Category: Delhi Temple

India’s capital city of Delhi is a place with a strong as well as various religious history. There are many temples in the area each one having its own unique style of construction, significance, and history. These prominent temples can be found in Delhi. These are only a few of the numerous temples in Delhi. The variety of temples in the city reflects the religious diversity of its residents, and each one provides tourists and followers with a special spiritual connection.

  • Joyful Journey: Exploring the Bright and Positive Spirit of ISKCON Delhi

    Joyful Journey: Exploring the Bright and Positive Spirit of ISKCON Delhi

    ISKCON Delhi, renowned as Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, stands as a revered Vaishnav temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radharani. The temple’s inauguration on April 5, 1998, was graced by the former Indian Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Situated in the tranquil Hare Krishna Hills of Sant Nagar, East of Kailash, South Delhi, this temple holds profound spiritual and historical significance.

    The journey towards the establishment of ISKCON Delhi finds its roots in Srila Prabhupada’s Guru’s guidance and his subsequent voyage to the West. During his stay in Delhi’s bustling Chhipiwada area, known for its book publishers and business activities, Srila Prabhupada invested countless hours deciphering Srimad-Bhagavatam and crafting articles for his Back to Godhead magazine. This period, marked by planning his voyage to the USA, solidified Delhi’s place in his heart as a pivotal starting point.

    Upon his return to India in 1970, Srila Prabhupada heeded the eternal call of Lord Krishna and embarked on preaching efforts in Delhi. Recognizing the city’s strategic importance due to its capital status, educated populace, and global influences, he foresaw the need to cultivate “life members” as patrons for ISKCON, fostering its growth.

    As a result, the iconic Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, nestled in the Hare Krishna Hills within the East of Kailash area in New Delhi, emerged. This temple, inaugurated on April 5, 1998, aimed to promote the practice of Bhakti Yoga (Krishna Consciousness) and required an investment of Rupees 12 crores, overcoming the significant challenge of acquiring land for the temple.

    Advancing to the present, unwavering efforts led by Lord Krishna’s devotee Gopala Krishna Goswami and his committed team navigated complex legal processes, eventually realizing Srila Prabhupada’s dream by transferring the Chhipiwada temple to ISKCON. This transition represented a significant milestone in fulfilling Srila Prabhupada’s vision.

    Noteworthy government figures of the time, including Mrs. Sheela Kohl and Mr. Jagmohan, envisioned the temple as more than a worship space. They envisioned it as a cultural and educational venture, the ‘Glory of India Vedic Cultural Center,’ employing cutting-edge technology to elucidate ancient and medieval texts such as Mahabharata, Ramayana, Srimad-Bhagavatam, and Caitanya-caritamrta through lifelike models and innovative multimedia.

    With the passage of time, ISKCON Delhi remained true to its commitment of transcending conventional temple roles, evolving into a globally renowned hub for tourists and visitors seeking to deepen their understanding of Hindu culture. The temple extended invitations to students from schools and colleges, aiming to foster appreciation for Vedic scripts and traditions.

    The temple houses notable attractions, including the Astounding Bhagavad Gita—an invaluable religious tome that weighs over 800 kilograms—and gift shops and libraries brimming with devotional music CDs and books. Additionally, the temple boasts a captivating museum that hosts interactive multimedia shows, featuring extraordinary sagas like Ramayana and Mahabharata through enriching paintings. Performers from around the world grace the open theater within the complex, enacting scenes from Hindu sagas, thus cementing the temple’s reputation as a hub of performing arts and reviving the spiritual culture of India.

    The temple’s architecture harmoniously blends tradition and modernity, embellished with intricate carvings, stonework, and a distinctive lattice tower. The journey to the temple is guided by the natural contours of Krishna Jayanti Park, lined with flowering trees, and leads to the temple’s entrance—a pathway that embodies the hill’s inherent character.

    The external complex boasts intricate carvings, stonework, shops, and a mesmerizing fountain. The central hall resonates with the enchanting “Hare Rama Hare Krishna” mantra. When architect Shri. Achyut P Kanvinde undertook the commission to design the temple complex in 1993, he deftly amalgamated traditional and contemporary concepts, evident in the fountains, gardens, and temple shikhara that radiate light. The gardens are said to emulate ‘Vrindavan’ or the ‘garden of Lord Krishna,’ offering a transformative experience.

