Delhi
temples count amongst the finest in the country. Be it in the terms of
reverence or in the terms of architecture, the temples in Delhi can
match with the best. The temples in Delhi consist of Hindu temples, Jain
temples, Bahai temple, Sai Baba temple, etc. Some of the famous temples
of New Delhi and other areas of the city are:
Akshardham Temple Delhi
The Akshardham Temple is one of the most recently built temples in
Delhi. Constructed by the Bochasanvasi Aksharpurushottam Swaminarayan
Sanstha (BAPS), it is situated on the banks of the River Yamuna. Delhi
Akshar Dham Mandir was inaugurated in Novenmber'05 in the presence of
President APJ Abdul Kalam. It is spread over an area of 100 acres and
took about two years to complete.
Birla Mandir Delhi
Lakshmi Narayan Mandir is situated to the west of Connaught Place in
Delhi. Constructed by Raja Baldev Das in the year 1938, it is dedicated
to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Also known by the name of Birla
Mandir of New Delhi, this temple has quite an interesting history
attached to it.
Chattarpur Mandir
Chattarpur Mandir is sited at a distance of approximately 4 km from the
famous Qutab Minar in the Mehrauli area of Delhi. A beautiful monument,
the Chatarpur temple of Delhi is built in both the South Indian as well
as North Indian style of architecture. It is made up of immaculate white
marble and sprawls over a large area with beautifully manicured lawns
and gardens.
Gauri Shankar Temple
Gauri Shankar Temple is a Hindu temple situated in the Old Delhi. The
temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and houses an approximately 800-year
old brown lingam, made up of phallus stone. The Lingam is encircled by
snakes and represents a "cosmic pillar, the center of universe, the
life itself".
Hanuman Mandir Delhi
Hanuman Mandir is situated at the Baba Kharak Singh Marg (road) near
Connaught Place. One of the oldest Hanuman temples in the country, it
was built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the year 1724. However, since the
time of its construction, the Lord Hanuman Temple of New Delhi has
undergone many restorations.
Iskcon Temple Delhi
Iskcon Temple is situated at Hari Krishna Hill, near East of Kailash.
Built by the Hare-Rama Hare-Krishna cult, the temple dates back to the
year 1998. New Delhi Iskon Temple is one of the 40 temples in India
built by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon).
Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple is one of the biggest temple
complexes in India.
Kali Bari Mandir Delhi
Kali Bari Mandir is dedicated to Goddess Kali Mata. It is a small
temple and quite unpretentious in its design. The Kalibari Temple of New
Delhi holds special significance for the Bengalis in the city,
especially at the time of Durga Puja, held every October. At that time,
the temple becomes the center for celebrations and is flooded by
devotees in huge numbers.
Kalkaji Temple
Kalkaji Temple is situated beyond the commercial complex of Nehru Place
in Delhi. This domed twelve-sided temple is devoted to Goddess Kalka
Devi. The oldest section of the Kalka Ji Mandir of New Delhi dates back
to the year 1764-1771, when the Marathas were in power. However, some
renovation and additions were carried out in the mid-19th century.
Lotus Temple
Lotus Temple is situated 12 km to the southeast of Connaught Place.
Architecturally one of the most splendid temples of India, Delhi Lotus
Temple is called so because it is built in the shape of a Lotus flower.
The temple got completed in the year 1986 and rises to a height of more
than 40 m.
Sheetla Devi Temple
Sheetla Devi Temple is situated at Gurgaon village, a suburb of
Gurgaon, in the state of Haryana. The temple, standing near a pond, is
dedicated to Mata Sheetla Devi. Sheetala Mata Mandir of Delhi is at
times referred to as a "Shakti Peeth" and is considered as one
of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimages.
Sri Digambar Jain Mandir Delhi
Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir is situated opposite the Red Fort in
Delhi. Dating back to the rule of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, it is
considered as the oldest temple of the city. Originally, Delhi Shri
Digambar Jain Lal Mandir was built in 1658 AD.