Chhatarpur Temple, Delhi

Chhatarpur Temple, situated in the downtown area of Chhatarpur, Delhi, is a place of worship dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, one of the Navadurga, the nine forms of Hindu goddess Durga or Shakti worshipped during Navratri. Covering a vast expanse of 70 acres, the temple complex is located on the southwestern outskirts of New Delhi, a mere 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) away from the iconic Qutub Minar, off Mehrauli-Gurgaon road.

The temple was established in 1974 by Baba Sant Nagpal ji, who passed away in 1998. His samadhi shrine can be found within the premises of the Shiv-Gauri Nageshwar Mandir, part of the temple complex.

At one point, this temple held the distinction of being the second largest temple in India and the third largest in the world, until the Akshardham Temple was built in Delhi in 2005. The architectural style of the Chhatarpur Temple is Vesara, showcasing intricate jaali work (perforated stone or latticed screen) on the marble structure.

Within the main temple, there is a side shrine dedicated to Goddess Katyayani (Durga), which opens only during the bi-annual Navratri season. During this time, thousands of devotees flock to the temple for darshan. Adjacent to this shrine is a room designed as a living room with silver tables and chairs, and another room known as the Shayan Kaksha (Bed Room), featuring silver-carved furniture, including a bed, dressing table, and table. The temple also houses a spacious satsang or prayer hall where religious discourses and bhajans (religious songs) take place.

Why You Should Visit:
Superb location and an excellent piece of architecture!
Although the main temple opens only either on full moon days or during Navratri, the complex has very good management for visitors and almost every facility.

Tip:
Best time to visit is during the Navratri celebrations – and that, too, during the night when the temple is beautifully illuminated.