Top 7 Temples in Delhi
The capital of India, Delhi, is a Metropolitan city with a historic old Delhi and a modern new Delhi. It has thousands of temples scattered throughout the city. Delhi’s Temple heritage is as diverse as its population. Here are the top well-known temples of Delhi.
1. Akshardham Temple
It is the largest temple In India officially known as Swaminarayan Akshardham, and is dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Akshardham has made its way to the Guinness Book of World Records as the World's Largest Hindu Temple.
Location - NH 24, Pramukh Swami Maharaj Marg, Pandav Nagar, New Delhi.
Best Time to Visit - Evenings for the musical fountain show; weekdays to avoid crowds.
Entry Fees: Temple entry - Free.Exhibition - Adults ₹170, Seniors ₹135, Children ₹95.Water Show - Adults ₹80, Children ₹50.
Timings:Temple- 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM.Exhibitions- 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.Water Show- 7:45 PM.
Other Details:Security is strict; electronic items, including mobile phones and cameras, are not allowed inside lockers are available for storing personal belongings.The complex includes gardens , a cultural boat ride, and thematic exhibitions.
2. Birla Temple
It is a well-known temple in Delhi dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is represented by Sri Venkateswara. There are also shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Shiva, and Hanuman. The temple is famous for its dome-shaped roof adorned with a golden kalash (pot). It is made of white marble and has intricate carvings and sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
Location: Mandir Marg, west of Connaught Place, New Delhi.
Best Time to Visit: During festivals like Janmashtami, Diwali, and Ram Navami for elaborate decorations.
Entry Fees: None.
Timings: Open daily from 4:30 AM to 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
Other Details:Mobile phones, cameras, and electronic items are not allowed inside; lockers are available.Nearby attractions include India Gate, Jantar Mantar, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.
3 - Chhatarpur Mandir
This temple is dedicated to goddess Katyani, a part of Navadurga. People believe that Goddess Sati's toes fell at this place from that time the temple has become the source of divine energy. The temple is the second largest in India after Akshardham Temple. The shrine is a masterpiece of spectacular architecture which is a combination of South and North Indian designs.
Location: Chattarpur, South-West Delhi, near Mehrauli.
Best Time to Visit: During the Navratri festival for grand celebrations.
Entry Fees: None.
Timings: Open daily from 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Other Details:The temple complex is expansive, featuring both North and South Indian architectural styles.Photography is generally allowed, but it's advisable to check specific guidelines on-site.
4. Jhandewalan Hanuman Temple
It is famous for its history as the people of Jhandewalan discovered a natural underground cave. Over time, it became a famous and reserved site for worship. The temple has a 108 feet colossal Hanuman idol and a dramatic entrance designed like the mouth of a Demon
Location: Jhandewalan, near Karol Bagh, New Delhi.
Best Time to Visit: Tuesdays and Saturdays for Hanuman Aarti.
Entry Fees: None.
Timings: Open daily from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Other Details:The temple is famous for its towering 108-ft Hanuman statue.Special aartis take place on Tuesdays, attracting large crowds.
Also Read - Best Weekend Getaways from Delhi
5 - ISKCON Temple
The ISKCON Temple, also known as the Hare Rama Hare Krishna Temple, is a shrine dedicated to Lord Krishna. It was established in 1998 by Achyut Kanvinde and is located in the Hare Krishna Hills. The Temple is a hub for spiritual learning, cultural enrichment, and religious gatherings
Location: Hare Krishna Hill, East of Kailash, New Delhi.
Best Time to Visit: During Janmashtami and Radhashtami festivals for grand celebrations.
Entry Fees: None.
Timings: Open daily from 4:30 AM to 9:00 PM. Key aarti times include:Mangala Aarti: 4:30 AM.Darshan Aarti: 7:15 AM.
Other Details:The temple has a Govinda restaurant serving vegetarian food.It offers Bhagavad Gita classes and cultural programs regularly.
6. Jagannath temple
It’s a modern temple built by the Odia community of Delhi dedicated to the Hindu God Jagganath. It is a replica of the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri. it sees a huge crowd of devotees during the Rath Yatra festival each year.
Location: Hauz Khas, South Delhi.
Best Time to Visit: During the annual Rath Yatra festival.
Entry Fees: None.
Timings: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Other Details:The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.It follows rituals similar to the Jagannath Temple in Puri.
7. Nili Chhatri Temple
It is one of the most famous temples of Delhi. It is believed that the Nili Chhatri temple was built by the oldest Pandava, Yudhistir. The temple Is famous for one of its rituals named Ashwamedha ( sacrifice of Horse). It is named Nili Chhetri because, under the blue dome, the people worship the holy Lord Shiva. It is most visited during Mahashivratri, Basant Panchami, and Shravan Mass.
Location: Near Nigambodh Ghat, Yamuna Bazar, New Delhi.
Best Time to Visit: Mondays are considered auspicious for Lord Shiva devotees.
Entry Fees: None.
Timings: Typically open from early morning until late evening; specific times may vary.