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 – Facts
| Deity | Goddess Katyayani |
| Temple Timings | 4:00 am – 11:00 pm |
| Opening and Closing Dates | Open 365 days in a year |
| Time required for Darshan | 2-3 hours |
| Entry fee | No fee |
| Festivals 2019 | Navratris, Guru Purnima, Maha Shivratri, Babaji’s birthday, Babaji’s Nirvaan Divas, Krishna Janmashtmi |
| Best Time To Visit | During Janmashtmi, Navratri and Maha Shivratri |
| Nearest Airport | IGI Airport |
| Location | Chhatarpur, Delhi |
Timings of Chhatarpur Temple
Devotees can offer prayers in the temple during the following timings-
| Timing | From |
| Open | 4:00 am |
| Close | 11:00 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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
No. Goddess Katyayani’s darshan can only be availed on Ashtami of every month and on all Navratri days.
Yes. The temple has its own Dharamshala for this purpose.
Yes, the temple can be visited at all times from 4 am to 11 pm.
Yes, wheelchair facilities are provided by the temple staff.
Yes, The temple provides free parking for all transports.
Yes, One can get their child’s Mundan done here.
Yes, Photography is allowed here.
The temple is 800 metres from the temple so you can either walk or take an Auto Rickshaw.
The best time to visit the temple is during Navratris as the devotees can easily offer prayers to Goddess Katyayani.
Yes, one can complain to the security staff and get things checked in the CCTV footage.
