When we think of Delhi, we usually imagine the picture of bustling capital city of India as place dotted with political and historical places. But there is so much more to this ancient city. Delhi is home to many beautiful and divine historic temples, each offering a glimpse into the city’s deep-rooted faith and spiritual heritage. If you are planning a visit to Delhi and want to seek moments of peace in the urban chaos, exploring these famous temples in Delhi is a must.
Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple
Talking about Temples in Delhi, there is no better place to begin than the famous and beautiful Akshardham temple. Located on the banks of the Yamuna River, Akshardham Temple is dedicated to Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism. The temple complex hosts various social and spiritual events like musical fountain shows, educational screenings, boat rides, exhibitions throughout the year. Lively yet peaceful atmosphere of this temple makes it a must visit temple of Delhi.
Ways to Reach
The closest railway station to Akshardham temple is New Delhi Railway Station, at a distance of 11 km. DMRC metro Blue Line Akshardham Metro Station is the closest drop for local sightseeing. The temple is reachable by road from Delhi, Noida and Ghaziabad.
Do not miss
The light and sound show in the evening is a mesmerizing extravaganza. The show starts after the sunset (7 pm onwards).
The exhibition at the temple is also a major tourist attraction, it starts from morning 6:30 pm till 6 :00 pm in evening.
Best Time to Visit
Akshardham Temple is open for visits from Tuesday to Sunday and always closed on Mondays. Entry to the temple begins at 9:30 am onwards till 6:30 pm. Famous as one of the most visited Tourist places in Delhi, a week day visit will be ideal as the temple remains crowded on weekends.
Kalkaji Temple
A Durga Maa Temple dedicated to goddess Kali, the holy shrine dates back to satya yuga when Goddess Kalika had incarnated and killed demon Raktabija. This Temple is said to be the mini replica of Vaishno Devi Shrine of Katra. It has two gates, one open onto the temple for the convenience of their devotees the other One opens onto the main road of Kalkaji and the other at the metro station.
Ways to reach
The temple is located in South Delhi easily accessible via Nehru Place Metro Station.
Do Not Miss
Devotees can visit the temple throughout the year, but in October during the Navratri festival, a big fair is organized and the temple is buzzed with vibrant celebrations.
Best time to visit
On Saturday and Tuesday the temple is brimming with devotes and remains closed on Mondays. Aarti timings are between 6 to 7:30 AM and 6:30 to 8 PM in winters, and from 5 to 6:30 AM and 7 to 8:30 PM during summers.
Jhandewalan Mandir
This Temple is dedicated to Maa Aadi Shakti, the powerful divine Hindu goddess and only temple that has been built on the urging of a devotee of the goddess. Badri Bhagat dreamt of the idol of Goddess Durga deep in the ground, the temple has been built at the same place where Bhagat dreamt it to be. It’s name after the horde of flags offered by devotees, hoping that their wishes will be fulfilled.
Ways to reach
The temple is located at 5-10 minutes of walking distance from the Jhandewalan metro station, which is on the blue line.
Do Not Miss
Visit the temple during Navratri to experience its festivities. During this time, a special pooja is organized and the temple premises get decorated with flowers and lights.
ISKCON Temple
The ISKCON temple is one of the most vibrant and lively temples dedicated to the worship of deities Shri Krishna and Radharani. It is one of the largest temple complexes in the country. Other than the depictions, paintings and shrines, one can also look through the copies of Bhagavad Gita kept in the museum here.
Ways to reach
The nearby metro stations like Kalkaji Mandir and Nehru Place, ensures a swift journey to the ISKCON temple.
Do Not Miss
The evening aarti of the ISKCON temple is a marvellous experience. It is a spectacle one should not miss as its pious flames and chants are enough to instigate the devout in you.
Best Time to visit
The ISKCON Temple is open for visits on all days of the week. The temple hall opens with the Mangala Arati in the morning at 4:30. It is open for all the devotees until 9pm in the night, the main hall remains closed between 1 and 4 in the afternoon.
Hanuman Temple
One of the most prominent montages featured in every movie or TV show to depict Delhi, Jhandewalan Hanuman Mandir is a temple one cannot miss to visit. The massive 108-feet tall statue of Lord Hanuman is the unique attraction of this temple besides the statue of Lord Hanuman himself, the temple entrance is also very unique. Built in the form of the deity’s mouth, after walking through which you reach inside premises of Temple.
