaya Temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahamaya which has a dual statue of Goddess Lakshmi and Saraswati.
  • This temple was built in 12th-13th century under the reign of Kalchuri King Ratandev I. Apart being the king, Kalchuri King Ratnadev I was also the founder of Haihaiyavansi kingdom.
  • Legends say that the king built the temple at the spot where he had darshan of council of Goddess Kali. Maha Kali, Maha Saraswati and Maha Lakshmi were earlier worshipped here.
  • Within the campus one can easily find Lord Shiva’s and Hanuman’s temple. Ratanpur state traditionally has Mahamaya as their Kuldevi. Recently architectural department renovated the temple.
  • Vikram Samvat built this temple in 1552 and one can also find that this place is beautifully surrounded by many ponds which help in adding its beauty. This temple was beautifully built with red stones by Kalchuri King Ratandev who was the king at that time.

Significance of the Mahamaya Temple

  • The style in which Mahamaya Temple is built is known as Nagara style of Architecture. This temple is facing North and is located beside a huge water tank.
  • The scores of ancillary temples, palaces, forts and domes can now be seen which was once housed ad templed by the royal house of Ratanpur Kingdom.
  • We can also find the temple of Kantideval which is considered to be the oldest. It is believed that this temple was built by a spartan named Santosh Giri in 1039.
  • This temple has 4 gates and has beautiful carvings. It has 18-inch thick boundary wall surrounding it from all the four sides. Legends say that this temple was built in the 12th century.
  • Mahamaya Temple is all together supported by 16 stone columns. The idols which have been kept here has been taken from rundown or broken temple of the earlier century. Some of them were also taken from Jain Temples.
  • There are many smaller statues in the campus of Gods and Goddesses like Lord Vishnu, Mahakali, Bhadrakali, Lord Hanuman, Surya Dev, Lord Shiva and Lord Bhairav. Legend says that the first Puja and Abhishek were done in this temple by the Kalinga King.
  • Around the temple, there are many other temples which are equally rich in history and architecture. They are named as Mahamrityunjaya Panchmukhee Shiv Mandir and Kanthi Dewal. There is another important temple known as Panchmukhee Shiv Mandir which is believed to be the origin of Mahamaya Temple. This temple is extremely magnificent and is made of red stone.
  • Inside a temple one can find Kanthi Dewal temple and the temple main pond is the splendid dual statues of Goddess Mahamaya. The front image is called Mahishasurmardini and the behind statue is believed to be that of Goddess Saraswati. But if looked casually then the rear image are often overlooked. On behalf of all the devotees, Jyoti Kalashas are lit in various halls by the Temple Trust.

Mahamaya Temple Timings

  • The Darshan in Mahamaya Temple starts from 6 am to 8:30 pm everyday. During normal days, it does not take more than half an hour in darshan but it takes more time during Navratra. This is because there are a large number of devotees during Navratri.
  • Devotees do not need to pay any amount of money for darshan. This is free of cost. Bhoj is offered at 12 pm for half an hour. So during this time devotees, entry is strictly prohibited.
  • If a person visits this temple, he/she needs to take ample time with them. Apart from darshan, one can also take part in special events which are conducted by the Trust. During Navratra, Darshan is opened till 12 am.
  • After you buy puja samagri, go to the free shoe care. This is run by the Trust. Before going for darshan you should remove your shoe. The Trust will provide you a token for the set of shoes you gave. The caretaker will take care of your shoes till you come back from Darshan.
  • There is water tap present in the campus which provides water to the devotees. The devotees need to clean their mouth, face, hand and feet before entering the Mahamaya Temple. Though this ritual is not cmpulsory, but devotees follow it for the sake of cleanliness of the temple campus.
  • After this, you need to stand in the qeue for Darshan. It may take some time depending on the day you visited the temple. It takes a lot of time for darshan during Navratra. People from various parts of India come here on Navratra to see Jyotikalash being lit to please the Goddess Mahamaya.
  • Temple Kalbhairava is considered to be the guardian temple. People believe that those who visit Mahamaya Temple should also visit Kalbhairava Temple to complete their pilgrimage.

