Built by:
Maratha Rulers
Also known as: Kalkaji
Temple
Primary deity: Goddess Kali
Important Festivals: Navratri
Attraction: Arti of the Temple
INTRODUCTION
Kalka Mandir is also known as Kalkaji Temple or
Kalkaji Mandir. It is a well known temple situated in South Delhi opposite to
Nehru place market and is dedicated to Goddess Kali. The locality where this
temple is situated is Kalkaji itself as it has derived its name from the temple
only. The temple is situated next to the famous Bahai Lotus Temple and close to
ISKON temple. It is located on Suryakoota Parvata of Aravali range and thus
Kalka devi is also known as Suryakoota Niwasini.
Kalkaji mandir
is counted among the oldest temples of India that are dedicated to Goddess Kali
who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga.
HISTORY
According to the legend, the shrine is believed to
be present since the times of Satya Yuga when Goddess Kali killed Raktabija and
other demons. As per the official Government records, the temple building
is not older than 1764 and was constructed by Maratha rulers. It is also
recorded that further additions were made by Mirza Raja Kidar Nath who was the
Peshkar of Akbar II.
HOW TO REACH
By Rail
The
temple is very near to the railway stations Nizamuddin and Okhla. Nizamuddin
has trains coming from all over the country while some have stoppages at Okhla
as well.
It also
has good connectivity via metro rail service of Delhi as it is at walking
distance from Kalkaji Metro station which lies on Purple line.
By Road
The
temple is very close to Nehru Place bus stand which is a local bus terminus. It
is 5km from Interstate Bus Terminus Nizamuddin.
By Air
Being a
capital city, New Delhi boasts of the Indira Gandhi Airport which is
well-connected to all other cities
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TEMPLE
The temple is also known as 'Manokamna Siddha Peetha' or 'Jayanti
Peetha' which means the place is believed to grant the devotees whatever they
desire in the form of the blessings of Goddess Kali
WEATHER AND TIME TO VISIT
Devotees flock the temple throughout the year but the influx is
maximum during Navratri festival which occurs twice a year in spring and
autumn. It extends over a period of 9 days during which a magnificent fair is
organized.
ACCOMODATION
Since
the temple is situated at the heart of the city, there is no lack of accommodations.
All sorts of accommodations ranging from luxurious 5 star hotels to economic
Dharamshalas are available at Kalka Mandir.
TIPS FOR DEVOTEES
The
temple is open on all days from 04:00 in the morning to 11:30 in the night. The
arti is held in the morning at 06:00 in winters and 05:00 in summers and in the
evening at 6:30 in winters and 07:00 in summer. The arti continues for a period
of 90 minutes for which offerings are sold at the entrance of the temple. The
visitors are advised to be cautious as the place is crowded and there is a
danger of Pickpockets.
IMAGES
VIDEOS
REFERENCES
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