Famous Temples to Visit in Delhi During Navratri

Shardiya Navratri, one of the most important Hindu festivals, begins on 3rd October 2024. This nine-day festival is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms. It marks a period of devotion, fasting, and celebration, as devotees seek the blessings of the Goddess for protection, prosperity, and well-being. Shardiya Navratri typically falls in the month of Ashwin and is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, with temples adorned with lights, special prayers, and vibrant cultural events.

Top 5 Famous Temples of Delhi

During the sacred Navratri festival, devotees from across the region visit several famous temples in Delhi to pay their respects to Goddess Durga. Some of the most popular temples that witness large crowds during Navratri include:

Jhandewalan Temple

Located on Jhandewalan Road, on the way to Karol Bagh, this ancient Hindu temple is dedicated to Maa Aadi Shakti. The temple gets its name from the prayer flags, or "Jhandas," offered there during the reign of Shah Jahan. According to legend, a devotee named Badri had a vision of the Goddess, revealing the idol, leading to the temple's establishment. Special Navratri pujas are performed here, and the temple is beautifully decorated with flowers and lights.

Kalkaji Temple

Kalkaji Temple, dedicated to the Kali avatar of Goddess Durga, is located in South Delhi and was built in 1764 AD. It is believed that the Pandavas worshipped here. Known as 'Manokaamna Siddha Peetha,' the temple is where devotees' wishes are believed to be fulfilled. According to legend, Goddess Kali appeared at this spot, now known as Surya Koota Parvata, and blessed the Gods after they performed rituals on Lord Brahma’s advice.

Yogmaya Temple

This temple in Mehrauli is dedicated to Goddess Yogmaya, the sister of Lord Krishna. It is one of the five surviving temples from the Mahabharata period. Rajput King Hemu is believed to have reconstructed it. Yogmaya is considered an aspect of Maya, the illusionary power of God. The temple draws many devotees during Navratri, and the idol here is said to be the one Kansa, Lord Krishna's uncle, tried to kill on Janmashtami.

Chhattarpur Temple

Chhattarpur Temple, dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, is the second-largest temple complex in India, located on the southwestern outskirts of Delhi. Built by Baba Sant Nagpal Ji in 1974, the temple complex includes a shrine to Goddess Katyayani,, open only during Navratri. Thousands of devotees visit for darshan during the festival, and a special tree at the entrance is where people tie threads to have their wishes fulfilled.

Gufa Temple

Situated in Preet Vihar, East Delhi, the Gufa Temple is about 22 years old. Its large cave structure resembles the Vaishno Devi shrine, with additional small caves housing idols of Goddess Katyayani, Chintpurni, and Jwala Devi. The temple is particularly popular during Navratri, drawing large crowds of devotees.