“Did you know that New Delhi, our capital city, is home to one of the tallest Hanuman statues? The city, often called Mini India, is a spiritual hub with its historic temples, sacred dargahs, and holy gurudwaras. Join us on a virtual journey through New Delhi’s spiritual side as we explore the 15 Best Historical Temples of Delhi.
New Delhi, India’s golden capital, is a place where history comes alive! Dil Walon ki Dilli is famous for its grand forts, beautiful gardens, and mouth-watering food. But did you know it’s also a city of gods and goddesses? With the spirituality flowing in the air of every corner of the city, Delhi can be the solution to your spiritual problems and provide you with peace.
Living in this city for the last three years, I can guarantee you that Delhi is going to steal your heart.
Let’s Explore Delhi’s Spiritual Side: 15 Iconic Historical Temples of Delhi
Delhi is like a big book filled with amazing stories that tell us about the rich heritage, past of India, and religious traditions, while the historic temples stand still with deep-rooted religious beliefs. Let’s start the virtual journey of Delhi’s spiritual side through this blog.
1. Akshardham Temple
We will start with the brilliant representation of Indian culture, spirituality, and architecture, the Akshardham Temple. This famous historical temple, also known as Swaminarayan Akshardham, is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan.
Akshardham Temple, one of the historical temples of Delhi, boasts breathtaking architecture that adds to its grandeur. This magnificence earned it a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the World’s Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple
As you travel by metro, you can catch a glimpse of the historic Akshardham Temple. The temple’s aura is captivating, drawing you in—and it certainly did the same to me. Inspired, I made a plan with my friends to visit the temple. After a nearly two-hour journey, we finally entered the premises, and it was worth every minute.
The sacred temple features intricately carved mandapams, with timeless Hindu teachings and devotional traditions etched into its walls. The essence of Indian architecture, traditions, and spiritual wisdom is beautifully embodied in the centerpiece: the Murti of Lord Swaminarayan, surrounded by depictions of 20,000 gods and goddesses from Indian history.
Moreover, Akshardham Temple boasts India’s largest stepwell, where a mesmerizing water show is held. The complex also includes an open garden and the Narayan Sarovar, where various rituals and expeditions are performed.
The entire complex is nothing short of a paradise! It’s a place you should visit with your family.
2. Bangla Sahib Gurudwara
Do you want to take a pause from the fast pace of life and enjoy moments of peace and spirituality? Then you should visit Bangla Sahib Gurudwara. Located in Connaught Place, this beautiful Sikh temple symbolizes faith and unity and is one of the must-visit historical temples in Delhi.
This historic temple is dedicated to the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan Ji. It is said that this gurudwara was once a haveli where Guru Har Krishan Ji cared for people suffering from smallpox, and he took his last breath while battling the same illness. After his demise, the Sikh community converted the haveli into this glorious gurudwara, making it one of the prominent historical temples of Delhi.
The atmosphere of the Gurudwara is peaceful and serene, as it is filled with continuous prayers and langar service offered by the community. People from every religion, caste, and race can visit the Gurudwara.
3. Kali Bari Temple
Another iconic Kali temple in Delhi, the Kali Bari, was constructed in 1938 at the request of the Bengali population living in the city. This must-visit temple, located in Connaught Place, is one of the notable historical temples of Delhi. The harmonious and uplifting surroundings will soothe your soul, and Maa Kali will bless you with the power and courage to move forward and overcome the obstacles in your life
Bengalis’ auspicious festival ‘Durgo Pujo’ is celebrated with grandness and attracts the most devotees and visitors during it. The atmosphere turns divine with all the celebration rituals. You should not miss attending this celebration if you are here in October or November!
Also, do you know? When the historical temple was established, Subhash Chandra Bose was appointed as the first president of India.
4. Jhandewalan Hanuman Temple
One of the most iconic Hanuman temples, featuring a 108-foot-tall statue, is located above the metro line between Karol Bagh and Jhandewalan Metro Stations. This historical temple in Delhi, built in 1997, is the epitome of architectural genius and devotion. Upon reaching the temple, you’ll be greeted by a dramatic entrance designed like the mouth of a rakshasa (demon), with an idol of Goddess Kali at the base.
The devotees usually visit throughout the year, but Tuesdays and Saturdays are the most visited and crowded. I have a tip for you! If you’ll visit the temple during the evening aarti, you’ll witness a mesmerizing activity that will leave you stunned.
The arms of the tall Hanuman idol move back, opening his chest apart, resulting in the divine idols of Goddess Sita and Lord Ram appearing to bless the worshippers. Trust me, the experience is going to be unforgettable.