Festivals celebrated in Mahamaya Temple

  • Chaitra Navratri– According to the Hindu Calender, Chaitra Navratri is celebrated on the first day of the calender. This festival is celebrated from 1st to 9th day of Chaitra month Shukla Paksh. The 9th day is celebrated as Ram Navami which is Lord Ram’s birthday.
  • Vasanta Navratri– This festival is celebrated in Autum this is why it is called Vasant Navratri. Vasant means Autum in Hindi. Vasant Navratri usually falls in the month of April but it may differ according to the Hindu Calender.
  • Maha Navratri– This festival is very famous and this is why it is celebrated across India. Maha Navratri is celebrated equally important as other festivals in Chhattisgarh. There is a lot of crowd in temples on this festival. People come from various parts to offer prayer.

How to reach- Road, Rail and Air

  • By Air– The nearest is in Raipur which connects all the major cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Nagpur. This place is connected with international flight services.
  • By Rail– Bilaspur is a zonal headquarters of the Indian Railway as a result of which it can be suitably connected with trains too.
  • By Road– After taking a train till Bilaspur one can easily take a taxi or bus till Ratanpur. The taxi can easily take you inside the temple campus which is half a kilometre away from the highway.

Where to stay

Apart from this, one can also look for hotels to stay. There are many private organizations who provide accommodation to the devotees. These private organization has a very nominal charge. They have additional facilities like Homely food, the internet and hygienic surrounding which is suitable for stay. One can easily find hotels near Temple at a very reasonable price.

Where to eat

The Temple provides food to its devotees. They are free of cost and all the expenses incurred are borne by the Trustees. Once the daily Puja is over, devotees are allowed to move for food.

Apart from the prasad provided in the temple, one can also have food from hotels outside the campus. These hotels provide clean and hygienic food. There are various other places to eat food. There are many hotels and cafe which provide food keeping the taste and needs of the devotees.

Nearby Temples

  • Ram Tekri Temple-Ram Tekri Temple is a very popular spot for tourists. It is a perfect place to visit with your family. This place is very good for recreation as it will fill you with spirits of adventure. There are various popular spots which will help you in making memories. Ram Tekri Temple is not only a place for sight seeing but also helps you in rejuvenating. One should definitely carry his/her camera when travelling to this place.
  • Maa Mahamaya Devi Temple– This is another important tourist destination in Ratanpur. People come all over India to visit this place. One should definitely visit this place while visiting Ratanpur. This temple has a dual statue of Goddess Mahamaya. This temple has a very beautiful architectural work and is the most religious celebrated temple.
  • Kanthi Dewal Temple: This temple is octagonal in shape. It is said that Kanthi Dewal Temple is a school of Hindu and Moghul architecture. All its walls are made of red stone and decorated by sculptures. The important sculpture which you can find here is of a lady feeding a child, Shaal Bhanjika, a Kalchuri king and   Lingodhbhava Shiva. Inside the temple, there is Shiv Lingam which is considered as Source of Divine Energy according to the Hindu Dharma.Apart from Ram Tekri Temple, Kanthi Dewal Temple and Maa Mahamaya Devi Temple, there are many other temples which can be visited being in Ratanpur. There are many tourist destination that is visited when travelled to Ratanpur. Apart from temples, there are many other places that can be visited here. There are places like Achankmar Wildlife Sanctuary, Naya Lake Semartal, Shri Hanuman Ji Temple, Sunga Lake, Sagar Lake and many more.This temple has a lot of reasons to be on the bucket list of travellers. Mahamaya Temple of Ratanpur has all those things which a person needs while travelling a place. Mahamaya Temple is culture as well as architecture. It is surrounded by ponds which add beauty. There are other temples in the campus because of which a devotee need not go too far. The Temple Trust provide world class accommodation as well as food.