    Notably, the unique lattice tower stands as a testament to advanced artistry in devotion to Lord Krishna. The temple’s design exudes an unassuming humility and functional efficiency, maximizing natural light and water resources.

    Irrespective of one’s alignment with ISKCON’s religious beliefs, these intricate sanctuaries welcome visitors year-round, facilitating immersion in spiritual energy and fostering tranquility and grandeur. These temples serve as ‘spiritual hospitals,’ healing anxieties with wisdom and elevating spirits. Beyond being temples, they embody institutions founded on the principle of spreading the profound teachings of the Vedas and the Bhagavad Gita, accessible to all who seek them.

    The list of some of the ISKCON Temples in India. Each of these temples holds its own significance and attracts devotees and visitors from around the world. Here’s a brief overview of each of these temples:

    1. Sri Sri Radha Banke Bihariji Temple, Patna: The Patna ISKCON temple indeed boasts several remarkable features that make it unique and spiritual. The Grand ISKCON Temple Built At A Cost of 100 Crores in Patna
    2. Sri Radha Krishna-Chandra Temple, Bangalore: stands as one of the world’s largest Krishna-Hindu temples, gracing Bangalore in Karnataka, India. Originating from a rich history, the Bangalore ISKCON Temple was inaugurated in May 1997 by India’s ninth president, Shankar Dayal Sharma.
    1. Sri Sri Radha Vrindavanchandra Temple, Pune: Established in 2013, it stands as the largest temple in Pune and is situated in the serene area of Kondhwa. This temple complex spans 6 acres and was constructed over seven years at a cost of 40 Crore rupees, with funding from the Iskcon temple in Camp and devoted followers. 
    1. Sri Sri Radha Krishna Mandir, Chennai: A Gaudiya Vaishnavism temple in Chennai, India is called the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Mandir, also referred to as the ISKCON Temple Chennai. The temple honors the Hindu gods Radha and Krishna. It was solemnly dedicated on April 26, 2012.
    1. Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir of the Vedic Planetarium, Mayapur: Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir, also known as the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium or ISKCON Mayapur, stands as a significant Gaudiya Vaishnava temple and serves as the headquarters of ISKCON.
    1. Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir (ISKCON Vrindavan): The temple’s genesis was Srila Prabhupada’s vision – ISKCON’s founder – of creating an exquisitely beautiful temple where Lord Krishna and Balaram would be worshipped, reminiscent of the divine brothers’ play over five millennia ago.

    Accompanied by the rhythmic cadence of mridangas and karatalas, and the resonant chant of the maha-mantra, “Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare,” individuals can be awakened to a rejuvenated state. Fondly known as the Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir among devotees, ISKCON Delhi offers solace and sustenance for weary souls.

    !! Haribol !!  

  • Journey Through Time: Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir – Delhi’s Cultural Gem Reflecting Historical India

    Journey Through Time: Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir – Delhi’s Cultural Gem Reflecting Historical India

    Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir, also known as Chittaranjan Park Kali Bari, is a magnificent Hindu temple complex and cultural center in New Delhi, India. This temple, which began as a humble Shiv temple on a tiny hill inside the developing EPDP colony in 1973, has seen amazing expansion and alteration over the years, confirming its status as a noteworthy landmark in the neighborhood. Today, learn about the rich history and cultural significance of Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir.

    Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir established the annual Durga Puja celebration in 1977, which has since become a recognized and much awaited event in New Delhi. This five-day event draws a large crowd of devotees and is known as one of Delhi’s most important cultural gatherings. The temple carefully follows ancient traditions, even going to considerable efforts to find Bengal-specific flowers, such as the necessary blue lotus for the sandhi puja. The temple even secures entire ponds from Bengal in advance to assure a sufficient supply of beautiful blossoms. Discover the vivid and traditional Durga Puja celebrations at Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir.

    Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir witnessed the construction of a spectacular Kali temple in February 1984, showing the unique Bengal terracotta temple architecture style. The temple complex grew through time to accommodate two further temples, one dedicated to Shiva and the other to Radha-Krishna. These temples were decorated with elaborate terracotta patterns between 2006 and 2009, improving their architectural beauty and cultural value. Explore the amazing terracotta artistry of Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir’s temples, which represent the rich architectural legacy of Bengal.

    The Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir Society manages this temple, which serves as a developing center for cultural and religious events in the Chittaranjan Park Bengali community. The temple’s calendar is packed with religious ceremonies such as Kali Puja, Lakshmi Puja, Saraswati Puja, and Ganesh Chaturthi, all of which receive significant offerings from committed patrons, with a spike in donations during the fortunate Durga Puja season. Investigate the cultural and religious riches of Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir, as well as its active role in preserving Bengali history.

    Aside from its core religious function, the Kali Mandir has a substantial library with a broad selection of literature covering many aspects of Bengali culture. It also offers Bengali language lessons, making it a fantastic resource for those who want to study the language. The temple actively promotes cultural enrichment in the community via a range of activities such as festivals, competitions, and children’s programs. In addition, Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir operates a guest home for tourists, boosting its position as a diverse cultural and community center. Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir offers comprehensive services and cultural pursuits.

    Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir is a vital and well-loved institution in Delhi’s Bengali community, committed to the preservation of cultural legacy and spiritual devotion. The temple, with its diverse activities, festivals, and services, plays an important role in conserving and promoting Bengali culture and traditions in the heart of the city. Investigate the lasting relevance of Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir in enhancing the lives of both residents and tourists.

  • Shri Adhya Katyayani Shaktipeeth Mandir: A Divine Pilgrimage Destination

    Shri Adhya Katyayani Shaktipeeth Mandir: A Divine Pilgrimage Destination

    The Chhatarpur Temple, officially known as Shri Adhya Katyayani Shaktipith Mandir, is a magnificent temple located in the downtown area of Chhatarpur, Delhi, India. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, one of the nine forms of Hindu goddess Durga or Shakti, revered during the auspicious Navratri celebrations. The entire temple complex sprawls over an extensive 70-acre area and is situated on the southwestern outskirts of New Delhi, merely 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) away from the iconic Qutub Minar, accessible from the Mehrauli-Gurgaon road.

    Established in 1974 by Baba Sant Nagpal ji, who passed away in 1998, the temple complex includes his samadhi shrine located within the premises of the Shiv-Gauri Nageshwar Mandir.

    In the past, the Chhatarpur Temple held the distinction of being the second-largest temple in India and the third-largest in the world, although later, the Akshardham Temple in Delhi surpassed its scale and prominence. The temple’s exquisite architecture features complete marble construction with delicate jaali (perforated stone or latticed screen) work on all its facets, reflecting the vesara style of architectural design.

    The temple surroundings are of great ecological significance, forming an essential biodiversity area within the Northern Aravalli leopard wildlife corridor that stretches from Sariska Tiger Reserve to Delhi. The region also boasts historical sites such as Badkhal Lake (6km northeast), the ancient 10th-century Surajkund reservoir, Anangpur Dam, Damdama Lake, Tughlaqabad Fort, and Adilabad ruins in Delhi. Additionally, the temple complex is adjacent to the seasonal waterfalls in Pali-Dhuaj-Kot villages of Faridabad, the sacred Mangar Bani, and the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary. Moreover, several lakes have formed in the abandoned open pit mines in the forested hilly area of Delhi Ridge.

    Encompassing 60 acres (24.3 hectares), the temple complex comprises over 20 small and large temples divided into three different complexes. The primary deity worshipped in the temple is Goddess Katyayani. A notable feature is the side shrine within the main temple, which houses a shrine of Goddess Katyayani (Durga) that opens only during the bi-annual Navratri season, attracting thousands of devotees for darshan. Adjacent to it, a room serves as a living room with tables and chairs crafted in silver, while another room, known as the Shayan Kaksha (Bed Room), showcases a silver bed, dressing table, and table. This side shrine connects to a spacious satsang or prayer hall where religious discourses and bhajans (religious songs) are conducted. At the entrance to the main temple, a revered old tree stands where devotees tie holy threads, expressing their wishes for fulfillment.

