5 Temples You Must Visit When In Delhi

The capital city of Delhi is always noisy and bustling with the crowd. It is the centre of all the political happenings and is regarded as the second most populated city after Mumbai. Amidst all this chaos, Delhi has a spiritual side and visitors will be surprised to see the calmness that is instilled in the temples and other sacred monuments. These temples have a glorious past and play a significant role in the country’s rich culture and heritage.

Scroll down this list to know about the Top 5 Temples in Delhi.

* Gauri Shankar Mandir, Chandni Chowk

Located near Digambar Jain Temple on the main Chandni Chowk Road, Gauri Shankar Mandir worships Lord Shiva. This ancient temple not only provides solace to the devotees but has many interesting tales attached to it. According to legends, this religious site was constructed by a Maratha soldier who vowed to build a temple if he survives in the great battle.

The Shiva Linga which is enshrined in the temple is around 800 years old. Snakes made from silver surrounds the main deity and represents the centre of the universe. There is a small vessel right above the Shiva Linga from where water droplets keep dripping. Besides Lord Shiva, the idols of Devi Parvati and two of their sons, Ganesh and Kartikeya are found. The idols of Gauri and Shankar are adorned in gold jewellery and stands under a silver canopy behind the Shiva Linga. In 1959, this sacred landmark was renovated by Seth Jaipura and his name is inscribed in the temple complex.

* Hanuman Mandir, Connaught Place

Located in the heart of Connaught Place, Hanuman Mandir is one of the oldest religious landmarks in Delhi dating back to the period of Mahabharata. It was originally built by Maharaja Man Singh I and was rebuilt by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 17th century. This temple has a self manifest Hanuman idol that sits on a spire in the shape of the crescent moon. The worship style followed here is recorded in the Guinness Book of World Record.

This humble abode of Lord Hanuman boasts a splendid architecture which is worth admiring. A plight of marble steps leads visitors to the main foyer that can be entered through huge silver plated doors. Clerestory windows are set in the elaborate walls adorned with Hanuman paintings. Devotional scenes from the Hindu epic, Ramayana can also be seen on the walls. Recently, the Government has installed other idols of gods and goddess in the temple complex that are worshipped and taken care off.

* Jhandewalan Mandir, Jhandewalan Road

Located on the Jhandewalan Road near Karol Bagh, this temple was built in honour of Devi Jhandewali. It was constructed in the 18th century after Badri Das found an idol of the goddess at the same place where the temple stands. As the hands of the original statue were damaged, new hands of silver were made and the idol was consecrated in a cave. Later a new replica of Mata Jhandewalan was installed in this sacred monument.

The Jhandewalan Mandir has two levels – the upper level contains deities of Jhandewali Mata, Devi Saraswati and Kali while the rituals are performed in the lower level. Here, Navratri is celebrated 2 times a year and attract pilgrims from far and wide. It is believed that devotees who pray to the goddess with a pure heart, their wish get fulfilled.

* Shri Digambar Jain Temple, Chandni Chowk

Shri Digambar Jain Temple is the most popular Jain religious monument in Delhi. It is known for a veterinary bird’s hospital that lies right behind the temple complex. This religious structure has a history dating back to the era of Shah Jahan. He granted some land around Dariba Gali to several Jain merchants who eventually built a religious site in the year 1656.

Shri Digambar Jain Temple has a beautiful architecture that treats the sore eyes. A pillar of honour (manastambha) stands tall in front of the monument. The devotional area is located on the first floor and can be reached after crossing a tiny courtyard packed with several shrines. The temple complex also houses a bookstore filled with a variety of books on Jainism. Lal Mandir was visited by Shantisagar, a Jain monk in the year 1931.

* Birla Mandir, Connaught Place

Birla Mandir aka Laxmi Narayan Temple was built by Mr. B.D Birla, the famous business tycoon. It is nestled on Mandir Marg and is easily accessible by buses, metros and cabs. The temple was constructed in 1938 and the funds came from the Birla family. Covering 7 acres of land, this religious site is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Devi Lakshmi. Birla Mandir houses several deities and there is a grand hall for devotional practices.

The architecture of Birla Mandir is a sight to behold. It is designed in the typical Orissan style entirely made from red sandstone. It features tall spires and the tallest one extends to a height of 50 metres. The timeless interiors are engraved with exquisite sculptures and Jali work that looks remarkable and ignites the imagination. There are lush gardens and fountains in the temple premise and authorities have also built a guest house for the convenience of tourists.