Delhi is a melting pot of history, culture, and spirituality, indeed the capital city of India, and some of the most beautiful and significant temples abound – strikingly iconic, elegantly beautiful, with its skyscrapers, bustling streets, and colonial architecture. The temples for their architectural beauty, serene atmosphere and religious importance, attract devotees and tourists alike. Whether you go there to collect blessings, to admire such great architecture, or just to find a place of peace far away from all hustle and bustle, these temples are great destinations. Here’s the handpicked list of 10 Most Famous & Beautiful Temples found in Delhi.
1. Akshardham Temple
Location: Noida Mor, Pandav Nagar
Nearest Metro Station: Akshardham
Timing 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Attraction: World’s biggest comprehensive Hindu temple
About the Temple:
The Akshardham Temple is a perfect amalgamation of olden traditional Hindu architecture and new Indian architecture. There are a lot of buildings in wide open areas; this temple is more than just a temple. It is a place for devotion, learning, and harmony. This temple is the majestic Hindu temple complex for its perfect carvings, beautifully designed gardens, and striking architecture.
Pro Tip: Visit in the evening to witness the breathtaking Water Show. Arrive early, as queues can be long, especially on weekends.
Not Allowed: All Electronic Items (Mobiles, Camera, Pen Drives, Hands-Free etc.) All Bags Purses (Shoulder Strap / Hanging) Food & Drinks Toys Tobacco & Alcohol Products All Personal Belongings
Allowed: Shoes, Belts, Wallets, Ladies Purses (Handheld) Jewellery, Passports, Infant Baby Food
2. Lotus Temple
Location: Kalkaji New Delhi
Nearest Metro Station: Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station
Timing: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Mondays closed)
Attraction: Beautiful Lotus-shaped building
About the Temple:
The Lotus Temple, considered as one of the most iconic temples, is designed as a lotus flower. It is open to people belonging to all religions as a worship place for the Baha’i Faith. The Lotus Temple symbolizes peace and unity in harmony, open to all faiths, and no religious rituals are performed inside. This lotus-flower-like temple has been constructed to depict purity. Its serene environment makes it a very popular place for meditation and quiet contemplation.
Pro Tip: The best time to visit is just before sunset when the white marble structure takes on a golden hue.
3. ISKCON Temple
Address: Hare Krishna Hills, East of Kailash
Nearest Metro Station: Nehru Place metro station
Timing: 4:30 AM to 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM (All days open)
Speciality: Centre for Vaishnavism, Aartis are spectacular
About the Temple:
ISKCON Temple, known for the Hare Krishna Temple, is one of the popular Hindu temples. This temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha, the ISKCON Delhi is a very vibrant and active temple in which one can see several activities related to devotion such as reciting mantras and kirtans. This complex also boasts of a Vedic Museum.
Pro Tip: Try to attend the evening aarti for a mesmerizing experience of chanting and devotion. The temple also offers delicious vegetarian meals (prasadam) to visitors.
4. Birla Mandir (Laxmi Narayan Temple)
Location: Mandir Marg, Near Connaught Place
Nearest Metro Station: RK Ashram Marg
Timing: 4:30 AM to 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM to 9:00 PM (Open all days)
Attraction: Famous for celebrating Janmashtami and Diwali
About the Temple:
Laxmi Narayan Temple, popularly known as Birla Mandir, is the temple of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. The Birlas have constructed this temple, and it can be called a symbol of modern Indian temple architecture. It is one among the prominent temples in Delhi during major Hindu festivals.
Pro Tip: Visit during Diwali & Janmashtami to witness grand celebrations and beautiful decorations.
5. Chhatarpur Temple
Location: Chhatarpur, South Delhi
Nearest Metro Station: Chhattarpur
Timing: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Open all days)
Attraction: Second largest temple complex in India
About the Temple:
Chhatarpur Temple is one of the biggest temple complexes in India, dedicated to Goddess Katyayani. The place has numerous shrines and nice gardens and can accommodate numerous visitors and devotees.
Pro Tip: Visit during Navratri for best experience.
6. Kalkaji Temple
Location: Near Lotus Temple, Kalkaji
Nearest Metro Station: Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station
Timing: 6 AM – 10 PM (Open on all days)
Attraction: Ancient temple that is dedicated to Goddess Kali
About the Temple:
Kalkaji Temple is one of the oldest and the most revered temples in Delhi, dedicated to Maa Kali. During the festival of Navratri, it is filled with devotees. Due to rich history and religious importance of the temple, it forms a sacred destination for the pilgrims.
Pro Tip: If you are visiting during Navratri, be prepared for whopping crowds. Visiting the temple early in the morning is recommended for enjoying undisturbed darshan.
7. Hanuman Mandir, Connaught Place
Location: Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Connaught Place
Nearest Metro Station: Rajeev Chowk
Timing: 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM (Open all days)
Attraction: One of the five temples of Mahabharata days
About the Temple:
This temple is dedicated to Hanuman ji and is believed to have existed since the Mahabharata era. The temple, regarded by many devotees as very sacred in its history, is a relic from the ancient days when Hanuman ji was worshipped. With Tuesdays and Saturdays being more auspicious days for worshiping Lord Hanuman, the temple is most crowded on these two days.
Pro Tip: Attend the evening aarti for a spiritual experience. Also, carry some prasad for the monkeys outside the temple.
8. Jhandewalan Temple
Location: Jhandewalan Extension, Paharganj
Nearest Metro Station: Jhandewalan
Timing: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM (All days)
Attraction: Dedicated to Goddess Durga; huge Navratri celebrations
About the Temple:
Jhandewalan Temple is a famous temple dedicated to Maa Durga, known for its grand Navratri celebrations. Dedicated, in silence, the serenity of the temple offers its large idol of Durga Maa much attention from devotees. This temple houses one of the largest idols of Maa Durga in Delhi.
Pro Tip: Early morning visits offer a more peaceful experience and a chance to witness the morning aarti.
9. Gauri Shankar Temple
Location: Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi
Nearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk
Timing: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily
Attraction: 800-year-old temple dedicated to Mahadev.
About the Temple:
Gauri Shankar Temple is one of the oldest temples in Delhi dedicated to Mahadev. The place has a serene atmosphere; its rich history and cultural relevance make the temple uniquely enriching for the devotees and tourists who visit this place.
Pro Tip: This temple also gets less crowded during early mornings. During your temple trip, If you have time you can also visit the street markets of Chandni Chowk.
10. Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir
Address: Netaji Subhash Marg, opposite Red Fort
Nearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk
Timing: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily
Attraction: Temple architecture
About the Temple:
This Mandir is known for its detailed & beautiful architecture and sculptures. When you visit the temple you see attractive idol of Mahavira, who is also considered the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. It is a white marble idol which is accompanied by several bejeweled ornaments.
Pro Tip: After visiting the temple, take some time to explore the nearby markets and historical sites.
Conclusion
These are just a 10 Most Famous & Beautiful Temples in Delhi. Each one of them has its own charm and importance, and shows off the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of the city. Take some time to explore these temples to get a better feel of the religious diversity in the city and experience the vibrant spirit of the city.
Important Reminders
- Remove Shoes: Wear easily removable shoes and carry a bag to store them if needed.
- Photography Rules: Some temples don’t allow photography inside.
- Prepared for Security Checks: Many popular temples have security checks.
- Embrace the Experience: Each temple has its unique atmosphere.