    Another shrine of Goddess Durga remains open to devotees from morning till evening, situated above the shrines dedicated to Radha Krishna and Lord Ganesh.

    Apart from these, the temple complex also houses other temples devoted to Lord Rama, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Shiva, featuring both South and North Indian styles of temple architecture, enhancing the grandeur and diversity of this sacred place.

  • बीएपीएस श्री स्वामीनारायण अक्षरधाम: भारत का सबसे बड़ा मंदिर, गिनीज वर्ल्ड रिकॉर्ड धारक

    बीएपीएस श्री स्वामीनारायण अक्षरधाम: भारत का सबसे बड़ा मंदिर, गिनीज वर्ल्ड रिकॉर्ड धारक

    Swaminarayan Akshardham: A Marvel of Hindu Culture and
    Spirituality

    Akshardham Temple, also referred to as Swaminarayan Akshardham, is a remarkable symbol of Hindu spirituality, culture, and architectural power. This amazing structure, which is located in the center of
    Delhi, India, was formally inaugurated on November 6, 2005, under the direction of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, and in the presence of famous people such as A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, Manmohan Singh, L. K. Advani, and B. L. Joshi.

    Architectural Marvel of Akshardham

    The Akshardham Mandir, an architectural marvel measuring 141 feet tall, 316 feet wide, and 356 feet long, is Akshardham’s greatest achievement. It is a proof to traditional craftsmanship and is made with great
    detail from Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble. Surprisingly, it restricts the usage of ferrous metals such as steel or concrete. Incredibly, the temple has 20,000 murtis (images) of swamis, devotees, and acharyas in addition to 234 extensively carved pillars, nine magnificent roofs, and other
    features. An 11-foot-tall Swaminarayan murti in the Abhaya mudra, which represents the temple’s dedication, stands in its center.

    Spiritual and Cultural Journey

    Beyond the temple itself, the Akshardham complex offers tourists a profoundly spiritual and cultural excursion. It has a number of display halls, each of which is devoted to presenting Swaminarayan’s life and
    teachings. Among them, Sahajanand Darshan stands out for its lifelike robotics and displays that depict Swaminarayan’s teachings on harmony, peace, and devotion to God. The first and only large-format screen in Delhi is available to guests at Neelkanth Darshan, which is showing a movie on Swaminarayan’s teenage years as the yogi Neelkanth. Visitors may go on a 12-minute journey through 10,000 years of India’s beautiful legacy on the Sanskruti Darshan boat excursion, which highlights the country’s life, arts, sciences, and accomplishments.

    Watershow
    Spectacular Water Show and Cultural Tribute

    The Yagna purush Kund, India’s largest stepwell, which presents the spellbinding water display known as Sahaj Anand, is one of the complex’s attractions. This performance tells a tale from the Kena Upanishad using a range of multimedia techniques, including lasers, video projections, underwater flames, water jets, surround sound, and live performers. The Garden of India (Bharat Upavan) also has bronze statues of Mahatma Gandhi and other well-known Indian historical and cultural leaders.

    A Monumental Endeavor 

    Over the course of five years, over 11,000 artisans and volunteers worked tirelessly to build Akshardham. Yogi ji Maharaj’s vision and Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s unshakable commitment to the project were realized with the opening in 2005. The major monument’s spiritual importance was increased in 2010 with the opening of a rebuilt Garbha gruh (inner sanctuary).

    BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham
    Pramukh Swami Maharaj
    A Guinness World Record Holder
    A Guinness World Record Holder

    A Guinness World Record Holder

    Due to its huge dimension, skilled construction, and
    cultural significance, this amazing complex has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the “World’s Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple,”
    over differences from other temples in Tamil Nadu claiming to be larger.

    In conclusion, Swaminarayan Akshardham draws millions of tourists from all over the world as a representation of Hinduism’s spirituality and culture. It is a location where tradition and modernity mix alongside spirituality and artistic expression, resulting in a memorable experience for everyone who has the opportunity to go there. Discover the wonder that is Swaminarayan Akshardham and get involved in the huge web of Hindu spirituality and tradition.

    Jai Swaminarayan