Chhatarpur Mandir, Delhi
Considered to be one of the most sacred shrines in Delhi, the Chattarpur Temple is dedicated to one of the most formidable avatar of Goddess Durga, Bhagwati Maa Katyayani. Built in 1974, Chattarpur Temple is carved entirely out of marble pieces. Cholas and Chalukyas style of architectural insight are prime influences on the overall construction style of this sanctum. Inside the temple you can visit 20 different types of temple devoted to Indian gods and goddesses in various forms viz. Goddess Laxmi, Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha. It’s an ideal place to visit for those who are looking for spiritual devotion in the city. Apart from that, the architectural beauty of this temple is something not to be missed!
Architecture of Chhatarpur Temple
Spread over 60 acres of land, the temple compound has over 20 big and small shrines dedicated to various gods further divided into three major complexes. Enshrined by Goddess Katyayani, a part of Navdurga, Chattarpur Mandir has smaller chambers for Lord Rama, Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva. The shrine made for Goddess Katyayani is only open and accessible to visitors during the bi-annual Navratri festival. Adjacent to the chief shrine is the resting room of the deity, popularly called as ‘Shayya Kaksh’. It has a bed and a dressing table carved out of silver, which is the major attraction of the temple. A different shrine of Goddess Durga is also present within the premises for the daily visitors. Made with a combination of South and North Indian architectural styles, the temple compound also houses a sacred tree used for wish fulfilment by the devotees.
History of Chattarpur Mandir:
According to a mythological story, once a Kaitayan Rishi (a sage) did Tapasya(strict penance) of Durga Devi. Durga Devi was pleased by that Tapasya(strict penance) and appeared in front of him and said that whatever boons you want, you must ask for it.
After that Katiyana Rishi told Devi that he wants Durga Devi to take birth in his house as his daughter. He wishes to be her father. The Goddess was pleased to hear these word of the sage(Rishi) and gave it a boon to him.
Devi Durga was born as a Katyayana daughter in the house of the Rishi and from that time the incarnation of the Devi Durga is called the Katayyani Devi Avatar.
So this temple is dedicated to Katyayani Devi only who was an avatar(incarnation) of Devi Durga.
Facilities at Chhatarpur Temple
- Chhatarpur Temple has a facility of Dharamshala for the devotees for a short stay. Spread over a vast area, Dharamshala compound has 12 halls with a 30 people capacity and 36 rooms with a 6 people facility. Besides the tourists, the facility is also utilized by Sewadars (volunteers) helping with activities in the temples.
- The temple premises also have a huge free parking facility available for the easy conveyance of the visitors.
Best Time To Visit Chhatarpur Mandir
The ideal time to visit the temple is during Navaratri when the celebrations are the temple are in full swing and you can be a part of the vibrant festivities.
How To Reach Chhatarpur Mandir
The nearest metro station to the Chhatarpur Temple is Chhatarpur Metro station situated on the yellow line. The temple is just 500 meters from the metro and you can reach there by a 10 min walk down the road. Nearest bus stands to the temple are Chhatarpur Village bus stand and Chhatarpur crossing. It is also just 4 kms away from Qutub Minar so you can also choose to club both the visits. Sharing autos and rickshaws are available from Qutub Minar.
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