Shri Kalka Ji Temple, Delhi: Know Kalka Mandir Delhi Timing, History

The Shri Kalka ji mandir in Delhi is an ancient and revered Hindu temple. It is located in the South-West part of Delhi and has a rich history that dates back to the 16th century. A unique legend surrounds the Temple, making it even more special and sacred for devotees. Those who visit the Temple can observe intricate sculptures and impressive architecture and gain insight into its spiritual significance.

About Delhi Shri Kalka Ji Temple

Shri Kalkaji Mandir is a Hindu temple in Delhi that is likely one of the most popular. It is dedicated to devi Kali, another name for Maa Aadi Shakti. This Temple is also called Jayanti Peetha or Manokamna Siddha Peetha. Manokamna means “desire,” “Siddha” means “accomplishment,” and “Peetha” means “shrine.”

Many people say that Goddess Kali grants the wishes and desires of worshippers who come here to pray with a pure heart and true soul. Also, the Temple is considered one of the oldest Maa Kali temples in India. Its history goes back to Satya Yuga, an old Hindu time. Because of this, it is also one of the best places to visit in Delhi.

Every day of the year, especially on Saturdays, a lot of people come to worship. During the Navratri festival, many devotees from around the world come to this place for pilgrimage. During this time, there was also a big fair at the Temple, full of people who went there to pray.

On the way to the Temple, there are also many people selling Prashad, a holy offering, religious items, and even sweets. The busy scene outside the Temple is so strange that it will make you feel spiritual as soon as you step into the Temple’s lane.

Another belief says that the image of devi Kali at Kalkaji Mandir appeared by itself. Because of this, the Temple is seen as one of the most important places of worship in Delhi. At the Temple, people also get married and give their hair as part of religious ceremonies.

Temple Legend

Folklore says that the Goddess KalkaJi was born where this Temple is now, in the Aravalli Hills of Delhi, east of Kailash. If you believe a Sanatan legend, many mythical gods used to live near Maa KalkaJi Mandir millions of years ago, possibly during the Golden Era (Satyug).

A few giants would bother these gods, making them finally go to Lord Brahma, who was known as the “god of gods,” to complain. He gave this job to the Goddess Parvati. This Goddess sent out another goddess named Kaushki Devi, who killed the giants successfully.

After this murder, though, things were not so good. When the blood of these two giants fell on the dry ground, it gave birth to thousands of other giants. Fighting so many giants at once was a Herculean task for Kaushki Devi. So, her kind Mother, Maa Parvati, came back as Kali, another version of herself.

Kali could change her size depending on what was going on. She made her mouth bigger until her top lip reached the sky and her bottom lip touched the foothills. With this huge mouth, Kali Devi could drink all of the giants’ blood after Kaushki Devi killed them.

Together, these two goddesses could get rid of the giants once and for all. Kali’s special contribution was very important, and she was worshipped as the most important god in the area. She liked the praise, so she decided to stay there for good.

Temple History

Several stories exist about when this Kali temple was built. Historians think that the Marathas built Maa Kalka Mandir in 1764. In 1816, the Peshkar (treasurer) of Mughal King Akbar Shah II, Mirza Raja Kidar Nath, added his special touches to the shrine. About another hundred years later, the current shrine started to take shape. Donations from followers provided most of the money.

Folklore tells a different story. People say that the Pandavas and Kauravas did religious rituals at this shrine during the Mahabharata, which happened in the Bronze Age. It is also thought that KalkaJi was born in this place.

Significance of Kalka Devi Hindu Mandir

It is thought that Kalkaji Mandir is the oldest Kali Maa temple in the world. It is a place of hope for all those who want the Divine Mother’s blessings. During the time of the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna and the Pandavas are also said to have worshipped Goddess Kalika and received a blessing from Maa Kali. Shri Swayambhu Mahakaleshwar Shiv Mandir is also attached to the shrine grounds, which adds a lot to the spirituality of the area.