5. Lotus Temple, Delhi
One of the most beautiful and iconic temples in New Delhi, the Lotus Temple, is located near Nehru Place. This historical temple of Delhi is not only a sacred pilgrimage site for the Baha’i faith but also a famous monument of our country.
The design of this holy temple was conceptualized by Canadian architect Fariborz Sahba and finally completed in 1986. The petals of the building/lotus represent the motive of the oneness of the Almighty and are open to all, regardless of their nationality, religion, race, or gender.
The temple, with its awe-striking architecture, is surrounded by green lushness, making it peaceful and serene. You can chant and pray to any god while in the temple, and nobody will bother you. You can connect yourself with the supreme power by meditating here, in peace.
The Baha’is have a total of seven houses of worship present in the world, and the beautiful Lotus Temple is one of them, without a doubt it is one of the must-visit places in New Delhi.
6. Dargah Hazrat Nizamuddin
I hope you remember the song ‘ Kun Faya Kun‘ from the movie Rockstar and some other Sufi songs about and featuring Nizamuddin Auliya!
Located in Delhi, the Nizamuddin Dargah is a famous Sufi shrine dedicated to Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. This spiritual center, which also houses the tomb of the famous Urdu poet Amir Khusro, is a testament to the Sufi saint’s teachings of love, peace, and universal brotherhood. It stands among the revered historical temples in Delhi
The architecture of the Dargah is a representation of the rich heritage of Delhi, as it has a detailed marble pavilion, surrounded by several monuments, and the qawwali performances also take place here every Thursday.
The sacred Muslim pilgrimage is always bustling with devotees but the ‘Urs’ festival, observing the death anniversary of Amir Khusro and Basant Panchami, receives the most crowd. The celebrations cannot be missed at any cost! The harmonious and devotion-filled environment will make your spiritual self feel at peace and belonging.
A visit to Nizamuddin Dargah offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich Sufi tradition and experience the spiritual energy of the place.
7. Bhairon Temple
The must-visit Hindu temple, Kilkari Bhairav, is located in Pragati Maidan, near the Old Fort. This historical temple in Delhi, also known as Bhairon Mandir, is dedicated to the Hindu god Bhairava. The temple has two wings: one for Doodhiya Bhairav, where devotees offer milk to the idol, and the other for Kilkari Bhairav, where alcohol is offered to the god
According to the locals, the temple is built by the Pandavas and is one of its kind due to the rituals practiced here. Another amazing fact, we got to know, associated with this temple is that the great Bheem (one of the Pandavas) worshipped in this temple and has also attained siddhis.
The main festivals that have devotees come in large numbers to seek blessings from Bhairav Baba are Mahashivratri and Navratri.
8. Kalka Mandir, Delhi
Also known as the Kalkaji Temple, this historical temple in Delhi is located in the southern part of the city. The Kalka Mandir is dedicated to Goddess Kali, who symbolizes power and is a destroyer of evil.
According to mythological stories, it is believed that it was the birthplace of Kali Mata, where this temple currently stands. Adding to this, it is also believed that during the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna and the Pandavas also worshipped Kali at this very temple. This must-visit temple not only attracts pilgrims and devotees but also tourists, as it shows ancient Indian values and traditions.
The temple’s main festival is Navratri. The celebrations at the temple start with the devotees offering a milk bath to the idol of Kali Mata, after which a grand tantric Aarti is held in the morning and evening.
One must visit this temple on their tour of Delhi.
9. Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir , Delhi Overview
One of the famous as well as ancient Jain temples in Delhi, Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir, is located in Chandni Chowk in front of the iconic Red Fort. This historical temple in Delhi, built in 1658, is dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism, Parshvanath. The striking red sandstone building houses a statue of Parshvanath, along with idols of Lord Mahavira and Rishabhdev
Inspired by Vardhman Mahavir’s message ‘live and let live’, there is a famous avian veterinary hospital behind the main temple. The Jain Birds Hospital tends to birds and avian patients that need utmost care.
Paryushan, Samvatsari, Jnaan Panchami, and Deepawali are the major festivals celebrated at the temple, and we recommend you visit at the same time to be a part of the elaborate festivities.
10. Yogmaya Temple, Delhi
One of the underrated temples, Yogmaya Temple, also known as Jogmaya Mandir, is located in Mehrauli, New Delhi. This historical temple in Delhi, built 5,000 years ago, is dedicated to Goddess Yogmaya, the sister of Lord Krishna. Goddess Yogmaya is considered an incarnation of Goddess Durga.
This sacred historical temple in Delhi has been destroyed multiple times during the Sultanate and Mughal periods, but despite these attacks, the temple remains intact and continues to welcome thousands of devotees each year.