Ways to reach
Jhandewalan Hanuman Temple is located right above the Raised Metro Line between Karol Bagh and Jhandewalan Metro Stations.
Do Not Miss
During the evening aarti, devotees assemble to witness a unique spectacle where the hands of the Hanuman statue, crossed over the chest, part momentarily to reveal idols of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, within Hanuman’s heart. It is one of the most spiritualistic and distinctive experiences.
Best Time to visit
You can visit on Tuesday if you are bhakt of Shree Hanuman as it remains crowded by devotees on Tuesday mostly in evening and morning.
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Birla Mandir
Lakshmi Narayan Temple famously known as Birla Mandir, dedicated for the worship of lord Laxminarayan. The temple was built by BD Birla and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in early 1930’s, apart from the idols the temple is adorned with beautiful paintings and carvings
Ways to reach
The temple is located about a 10- minute drive from Connaught Place, with the R.K. Ashram Marg Metro Station is the nearest.
Do Not Miss
During the festivals of Janmashtmi and Diwali the temple turns into a major captivating centre for devotees.
Best time to visit
The temple stays open throughout the week, timings are 4:30 a.m to 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The best time to visit is during the morning and evening aarti.
Chattarpur Mandir
It is famous for its spiritual significance and is situated in the southern part of Delhi. Dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Katyayani, it is the second-largest temple complex in India. This temple is a blend of both south and north Indian architecture with 20 different shrines of different deities.
Ways to reach
The temple is located in the Chattarpur area, reachable via the Chattarpur Metro Station.
Do Not Miss
The temple becomes more spectacular during Navratri, around 1 Lakh devotees visit the temple from across the country.
Best time to visit
The entry in the Chattarpur temple begins from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The temple stays open throughout the year. To enjoy a best travel plan for visiting all temples sightseeing, you can hire Bus on rent in Delhi to go with your group or school trip.
Mahabodhi Temple
Mahabodhi Vihar temple, dedicated to Lord Buddha, is a peaceful place with a calm atmosphere to heal your spiritual self. This temple is a replica Inspired by the iconic Mahabodhi temple in Gaya Bihar with a golden dome on magnificent structure and detailed Buddhist motifs, which allows you to engross yourself in the devotion of Lord Buddha.
Ways to reach
Located adjacent to Birla temple.
Best time to visit
This temple is generally open throughout the week, from morning 6:00a.m. to 9:00 p.m at night.
Lotus Temple
Unlike other temples in Delhi, Lotus temple signifies unity and freedom from bondage to any particular religion. This is the reason why the temple has no shrines, idols or symbolic paintings . Built in the shape of a white lotus and has several entryways and water ponds all around.
Ways to reach
Located in South Delhi and can be easily accessed via the Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station.
Do Not Miss
A large prayer or meditation hall in the middle of the temple is the place where visitors come to spend some hours in absolute peace. You can sit here and engross yourself in the spiritual ambiance.
Best time to visit
The Lotus temple welcomes visitors everyday of the week except Monday. The timings 9 am to 7 pm in summers and 9 am to 5:30 pm in winters.
Sai Baba Mandir (Lodhi Road)
Sai Baba Mandir located on Lodhi Road is one of the oldest and most prominent temples of Delhi, established in 1968. Temple authorities are Shri Sai Bhakt Samaj who look after this Temple and help to spread the teachings of Shirdi Sai Baba.
Ways to reach
The nearest metro station to Lodhi Road is Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Metro Station and Jangpura Metro station.
Best time to visit
Sai Baba Mandir Lodhi Road stays open throughout the year. Timings are from 5 am to 10 pm. Thursday is most crowded day signified as devoted day to Sai Baba.
Conclusion
From the grand and beautiful Akshardham temple to the peaceful atmosphere of Mahabodhi temple this city has it all. So, next time when you visit Delhi do not limit yourself to Hauz – Khas and Cannaught Place. Explore the spiritual side of this vibrant city, you are going to love it. Find best mix of old and new vibes of Delhi attractions with well designed New Delhi Holiday packages.