Kalkaji Mandir Delhi Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Kalkaji Mandir Delhi is an ancient temple. It is a mark of dedication to Maa Kalka, an avatar of Goddess Durga. It is located in Kalkaji, a locality in the southern part of the Heart of India, that is Delhi. Consequently, the locality gets its name on the name of the famous goddess.

Kalkaji Mandir also goes by the names “Jayanti Peetha” or “Manokamana Sidha Peetha”. The place gets these names due to the popular belief of desire fulfilment of the visitors here. Moreover, the temple is predicted to be here since the time of Satya Yuga.

Kalkaji-Mandir-Introduction
Kalkaji Mandir is dedicated to the Kalka avatar of Goddess Parvati, who killed the demon Raktabij

Also according to a popular belief, the goddess’s figure is self-existing here.

All you need to know about Kalkaji Mandir Delhi

Temple Timings4:00 am – 11:30 pm
Closed between-
11:30 am – 12 pm
(For Bhog purposes)
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
(For cleaning purposes)
Opening and Closing DatesOpen 365 days in a year
Time required for Darshan1 hour
Entry FreeNo fee
Festivals 2019Vasant Navratri
Maha Navratri
Best time to visitMaha Navratri (September – October)
Nearest AirportIGI Airport
LocationKalkaji, South Delhi

What are the timings of Kalkaji Mandir Delhi?

TimingsFrom
Open4:00 am
Close11:30 pm

Poojas and Rituals at Kalkaji Mandir Delhi

  • Each day starts giving a milk bath to the Goddess’s idol followed by the Aarti. However, the Aarti is performed twice in the day, once in the morning and the other in the evening.
  • The evening Aarti performed is also known as the Tantric Aarti.
  • The Aarti timings, however, are subjected to change depending on winters and summers. Also, pujaris perform Aarti according to their turns.

All the Pooja timings are given in the table below.

Time of the yearMorningEvening
Summers5:00 am – 6:30 am
(Aarti)		7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
(Aarti)
Winters6:00 am – 7:30 am
(Aarti)		6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
(Aarti)
Temple is closed in between11:30 am – 12:00 pm
(For Bhog to the goddess)		3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
(For cleaning of the temple premises)
Aarti-at-Kalkaji-Mandir-Delhi
Aarti is performed twice at the temple, in the morning and then in the evening.

Significance of Kalkaji Mandir Delhi

  • People flood in the temple to offer prayers and make offerings to the Goddess Kalka here. The Goddess Kalka is the symbol of strength. Also, the temple is always full of devotees. However, during Navratris, there is no place to step in.
  • The temple is so ancient that it is believed that it has seen all the 4 yugas namely, Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dwapar Yuga, and Kalyuga.
  • The temple also has a significant history to look upon. Nevertheless, the goddess is well known for fulfilling the desires and wishes of her devotees.

History of Kalkaji Mandir Delhi

The temple has a historical existence of about 3000 years. It was constructed in 1764. However, there has been a lot of stories around it, some of which are-

  • One of the theory claims the establishment of the temple during the reign of Marathas (1764-1771). So, during this time, Shah Alam, the Mughal emperor had power from Delhi to Palam. Yet wasn’t as effective as a ruler. Hence, during that time, the Marathas successfully returned all the Hindu temples including Kalkaji back to their glory in Delhi.
  • However, in the mid 19th century the temple went through some changes. These were made possible by Raja Kadarnath who was Emperor Akbar II’s treasurer. Although the devotees then made huge contributions for the betterment of the present-day structure. Moreover, in the 20th century, some more advancement was done to the temple.

The temple was also a site of worship for the Pandavas during Yudhishthir’s reign.

