Temples in Delhi

Delhi owes the distinction for housing some of the magnificent modern temples of India. The city has a nice blend of ancient and modern temples. Chattarpur Mandir, Isckon Temple, Lotus Temple, Kali Bari Mandir, Hanuman Mandir, Kalkaji Mandir, are most frequented by tourists and devotees

Bahai Temple

The temple represents the Bahai faith, which is broad in its outlook, scientific in the influence it exerts on the hearts and minds of men. It signifies the purity and the universality of the lord and equality of all religions. Visited by over four million people, annually, this gleaming lotus- like marble structure is located on Bahapur Hills (South Delhi) and it is the seventh and most recent Bahai houses of worship in the world. The temple is a must visit for every tourist who comes to Delhi.

This structure, completed in 1986, is a marvel of modern architecture. Set amidst pools and gardens, the view of the temple is very spectacular just before dusk when the temple is flood lit.

Anyone is free to visit the temple and pray or meditate silently according to their own religion. The temple is around 45 minutes from Domestic Airport.

Birla Mandir

Also known as the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, it is ideally located in central Delhi (Mandir Marg). This temple dedicated to the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi and Lord Narayana (Lord Vishnu) was built in 1938 by the prominent Indian industrialist Raja Baldev Das Birla and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi.

The temple, built in Orissan style, has a large number of idols representing various gods of Indian pantheon. The well-grafted gardens need a special mention

Nizam-ud-din Shrine

This is the tomb of the famous sufi saint, Nizam-ud-din Auliya. Built on the way from Humayun's tomb, the premise of the shrine is a tank, which is surrounded by many other tombs. It is said that there was an argument between the rulers of Tughlakabad and the saint over building this tank. The saint had said that the city of Tughlakabad will never prosper and so did it happen. The tomb has been through several renovations ever since it was built. The present mausoleum dates back to 1562.

The complex of the shrine includes several other tombs, including that of the noted poet Mirza Ghalib (1786-1869), Amir Khusru and the grave of Jahanara, the daughter of Shah Jahan.

If you happen to be there at around sunset on Thursdays, don't miss out the extravagant performance of qawwali singers that takes place after the evening prayers.

Location: West of Mathura Road

ISKCON Temple

Built on a hilly place in 1998, the ISKCON Temple is a complex of temples. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this elegant temple is one of the largest temple complexes in India. It has a large number of Hare-Rama Hare-Krishna cult followers.

Chattarpur Mandir

Chattarpur Mandir is located beyond the Qutb Minar in Mehrauli. The temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, is built in South Indian style.

The temple complex is spread over a large area with beautiful lawns and gardens. Though devotees visit these temples throughout the year, the main attraction comes during the Navarathri festival, when devotees come from far and near. During this time, there are special bus services provided to the devotees.

Bala Hanuman Temple
This elegant temple stands on the south-eastern side of Ranmal Lake. The 24-hour chanting of the mantra 'Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram', which has been going on in the temple since August 1, 1964, has earned a place in the Guinness Book of Records.

St. James Church

Located very close to Kashmere Gate in north Delhi, St. James Church is the oldest church in the capital. It was built by James Skinner and consecrated in 1836.

It is designed in a cruciform plan with the entrance towards the west and the altar towards the east (the standard norm in most churches the world over). The dome interestingly is very similar to the dome of Florence Cathedral in Italy that was the first renaissance structure built in the world.

Porches on the north, south and the west provide the building with three entrances. The central portion of the church is an octagon with circular columns supporting the dome.

Aurobindo Ashram

Again in the south of Delhi near the Indian Institute of Technology on the road to Meharauli it has literature on the life of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother and has an ashram where devotees can come to meditate. There is also some accommodation available for devotees of Sri Aurobindo.