Chhatarpur Temple: A Marvel of Contemporary Hindu Architecture and Spirituality
Chhatarpur Temple, also known as Shri AdyaKatyayani Shakti Peeth Mandir, is a popular Hindu temple located in Chhatarpur, a southern suburb of Delhi, India. It is one of the largest and most beautiful temple complexes in India, spread over an area of 70 acres.
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, who is considered to be one of the forms of Goddess Durga, the Hindu goddess of power and strength. The temple is built entirely of white marble and has several beautifully carved domes and pillars that add to its grandeur.
History of Chattarpur temple
The history of this Shaktipeeth is inseparably intertwined with the life of its founder, the esteemed Saint Shree Durga-Charan-anuragi Baba SantNagpal. Baba, as he was affectionately known by his followers, was a remarkably humble individual who refrained from allowing his disciples to laud his name in any way during his lifetime. He was born on the propitious full-moon day of the Holi festival in 1981 of VikramSamvat (which coincided with Tuesday the 10th of March) in Karnataka. Tragically, he lost his parents at a very young age.
When his mother was cremated, an unknown woman took the sorrowful child to the nearby Temple of Mother Goddess and informed him that SHE was the true universal Mother who would always be by his side. From that instant, the Divine Mother provided him with a safe haven in her own embrace. Baba, in turn, dedicated himself entirely to the Divine Mother and surrendered himself in thought, word, and deed. To him, she was a living reality with whom he maintained constant communication, and he never took any action without first seeking her permission and blessings.
The architecture of Chhatarpur Temple
Chhatarpur Temple stands out as a remarkable example of contemporary Indian architecture, blending elements of North and South Indian temple styles. Amidst a city filled with Mughal tombs and colonial buildings, this temple serves as a beautiful addition. There are 20 other shrines dedicated to various deities in addition to Katyayani. . Some of the prominent deities worshipped here include Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman, and Goddess Saraswati. The temple also has a large pond, which is considered to be holy and is used for various religious rituals.
The temple’s extensive use of marble and intricate jali work carvings contribute to its reputation as one of the most finely designed modern Hindu temples. The temple’s courtyard houses a sacred peepal tree where devotees often tie threads in hopes of their wishes being granted.
The temple complex is also equipped with modern facilities such as air conditioning, elevators, and a large parking lot to cater to the needs of the thousands of devotees who visit the temple every day.
How to Reach
By Metro: The nearest metro station to Chhatarpur temple is Chhatarpur Metro Station, which is on the yellow line. From there, you can take a rickshaw or a cab to reach the temple.
By Bus: You can also take a bus to reach the temple. The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) operates several buses that pass through Chhatarpur. You can check the bus routes and timings on the official DTC website or app.
By Car: If you’re driving to the temple, you can take the Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road and turn towards the Chhatarpur Temple Road. The temple is located on this road.
By Taxi: You can also take a taxi or a cab to reach the temple. Several taxi and cab services operate in Delhi, including Uber and Ola. You can book a ride through their app or website.
All need to know
Location | Chhatarpur, Near Chhatarpur Metro Station, New Delhi, Delhi 110074 |
Timing | 6:00 am to 10:00 pm |
Entry Fee | Free |
Photography | Not permitted in prayer hall |
Main Deity | Goddess Katyayini (Avatar of Goddess Durga Mata) |
Nearest metro station | Near Chhatarpur Metro Station |