Chhatarpur Mandir, Delhi, IN

Deities: Goddess Durga
Location: On Gurgaon-Mehrauli Road, in South Delhi
Built by: Swami Nagpal Maharaj
Built in: 20th century
Attraction: Second largest temple complex in India
Admission Fee: Free and open to all

Chhatarpur Temple is one of the largest and most popular Hindu temples of not only Delhi but of whole India. Chhatarpur Temple is located at a distance of 4 kms. from Qutb Minar. The main Temple is dedicated to goddess Durga, while the devotees can also worship Shiva, Vishnu, Lakshmi or Ganesh in adjoining temples. Before the construction of the Akshardham temple in the year 2005, it was comfortably regarded as the largest temple in India and second largest in the world after the historical Angkor Watt in Thailand.

The white colored temple the lush green gardens totally complement each other, which makes the temple look even more beautiful and gives us a feeling of peacefulness within. The statue of Goddess Durga is also very divine. On the main entrance, there is an ancient tree that is covered with holy threads. People tie threads or bangles to this tree with the belief that their wishes would be fulfilled.

Here, two forms of Goddess Durga are commemorated. One shrine is dedicated to Maha Gauri (form of Durga), which is opened for 'darshan' every day. Another shrine is dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, whose 'darshan' can be availed only on 'ashtami' falling in every month. Otherwise, the 'darshan' of Goddess Katyayani can be made throughout the days of 'Navratri'. The golden image of Katyayani attracts the attention of devotees with its huge size and sheer divinity. Chhatarpur Mandir is an important temple, unfolding the religious legacy of India.

Architecture:
Extended over a wide area in serene ambiance, the temple presents a classic example of modern temple architecture that embodies extensive use of marbles. In the temple complex, there are beautiful gardens and lawns that leave a soothing impact on the souls of the devotees. The carvings of this temple are really worth admiring. The massive size of the temple complex creates a feeling of awe.

Festival:
The image of Katyayani Devi is placed in a big hall, which can also be reached from the hall of prayers. The gilded image of Goddess Katyayani is always festooned in rich clothes, striking jewelry and a heavy garland of flowers. During the time of Navratri, the temple is thronged by thousands of people. To control such massive crowd of devotees, serpentine queues are made ranging in kilometers. Innumerable security guards are kept to manage the functioning of queues.

How to Reach:
by Road: Tourists can either take local buses from various points within the city to reach this temple, or they can hire auto-rickshaws and taxis or take the metro rail.
by Rail: Nearest Railway Station: Nizamuddin Railway Station.
by Air: Distance from International Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport.

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