Dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Kali, Kalkaji Mandir, also known as Kalkaji Temple, is a famous temple situated at Kalkaji, in the southern part of Delhi. It is believed that the idol of Goddess Kalka in this temple is a self-manifested one and the shrine dates back to Satya Yuga. It is believed that the oldest portions of the present building was constructed not earlier than the 1764 AD and Mirza Raja Kidar Nath, the Peshkar of Akbar II, made some additions to it in 1816 AD.

location New Delhi, New Delhi, New Delhi

Legend

According to the legends, Raktabija along with other giant demons troubled the people and the Devas and they requested to Lord Brahma to help them. Lord Brahma asked Devas to get the help from Goddess Parvati. Out of the mouth of Maa Parvati sprung Kaushki Devi, who attacked the two giants and slaughtered them; however, it was impossible to kill Raktabija because thousands of giants came into life when his blood fell on the earth. Goddess Kali came out of the eyebrows of Goddess Parvati and Goddess Kali drank the blood of the slaughtered giants as it poured out of their wounds. At the end, Goddess Kali killed Raktabija and other demons. After that war, Goddess Kali fixed her abode here and was worshipped as the chief divinity of the place.

Architecture

The temple is constructed of brick masonry finished with plaster (now with marbles) and is surrounded by a pyramidal tower. The Central Chamber which is 12 sided in plan with a doorway in each side is paved with marble and is surrounded by a verandah containing 36 arched openings. This verandah encloses the Central Chamber from all sides. About the middle of this arcade opposite the eastern doorway, there are two red sandstone tigers sitting on a marble pedestal. Between the tigers there is stone image of Kali Devi with her name engraved on it in Hindi, and a trident of stone standing before it.

Culture

Delhi, the capital city of India is home to people from all over the country and also from around the world. This has in turn molded Delhi culture in such a way that the same gets reflected in the behavior and activities of the people. So, it can be conveniently said that the culture of Delhi is an amalgamation of different cultures. The city is also the main political center. Aside from that, Delhi has a rich historical past. In fact, there are 2 main factors that have influenced Delhi culture to a great extent. The first one is the fact that people have made this city their home. And the other factor is the rich cultural heritage of the city.

Darsan Info

04:00 AM To 11:30 PM                                                                                     

The Temple remains closed during : 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM every day for offering of prasada (Food) to the Deity

03:00 PM - 04:00 PM everyday for cleaning Etc.

Darsan Dresscode

Need to wear modest clothes and avoid shorts for men

Famous Festival

Navaratri

Temple Rituals

The major ritual consists of offering and bathing the idol (Mata Snanam) with milk is followed by an Aarti every morning (06:00 AM) and evening (07:30 PM). This in turn, is followed by hymn recitation. Offerings can be purchased just before the entrance of the temple. The Puja archana and other rituals are performed turn by turn (Monthly Basis) by Pujaris consisting of more than 1000 families who are the descendants of 4 main clans (Thulas) of brahmin pujaris and one clan of Jogis/Mahants.   

Aarti - Prayers Morning : 06.00 AM - 07.30 AM (Winter) 05.00 AM - 06.30 AM (Summer)

Evening : 06.30 PM - 08.00 PM (Winter) 07.00 - 08.30 PM (Summer) (Note : The actual timings of aarti may vary)

Additional Info

 

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