Legends of the Kalkaji Mandir Delhi

Legend of Goddess Kali

The first story dates back to the time of Satya Yuga. During the time, the gods who lived here were troubled by the demons. Hence, after taking much trouble the gods went to Lord Brahma for a solution. Since Brahmaji did not want to get dragged into the matter so he referred it to Goddess Parvati.

So it was Goddess Parvati who incarnated as Goddess Kaushki to slaughter the demon. While she conquered all, yet the demon Raktabij had the gift of rising back from its own blood.

That’s when Goddess Kali was born from Kaushki’s eyebrows. Goddess Kali drank the whole of the blood that came out during the slaughter. And that’s how Goddess Kali won against Raktabij. Hence, she also settled here as a protector since then.

Legend of a Defeated King

Another story tracks down a defeated King. He had lost numerous battles to an unknown invader, there was this one time after losing he rested in the place. And that’s when Goddess Kali came in his dream and motivated him to fight back again.

Being encouraged by the Goddess, he gave a tough fight back and won over. Yet even after restoring his reign, he did not forget about the Goddess. And constructed this temple as a dedication to the Goddess Kali.

Legends-of-Kalkaji-Mandir-Delhi
Goddess Kalka killed the demon Raktabij and ended his tyranny on the Gods.

What is inside the temple?

  • Pyramidal towers encircle the temple. Apart from the usual construction with bricks and cement, marbles have also been added to the temple. The Central Chamber has 12 sides. Also, 36 arched openings are there in the temple.
  • A doorway on each side is covered by a verandah. The verandah is 8’9” wide and consists of 36 arched openings. However, the Central Chamber encloses the verandah on all sides.
  • The two red Sandstone Tigers on a marble pedestal stand opposite the eastern doorway. The subscription article in Urdu. Between the tigers sits the idol of Kalka Devi with the name inscribed on it in Hindi.
  • There is a long line of stalls right outside the temple. These offer a variety of Prasad Packages to the devotees. There is the availability of all from smaller ones to the exclusive Thalis ( offering plate).
  • Due to the heavy crowd, the pickpocketers are a usual thing in the temple premises. Nevertheless, a vigilant visitor is always safe here.
Inside-Kalkaji-Mandir-Temple
One will find the stalls laden with religious lockets, books etc and the two sandstone tigers inside the temple premises.

The temple has a black pumice stone which is also a representative of Goddess Kalka or Kali.

Festivals celebrated at Kalkaji Mandir

  • Vasanta Navratri– This is an Autumn festival, hence, it is called Vasant Navratri. It usually falls in the month of April however, subject to change as per the Hindu Calendar. Coinciding with Ram Navmi that falls on the same month, it is also called Ram Navratri or Chaitra Navratri.
  • Maha Navratri– Maha Navratri is celebrated with equal enthusiasm by all the Indian states. It usually falls in October depending upon the Hindu Calendar. A huge crowd flocks to the temple on this festival. Moreover, during the festival devotees make huge offerings including the ones in the form of Gold.

Almost every Hindu Festival calls for a celebration in the Kalkaji Temple. However, both the Navratris have there own special places. A lot of enthusiasm is there during Navratri celebrations.

Festival-at-Kalkaji-Mandir-Delhi
Navratis are celebrated with huge enthusiasm in the temple.

Also in West Bengal, it is called Durga Puja which ends up in wild celebration throughout the 9 days of the Navratri.

How to reach Kalkaji Mandir Delhi?

  • By Air– The Indira Gandhi Airport, New Delhi is at a distance of 15 km from the Kalkaji Temple and is the only one here too.
  • By Rail– H Nizamuddin Railway Station is 4 km away from the Temple. Hence, the temple is the nearest to this one.
  • By Road– The city is well connected by Bus routes. Delhi Transportation Corporation owned buses run through the city. Buses also provide connectivity with the whole country via many National highways. The bus can drop you either at Rajiv Chowk in Delhi or at the Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station.
  • By Metro– Delhi also has a well equipped Metro Rail that connects almost all major parts of the state. Hence, you can travel from anywhere to the nearest station i.e. Kalkaji Metro Station to reach the temples.
Metro-Station-near-Kalkaji-Mandir-Delhi
Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station is at a walking distance from the temple

Where to stay nearby?

