7 Least Known Facts About Kalkaji Mandir, Delhi

Kalkaji Mandir, situated in Southern Delhi, is regarded as one of the most frequented temples in the city. This temple is so ancient that it is believed to have endured through all four yugas: Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dwapar Yuga, and Kal Yuga. There are many aspects of this place that people are often unaware of. If you’re planning a visit to Kalkaji Mandir in Delhi, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with its history beforehand. Here are some lesser-known facts about the temple that may pique your interest and enhance the significance of your trip. If you have elderly family members, this destination should definitely be on your itinerary for your next visit. Here are some intriguing facts you might not know about Kalkaji Mandir:

# Historical Significance from the Mahabharata

Kalkaji Mandir was established in 1764 AD. According to the Hindu epic Mahabharata, after their victory in the Kurukshetra battle, the Pandavas traveled and constructed five temples, one of which was this temple. They prayed here, seeking the strength, enthusiasm, and resilience to unleash their full potential in subsequent battles. Their efforts led to success in various endeavors, leading to the belief that those who pray at Kalkaji Mandir will achieve their aspirations and have their wishes fulfilled. Devotees from across the country visit, seeking blessings for prosperity and good fortune.

# Destruction by Aurangzeb

Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal emperor, ruled the Indian subcontinent for nearly fifty years, believing he had the authority to do as he pleased with everything in his realm. He ordered the demolition of the temple, as part of his broader campaign against Hindu structures to assert Islam more forcefully. As a result, parts of the temple were destroyed under his directive. The current structure we see today was rebuilt in the 18th century after Aurangzeb's death. Since then, several sections of the temple have been renovated and reconstructed, although some areas, such as the Hawan space, have been preserved in their original form.

# A Self-Manifested Temple

According to Hindu tradition, the goddess Kalki is believed to have manifested at the site where the temple now stands. Millions of years ago, during Satyug (one of the four Yugas in Hinduism), two evil beings began tormenting the gods residing near the temple. The distressed gods sought help from Lord Brahma, who advised them to approach goddess Parvati. From Parvati's mouth emerged goddess Kaushaki (also known as Kaushaki Devi), who fought and defeated these creatures. However, as blood from these beings fell to the ground, it gave rise to thousands of similar monsters. To combat them, goddess Parvati felt compassion for her creation, and from Kaushaki Devi's eyebrows, the divine Kalki Devi appeared. With one lip resting on a hill and the other reaching for the sky, she consumed the blood of her foes, triumphing over all adversaries and declaring the site her sanctuary, where she has since been worshipped as the primary goddess.

# Goddess Kali's Unique Role

Goddess Kali is revered for various reasons. In addition to representing death, time, and destruction, she embodies sexuality, protection, and maternal love. She challenges societal norms for women of her era, who were expected to be fair-skinned, modest, and submissive. In contrast, Kali is depicted with dark skin, her hair wild and free, exuding strength rather than submissiveness. With Shiva beneath her feet, she stands ready to overcome any obstacle in her path.

# Mundan Ceremony

The mundan ceremony is one of the sixteen Hindu sacraments involving the first haircut of a child. The hair symbolizes unwanted traits from past lives, and shaving it off allows the child to embrace a new beginning free from past burdens. Although this ceremony follows specific rituals that may not be available in all temples, Kalkaji Mandir offers this service. The temple's priests are trained to perform the ceremony, and many families bring their young children for mundan daily.

# Unique Practices During Solar Eclipses

While most temples close during a solar eclipse due to its inauspicious nature, Kalkaji Mandir remains open. This uniqueness attracts larger crowds, as devotees flock to the temple during these times. According to Mahant Surendra Nath Avdhut, the temple's significance lies in the presence of twelve zodiac signs and nine planets, all residing in Maa Kali's shrine. As the goddess of destruction, Kali wields more power than the eclipse itself, allowing the temple to welcome devotees, even until midnight.

# Nearby Attractions

The Lotus Temple is approximately 600 meters from Kalkaji Mandir, which is a five-minute drive away, or a 15-minute walk. The ISKCON Temple, located near the Kalkaji Metro station, is just 2 kilometers away, making it easily accessible. Other nearby attractions include Nehru Place Market, the Zakir Hussain Museum, Prachin Bhairon Mandir, and Kalkaji District Park, all within a reasonable distance and suitable for visiting on the same trip. The nearest metro station is Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station, just a five-minute walk from the temple, ensuring convenient access for visitors, especially seniors.