Description
Kalkaji Devi Temple is a well known shrine in Delhi dedicated to Kalka Devi and is one of the oldest temples in India. Kalka Devi is said to be an incarnation of Shakti. The shrine is famous among devotees and people from all over the country crowd here every day. Kalkaji, New Delhi is a major tourist attraction.Delhi Kalkaji Devi Temple is situated in South Delhi near the very famous Lotus Temple. All kinds of public transport in Delhi can easily take you to the temple. The nearest metro station is Kalkaji Mandir. The nearest railway station is Okhla. The shrine is near the Nehru Place bus terminus.
History
There are many stories regarding the origin of the temple and is even said to have been there for the last 3000 years. Kalkaji Temple is said to have survived since the time of Mahabharata. Folklores have it that the Pandavas and Kauravas even worshipped Kalka Devi. Accoding to legend, the gods performed prayers and rituals on the advice of Lord Brahma and Kalkaji Mata appeared here pleased with the devotion. She blessed them and settled at this holy place and since then she has been listening to the wishes of her followers who come to this shrine. Historical accounts mention that the Marathas plundered the temple in the battle of Talkatora in 1738. Later during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar, his treasurer Raja Kedarnath made some changes to the architecture.
Importance/Significance
The Kalkaji temple is also known as 'Jayanti Peetha' and 'Manokamna Siddha Peetha'. 'Manokamna Siddha Peetha' literally translates to 'shrine of desire fulfillment'. So it is revered as a shrine where one's all wishes get fulfilled by the divine blessings of Kalka Devi.
Facts/Mythology
The daily ritual of Mata Snanam is the bathing of the idol with milk every morning. An aarti followed by recitation of hymns takes place every morning at 6 AM and every evening at 7:30 PM. It is lighted the whole night and many devotees meditate there. A tantric aarti is also held in the evening. Devotees can buy offering items from near the entrance.Through devotees throng the Delhi Kalkaji Devi Temple all throughout the year, the footfall is most during Navratri. During this time, a large fair is oranised here and hymns are sung in praise of Kalkaji Devi.
Festivals/Events/Gatherings
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