The Temple Trust has done the construction of Dharamshalas for the devotees visiting from far off places. These Dharamshalas are free and hygienic too. Kalkaji Mandir also provides food facility.

However, there are many good hotels near the temple too.

  • Hotel Mint Oodles– The stay is a real treat for its guests. All the hotel rooms are stalked with modern amenities. It is also budget-friendly and near to the temple.
  • Hotel Orion Plaza– The hotel is a well-equipped one with all luxurious amenities. The hotel staff is very efficient. Also, the hotel is quite close to the temple.

Where to eat?

Delhi is home to a variety of cuisines and mouth-watering street foods. However, one can enjoy the one-time free prasad provided in the temple. The devotees can also take delight in the tasty food served here.

Other than that they have more than a hundred street food options to choose from. The Khao Gali in Lajpat Nagar is an escape for the food lovers. Also, Dolma Aunty Momos are the oldest and tastiest street food ‘Momos’ available.

Also, a variety of food chains crowd the area. One can subside to eating healthy salad at Subway to burgers in MacDonald’s.

When in the Capital City don’t forget to delight on the World’s Best Parathas in the Parathe Wali Gali in Chandani Chowk. Also, the ages-old Giani Ki Kulfi found here can be the best dessert for the evening.

Street-Food-near-Kalkaji-Mandir-Delhi
One can find a lot of street food near the temple like momos, parathas and rolls

Nearby Temples

  • Shiv Kalkaji Temple- As per the predictions, the temple is the oldest Seedhpeeth in South Delhi. The devotees arrive here to offer prayers and seek blessings of the deity.
  • Lotus Temple– Lotus temple is close to Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station. It is located right next to Kalkaji Park. The entrance to the temple is via a parking lot. The serenity and peace one can seek here is the prime attraction of the visitors.
  • Iskcon Temple– This is one of the ancient and known temples of Lord Krishna in India. Iskon temple is close to Nehru Place Metro Station. Iskcon stands for International Society for Krishna Consciousness or Hare Krishna Movement.

Apart from these, there are other attractions to the city like Jantar Mantar, India Gate, etc. Delhi extends its land to dozens of historical places and so is the Heart of India.

Frequently asked questions about Kalkaji Temple Delhi

What is the metro route for Kalkaji temple?

Board Yellow line from Rajiv Chowk to Central Secretariat, after that change to Pink line to Kalkaji Metro Station.

Which is the nearest metro station to Kalkaji Mandir?

The nearest metro station to the temple is named after the temple and it is called Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station.

During Navratri do we need a pass to enter the temple?

Yes. During Navratri, there is a system of Pass entry in the temple.

Is photography allowed in the temple?

Yes. Photography is allowed but not in the prayer hall.

What is the best time to visit the temple?

It is best to visit the temple during the morning and evening Aartis.

Is there a parking facility nearby Kalkaji Temple?

Yes. There are parking facilities available at a distance of 5 min, 8 min and 10 min walk away from the temple.

What bus numbers go on the route of Kalkaji Mandir?

Bus numbers 427, 433 and 534 stop nearby Kalkaji Temple.

Is there a lost and found counter in the temple?

No. There is no such counter in spite of pickpocketers on the rise.

Can a Mundan Ceremony be done in the temple?

Yes. You can but outside in the temple premises, not in the Aarti complex.

How can one get access to the Navratri Passes of the temple?

You can contact the temple authorities and get it made for yourself and your family members too.

How far is lotus temple from the Kalkaji Mandir?

Lotus temple is at a distance of 3 km from Kalkaji Temple.

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