The Kalkaji Temple, also known as Kalkaji Mandir, is a famous Hindu temple located in the Kalkaji locality of South Delhi, India. Dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, it is one of the most revered temples in Delhi and attracts thousands of devotees every day, especially during the festivals of Navratri and Diwali.
The temple complex is quite large and comprises several shrines dedicated to various deities, including Goddess Kali, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman, and Lord Ganesh. The main sanctum sanctorum houses an idol of Goddess Kali, which is adorned with garlands, flowers, and other offerings by devotees.
Legend has it that the temple is one of the oldest in Delhi, with its origins dating back to the time of the Mahabharata. It is believed that the Pandavas, the central characters of the epic, worshiped at this site during their exile. Over the centuries, the temple has undergone several renovations and expansions, becoming the prominent religious landmark it is today.
Aside from its religious significance, the Kalkaji Temple is also an architectural marvel, with its intricate carvings, vibrant paintings, and magnificent domes attracting visitors interested in art and history.
The temple complex also features various facilities for devotees, including a spacious prayer hall, meditation rooms, and areas for conducting religious ceremonies and rituals. Additionally, there are shops selling religious items, souvenirs, and prasad (offerings) for devotees.
# Kalkaji Mandir’s Link With MahabharataThe Kalkaji Mandir finds reference in the Mahabharata, where it is said that following their victory in the battle of Kurukshetra in 1764 AD, the Pandavas erected this sacred site. Seeking blessings and strength to overcome life's trials, the brothers fervently prayed at this temple.
# Aurangzeb Demolish Kalkaji MandirSimilar to numerous Hindu temples and monuments, the Kalkaji Mandir suffered destruction during the reign of the sixth Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb. However, following his demise, efforts were made to restore the temple, leading to its reconstruction in the 18th century.
# Mundan Ceremony In Kalkaji MandirThe Mundan ceremony is a ritual conducted on infants aged 6-8 months, during which their heads are shaved. In Hinduism, hair is considered a symbolic link to past lives, representing a burden carried into the current existence. This temple observes the Mundan ritual to release the child from these ties, symbolically freeing them to embark on a fresh journey in life.
# Kalkaji Mandir Was Self-ManifestedLegend has it that the Kalkaji Mandir stands on the very spot where Goddess Kalki was born. When the demons threatened the temple vicinity, Kaushaki Devi initiated the battle, and Goddess Kalki, born from her brow, took up the fight, ultimately defeating the creatures. Following her triumph, the Goddess declared the site her abode, and it has been revered ever since.
# Only Temple That Stays Open During Solar EclipseWhile many temples close their doors during a solar eclipse, Kalkaji Mandir bucks the trend by remaining open. Devotees are welcomed to visit the temple and pay homage to its deities during this time.