Famous for its inter-faith festival, Phoolwalon-ki-Sair, the temple’s oldest religious tradition began in 1812. Devotees celebrate this festival grandly, with dedication and love for the goddess
11. Laxminarayan Temple or Birla Temple, New Delhi
There are a number of famous temples in India, and the Laxminarayan Temple of Delhi is one of them. Also known as Sri Laxmi Narayan Mandir, this historical temple in Delhi, built in the 20th century, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi.
The must-visit temple located in Connaught Place was the biggest temple, with 3 floors from its base along a park with sculptures. The architecture of the temple is outstanding, and it will leave you amazed.
Even visited by large numbers of devotees throughout the year, it receives the highest number of visitors and worshippers during the festivals of Janmashtami and Diwali.
You cannot miss visiting this temple while you are in Delhi.
12. Mahabodhi Vihar, Delhi
Are you seeking a spiritual retreat amidst the bustling city life? Visit the Mahabodhi Temple in Delhi. This historical temple in Delhi, dedicated to Lord Buddha, is a serene place with a calm atmosphere to help heal your spiritual self
Inspired by the iconic Mahabodhi temple in Bihar, this magnificent structure has a golden dome and detailed Buddhist motifs, which allows you to immerse yourself in the devotion and experience the Buddha teachings on the sacred premises.
While the temple doesn’t have specific festivals like its Bodh Gaya counterpart, it offers a year-round opportunity for meditation, prayer, and spiritual reflection.
So, if you are someone from Delhi and want to have an experience like this in your life, do not forget to visit the Mahabodhi Vihar.
Explore https://itihaaskikhoj.in/a-tour-of-11-historical-temples-of-bihar/
13. The Nili Chhatri temple
Another notable temple is the Nili Chhatri Temple, situated at Nigam Bodh Ghat in Delhi, on the banks of the famous Yamuna River. It is believed that this historical temple in Delhi was built by the eldest Pandava, Yudhishthira, to honor Lord Shiva
According to the mythological stories, the famous ritual Ashwamedha—a horse sacrifice followed by a Vedic recitation was said to be performed in this temple. The temple’s architecture is simple yet beautiful, with a blue dome on the building.
Auspicious days like Mahashivratri, Shravan Maas, and Basant Panchami are the busiest days of the temple, as they are fully packed with Shiva devotees to offer their prayers to the supreme lord.
I would recommend you visit the temple during these festivals to experience the dive and powerful presence of Lord Shiva. Do not forget to take Bela Patra and milk to offer.
14. Sri Jagannath Mandir in Delhi,
Located in Hauz Khas, Sri Jagannath Mandir is a replica of the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri. This historical temple in Delhi is highly admired among the Oriya community of Delhi. The main deity is Lord Jagannath, with Lord Balabhadra and Maa Subhadra also worshipped here.
The historical temple is constructed according to the Vaastu and is also adorned by a forest. a lake and a broad road resembling Badadanda, like the Puri temple, and is thoroughly painted with white marble, which automatically enhances its beauty.
Additionally, the flagstaff is attached to the chakra (blue wheel), which always hoists. The rising sun touches the temple and sets overlapping a half circle of the temple.
You should visit this historical temple in delhi during Rath Yatra Puja to offer your prayers to Lord Jagannath!
If Odisha is your next destination, check out our blog at https://itihaaskikhoj.in/7-historical-temples-you-must-visit-in-odisha-a-spiritual-and-cultural-journey/
15. ISKCON Temple
The list of historical temples in Delhi is incomplete without the ISKCON Temple. Dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha, the ISKCON Temple, located in East of Kailash, is a vibrant hub of devotional activities
The architecture of the temple is truly impressive. Built with stunning white marble, the grandness of this historical temple in Delhi is simply breathtaking. The detailed carvings, statues of Lord Krishna with holy cows, and soulful melodies of devotional songs have the power to heal your inner self.
ISKCON Temple is a must-visit for those seeking spirituality and an escape from a fast-paced, stressful life. Join the devotees in Bhajan Sandhyas and chant Hare Krishna while experiencing the positive energy that this beautiful temple has to offer.
Don’t forget to take Bhog Prasad after offering your prayers!
Conclusion
Mini India, New Delhi, has so much to offer. From delicious food, shopping places, and historical monuments to sacred pilgrimage sites and historical temples of Delhi from all religions, Delhi has everything to win your heart! In this blog, we have covered 15 temples that you must visit if you are exploring Delhi. Don’t forget to share your experiences with us in the comment box and check out our other blogs as well