Architecture of Kalka Ji Mandir

Several theories try to figure out when the Kali temple was built. Historians think that the Marathas built the shrine in the year 1764 AD. In 1816, Mirza Raja Kidar Nath, the Peshkar (treasurer) of the Mughal King Akbar Shah II, changed the shrine that was his own. After another hundred years, the current Temple started to take shape. The Temple got most of its money from donations from people who go there.

On the other hand, folklore tells a very different story. During the time of the Mahabharata, it is said that the Pandavas and Kauravas held religious ceremonies at this shrine (Bronze Age). It is also said that KalkaJi was born in this place.

The Thok Jogians and Shamlat Thok Brahmins legally own the land on which this Temple is built. These people are also the pandits who do the puja Sewa inside this mandir (religious ceremonies).

The KalkaJi Temple looks beautiful with its marble finish. The foundations are made of brick, but the blocks are plastered and then covered in marble to make the building look even more impressive. A tower protects the outside of the shrine in the shape of a pyramid.

The structure of this Kali mandir is interesting because the room in the middle has 12 sides, each with its door. Each side is 24 feet long as a whole. All twelve doors lead to the same marble-lined hallway. Each gallery is eight feet and nine inches wide and has three doors on the outside. There are 36 of these arched openings on the outside.

The statue of Maa Kali, which was carved out of stone, is kept on a marble plinth in the middle of the shrine. In this idol’s writing, the Goddess’s name is in Hindi. In front of Kalka Devi’s picture is a stone triton.

Two statues of tigers made of red sandstone stand on either side of the god. When you walk through one of the eastern doors of the shrine, you can see the whole layout. The idol of KalkaJi is kept safe by railings made of marble. The Nastalq style is also used to write on these bars and the plinth.

Darshan Timings

Temple Rituals

People come to the shrine to pray and celebrate every day of the year, but Navratri, a nine-day Hindu festival held in the spring and fall, is the most important. People come together to pray to Goddess Durga and sing songs about her. During these nine days, many merchants come to the shrine to sell their handicrafts. Outside, people wait in long, winding lines to get a chance to see god.

As the main ritual, the idol of Goddess Kali is offered and bathed in milk every morning at 6:00 AM and every evening at 6:00 PM. Then, at 7:30 PM, there is an aarti. Then hymns and songs are recited. At the front of the Temple, before the main door, you can find everything you need to give to the Goddess.

The area around the shrine is bright and airy, and there are lights on all night. People also try to meditate on the temple grounds, and an evening aarti is held.

Main Festival

During religious events, huge crowds go to the shrine to see Goddess Maa Kali. During the nine days of Navratri, a huge fair is held, and people from all over the country come to worship. During this time, the temple complex is decorated with pomp and splendour, and the area around the Temple is filled with a festive spirit, even at night.

Every morning and evening, devotees come to see the idol get a milk bath (Mata Snanam) and then listen to an Aarti. Taking part in this ritual is seen as a great Tantric experience, and many people come to take part and soak up the spirituality of the ceremony.

Religious hymns are also sung to praise the deity, and devotees are whipped into a religious frenzy to fit the event’s mood.

How to Reach

By Air

The Indira Gandhi Airport in New Delhi is 15 km from the Kalkaji Temple. It is also the only airport in this area.

By Rail

The Temple is 4 km from the H Nizamuddin Railway Station. So, this Temple is the one closest to it.

By Road

Bus routes make it easy to get around the city. Buses owned by the Delhi Transportation Corporation are run all over the city. Buses also connect the whole country through the National highway system. The bus can drop you off in Delhi at either Rajiv Chowk or the Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station.

By Metro

Delhi also has a good Metro Rail system that connects almost all of the state’s major cities. So, you can get to the temples from anywhere by going to the nearest station, Kalkaji Metro Station.

Temple Location Map

Quick FAQ – Shri Kalkaji Mandir