KALKAJI TEMPLE, DELHI

Delhi has witnessed several dynasties, many political outcomes and an unequal number of religious influences. These influences rule the religious aspects of the city.

This is natural because whenever people settle, they do need a place to pray. Every locality has religious structures like Temples, Churches, Mosques and Gurudwaras.So, one of the most prominent religious attractions of the Delhi is –Kalkaji Temple.

Kalkaji Temple also known as Kalkaji Mandir is a famous, Hindu mandir, dedicated to Hindu Goddess Kali or Kalka, an incarnation of Durga, situated near the Okhla Industrial Area of Delhi. 

Devotees attend the Kalkaji Temple throughout the year. This Temple prides itself on an existence of about 3000 years. The Temple was built in the middle of 18^th century and the oldest portion of the existing Temple dates back to 1764. In the middle of the 19^th century, Raja Kedarnath, Peshkar of Emperor AkbarII made certain changes and additions to the Temple. It is believed that the original Temple was used by Pandavas and Kauravas to worship Goddess Kali.

But now, the modern structure of the Temple has changed a lot – now the Temple is a 12 sided structure completely made out of the White marble and Black Granite tiles. This structure houses the black stone that denotes Goddess Kali. The Temple building is very simple and has no ornamentation as such. There are a number of inns (Dharamshala) around the main structure.

As the Temple stands on a hill and looks marvelous when lit in the evening. Though, prayers are held four times a day But, the special Tantric Aarti at 7 in the evening is a must watch. Every day, the idol of the deity is bathed with milk and other holy items in the morning. And then, draping her with a bright Red Brocade Sari is a major ritual here. People coming to the Temple can purchase offerings from the Vendors sitting just before its entrance. 

The Puja, Archana and other rituals are performed turn by turn (monthly basis) by Pujaris.The atmosphere around the temple is airy and bright with lights which stay during the whole night, devotees also try to meditate here. The Temple gains special importance during the period of “Navratras” which lasts for all most nine days. During Navratras the Temple is decked up like a bride. At that time, a fair is held at Kalkaji Temple and is attended by thousands of devotees. One can hoards of hawkers near the Temple during the fair, which are often accompanied by groups singing hymns and songs eulogizing the Goddess. 

Kalkaji Temple is one of the most beautiful places for workship in Delhi. The Durga Puja festival is also celebrated by the Temple. Most of the devotees who have been regular visitors to the place attribute their life’s successes, accomplishments and glory to Goddess Kalka. For those visiting Delhi, a visit to this divine place of “Faith and Workship” is a must on their itinerary. Over the years, Kalka Temple has also come to be known as the “Temple of Final Justice”.

“Goddess Kalka or the “Goddess of Justice” is epitome of Justice, who delivers fair justice to those in her divine refuge. This is one court which supersedes every other court of law in the world, simply because the judgement delivered here, can just not be over ruled or argued because the chief justice happens to be Maa Kalka.

There’s indisputably no one more benevolent and loving than Maa Kalka as even for the sinners who come and seek penance, “Her Majesty” makes them go through the salvation phase, and once they are purified, readily showers them with the choicest of her blessings. Such peerless is this place that devotees can actually feel heavenly vibrations in the literary sense here”. 

For the true devotees, Divine Mother grants instant boons and rewards. Besides, it is a general conviction and belief that the Goddess answers all her devotees’ problems and ensures that no one goes empty handed from her imperial and blissful Temple.

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