History, Importance, Timings, Festivals, Architecture, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Kalkaji Mandir, Delhi, India
The most revered place which exhibits both the might and affection of Goddess Kali, the Kalkaji Mandir in Delhi hypes to be one of its kinds in the country. It is a temple full of activity in the city with devotees coming from different parts of the country. The belief is that the mandir is Goddess Kalka Devi’s own abode which fulfils all longings and aspirations of the devotees who come here to offer their prayers. Goddess Kali is an important manifestation of Adi Shakti, who protects her children from all evils with her wrath and might. The temple thus forms a major pilgrim destination of Shaktism, the goddess focused tradition of Hinduism.
The current temple premises have a 12-sided assembly which asserts a humble design impressed out of black pumice stones and marble. In addition to central prayer hall where the self-manifested image of Goddess Kalka Devi houses, the temple has a number of rest rooms for pilgrims around the colony. Surrounded with masonry through brick and plaster, a pyramidal tower in the centre is its most adored architectural feature which represents Hindu Puranas in every gallery. The central compartment is engraved with marbles and consists of doorways on every side. A huge veranda that is beautifully lit up and decorated with astonishing Vedic and Puranic scriptures encompasses these halls.
Historical developments and Popular Belief
The legend has it that the temple complex is as old as the Satya Yuga and is thus believed to be in continuity for over more than 3 millenniums now. It is too believed that ‘Pandavas’ worshipped this place mentioned in the epic Mahabharata, considered as the greatest of all historical texts of India. The earliest structures of the complex dates around the eighteenth century and is supposed to be reconstructed by the Marathas who wanted to restore ancient Delhi’s cultural significance and renovating temples were an important part of this process. Future additions were by King Kedarnath in the nineteenth century. On the other hand, the present arrangement of Sri Kalkaji Mandir was built by the contributions of devotees.
Open on all days of the week, the timings for the temple are from 4:30 am in the morning till 11:30 am. It reopens the same day around 4:30 pm. Devotees in huge crowds usually come on Saturdays as it is claimed that Goddess Kali wards off from the hardships of life influenced by Lord Shani.
The annual festivals of Navratris and Diwali arouse more vibrancy to the place. From extravagant decorations to cultural and folk performances, the temple becomes a lively example of Indian heritage, Hinduism and its culture. Devotees singing hymns also join the chorus of aartis in profound faith and philanthropists serving the downtrodden make the festivals much more meaningful and worth attending. Hawkers exporting prashad (offerings), sweets and items to be used up in the rituals could be seen on the way towards the temple. This surreal view of the celebration in and around the temple complex can easily connect to the spiritual aspect of human beings.
•It is claimed that the image of Goddess Kali in the temple is a self-manifested one which amplifies its significance.
•Various sacred activities like marriages and offering of hair are executed in the temple.
How to Reach Chattarpur Temple Delhi, The Capital of India
Kalkaji Metro Station lies on the Violet and Magenta lines of the Delhi Metro and serves as the nearest metro station for the temple that makes its accessibility very convenient. As one of the oldest Kali temples in India, it becomes a must visit pilgrim sites to be explored in a Delhi tour. Delhi being the capital of India and largest metropolitan area of India, and major tourist destination, of Indiawhere people across the world visits around the year. It is very well connected with all major cities of India via road, rail and air network. Delhi has multiple major railway junction from where you can get train to all region of India. Delhi has domestic and international Airport from where you can get flight to all major cities of India and across the globe. You can find private taxi and public transport as well from both airport to reach to city center. Delhi is located at 46 km from Noida, 40 km from Gurugram, 242 km from Agra, 41 km from Gaziabad, 243 km from Chandigarh. You can get direct buses and train from almost all cities to reach Delhi.
