Shri Kalkaji Mandir, Delhi

Perhaps, one of the busiest Hindu temples in Delhi, Shri Kalkaji Mandir is dedicated to Goddess Kali, another form of Maa Aadi Shakti. This temple is also touted as Jayanti Peetha or Manokamna Siddha Peetha; the term manokamna means desire, Siddha means accomplishment and peetha refers to a shrine.

Therefore, it is said that Goddess Kali fulfills the desires and wishes of the devotees who come here to offer their prayers with a pure heart and true soul. Not just this, the temple traces its history from Satya Yuga (an ancient Hindu era) and is believed to be one of the oldest Maa Kali temples in India. This fact also makes it one of the major tourist attractions in Delhi. Throughout the year, you can witness a large gathering of devotees, especially on Saturdays.

The festival of Navratri also marks a significant footfall of devotees who come here to perform pilgrimage from far and wide. During this time, a large fair is also organized at the temple which thronged with devotees. Moreover, on the way towards the temple, you can find several vendors selling prasad (holy offering), religious items, and even sweets.

The bustling view outside the temple is so surreal that it will automatically give you a feeling of spirituality, right from the lane of the temple. Another belief states that the image of Goddess Kali at Kalkaji Mandir is a self-manifested one, and thus, the temple is considered as one of the highly revered shrines in Delhi. Furthermore, various religious activities like marriages and the offering of hair are performed at the temple.

History

As per the beliefs, the temple is more than 3000-year old. It is also said that at this very same place where the temple is presently located, Pandavas and Kauravas came to offer their prayers to the almighty. Just to let you know, the first construction of this temple was held in 1734. With time, the shrine got modifications in its structure.

The legend has it that two demons troubled the gods who resided in the neighborhood of the current temple. As a result of this, they approached Lord Brahma for help but he declined to interfere and asked to visit Goddess Parvati. From the mouth of Goddess Parvati sprung Kaushki Devi who conquered the two demons. But while battling with them, the blood of the demons fell on the dry land and as a result of this, thousands of more demons came into life.

Kaushik Devi, on the other hand, battled with all the demons. Seeing all this, Goddess Parvati concerned about her progeny, and from the eyebrows of Kaushki Devi came Goddess Kali. She slaughtered the demons and drank the blood as it was pouring out of their wounds; finally, the goddess conquered a victory on demons. It is also said that Maa Kali manifested herself and was commemorated as the chief divinity of the place.

Architecture

As per folklore, the temple dates back to the time of Satya Yuga. In the 19th century, changes were made in the temple’s construction by Raja Kedarnath. However, in the 20th century, the present structure of Sri Kalkaji Mandir was built by the contributions of devotees.

The modern temple is a 12-sided construction that boasts a simple design carved out of black pumice stones and marble. Besides, the temple also has some Dharamshalas around its construction. With brick and plaster masonry, the temple is surrounded by a pyramidal tower. The 12-sided central chamber is carved with marble and has a doorway on each of its sides. Moreover, it is also surrounded by a verandah that encloses the chamber from all sides.