Kalkaji Mandir

Shri Kalkaji Mandir, one of Delhi's biggest Hindu temples, is devoted to Goddess Kali, a different version of Maa Aadi Shakti. Jayanti Peetha or Manokamna Siddha Peetha, which means "desire" in Sanskrit and "success" in Tamil, is another name for this temple. It is stated that Goddess Kali fulfills the aspirations and dreams of devotees who come here with a pure heart and sincere soul to worship. Furthermore, the temple dates back to Satya Yuga (an ancient Hindu period), making it one of the earliest Maa Kali temples in India. Many worshippers assemble throughout the year, particularly on Saturdays. During the Navratri festival, a great number of pilgrims from all over the globe come together to perform the religious pilgrimage. The temple also hosts a major fair during this time, drawing throngs of worshippers. In addition, there are a lot of merchants selling Prashad (holy offerings), religious artifacts, and even sweets as you approach the temple. You'll get a sense of spirituality as soon as you step out of the temple's pathway since the busy scene outside is so bizarre. Kalkaji Mandir is regarded as one of Delhi's most sacred shrines due to the idea that the image of Goddess Kali is self-created. In addition, the temple is used for a variety of religious functions, including weddings and the giving of hair.

It is located in the southern portion of the Indian capital of Delhi in Kalkaji, an area that takes its name from the temple. It is located just across the street from the business hub of Nehru Place. Public transportation to the temple is available on Kalkaji Mandir (Delhi Metro), and it is located close to the Nehru Place bus terminal and the Okhla railway station. This temple, according to popular mythology, was built by the Goddess Kalka herself during the Satya Yuga period, when she had incarnated and destroyed the demon Raktabija, as well as other enormous demons in order to protect the world from the evil eye of the sun.

There are vast crowds of worshippers that assemble on festivals and auspicious days to get a sight of the goddess, who is lined up in serpentine lines to have their chance. During the nine-day festival of Navratri, pilgrims, and devotees flock to the temple to offer their prayers. To commemorate the event, the temple administration organized a fair in the vicinity of the temple. The number of devotees who come to the temple on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays is at its highest. Shiva, Hanuman, Ganesha, Lakshmi-Narayan, Bhairon, Sita-Ram, and the nine planets are some of the deities honored in the temple's grounds. One noteworthy aspect of the temple courtyard is that it has its own hawan (incense burner) and a holy Neem tree.

Structure of the Temple

The temple, according to local legend, dates back to the period of the Satya Yuga. Raja Kedarnath made modifications to the temple's architecture during the 19th century, which are still visible today. The current edifice of Sri Kalkaji Mandir, on the other hand, was constructed in the twentieth century as a result of the efforts of devotees. Located in the heart of the city, the contemporary temple is a 12-sided structure with a straightforward design cut from black pumice stones and marble. Aside from that, the temple is surrounded by a number of Dharamshalas or meditation centers. The temple is enclosed by a pyramidal tower, which is constructed of brick and plaster masonry. The center chamber has 12 sides, each of which is carved with marble and has a doorway on each of its sides. Furthermore, it is encircled by a verandah, which completely encloses the room on all sides and provides shade.

History

According to local legend, the temple is more than three thousand years old. Furthermore, it is stated that the Pandavas and the Kauravas arrived at this exact same location, where the temple is now built, to offer their prayers to the almighty. For your information, the initial building of this temple took place in 1734, according to historical records. Throughout history, the shrine's construction has undergone alterations.

Mata Kalka Devi is said to have taken up residence at the shrine, according to a number of myths and chronicles. As a legend has it, the goddesses used to reside in the location where the temple is now situated. As a result of their constant torment at the hands of two evil spirits, they were obliged to seek refuge under the lotus feet of Lord Bramha, the creator. Bramha pointed the gods in the direction of the holy mother, Parvati. Kaushiki Devi was born from Parvati's holy lips as a gift from the gods, and she instantly set out to defeat the two demons.

During the course of the goddess's slaughter of the demons, she was surprised to discover that other demons had risen from their blood. In order to exterminate the demons, the fierce form of Mata Kalika emerged from the third eye of Mata Kaushiki, with her bottom lip lying on the earth and her upper lip reaching the endless sky. She started consuming the demons' blood in order to prevent them from growing and becoming even more demons. Soon after, the goddess put a stop to their threat by killing them once and for all. On being urged by the deities after that occurrence, Ma Kalika elected to stay in the same location as a Pindi and picked Surya Koota Parvata for her permanent dwelling, which is where she is now. The temple of Ma Kalika, also known as Kalka, is one of India's oldest ancient sanctuaries and is considered to be one of the holiest places on the planet.

Connection with Mahabharata

If stories are to be accepted, the temple has been in existence since the time of the Mahabharata; nonetheless, the majority of the shrine was built in 1764 AD, according to historical records.

According to local legend, this temple was visited by the Pandavas and the Kauravas for devotion. Renovation of the temple began in the mid-19th century when Kedarnath, the Mughal emperor Akbar's treasurer, was appointed to the task. Later, in the twentieth century, the shrine was further renovated using cash gathered from worshippers and donated to the temple. Black marble and pumice stones were used to construct the temple that survives today. It is eight-sided.

Timings