Kalkaji Temple is situated beyond the commercial
complex of Nehru Place in South Delhi. This domed twelve-sided temple is
devoted to Goddess Kalka Devi, a reincarnation of Goddess Durga. The
oldest section of the Kalka Ji Mandir dates back to the year 1734. It is
said that the Maratha rulers looted the temple in the year 1738, after
they were defeated by the Mughals in the battle of Talkatora. Somewhere
in the mid-19th century, certain changes and additions were carried out
on Kalkaji temple by Raja Kedarnath, the treasurer of Emperor Akbar.
Still, the temple holds a very modern and contemporary look. The temple
gains special importance during the period of Navratras, which lasts for
almost nine days. At that time, a fair is held at the Delhi Kalkaji
Temple and is attended by thousands of devotees. One can hoards of
hawkers near the temple during the fair, which are often accompanied by
groups singing hymns and songs eulogizing the Goddess. It is believed
that even the Pandavas and Kauravas had worshiped at this temple during
the reign of Yudhishthir.
A 12-sided structure, Kalkaji Temple has been constructed completely
out of marble and black pumice stones. The entire structure is devoid of
any ostentation and comes across as very plain and simple. Everyday, the
idol of the deity is bathed with milk in the morning and an aarti is
conducted in the evening. People coming to the temple can purchase
offering from the vendors sitting just before its entrance. In the
backyard of the main structure is an inn, which is known as Kali
Dharamshala.
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