The 10 Most Beautiful Temples to Visit in Delhi

By - September 25, 2024 - Delhi, India, Pilgrimage

Delhi, the capital city of India is gifted with several beautiful and popular places of religious significance. There are various shrines in the city that are classily and beautifully designed to fill the visitors with peace, and tranquility. Their elegant structure, and architecture allures tourist to visit these temples. Every year countless pilgrims come to admire the grandeur, pay honor to deities, immerse in spiritual experience, and seek fulfillment for their wishes.

You will find a sizable number of Jain temples, Sufi shrines, Sikh gurdwaras, Buddhist temples, medieval mosques, and Hindu temples that capture the attention of tourists throughout the globe. The stillness of these temples causes an incessant influx of people from the nooks and corners of the world. Let us look at some of these mesmerizing shrines in Delhi city.

Here is the list of the 10 Most Popular Religious Places or Temples in Delhi:

1. Akshardham Temple

Akshardham is one of the most popular religious places in New Delhi. Whoever comes here is mesmerized by the brilliant architecture of this massive shrine. This popular shrine is located on NH 24 close to the Common Wealth Games Village. Akshardham temple is dedicated to the worship of Swaminarayan Akshardham.

It is a grand and well-maintained complex that is surrounded by a lovely garden. In addition to paying reverence to Swaminarayan, visitors also visit the temple to witness the mesmerizing collection of Indian culture. The sound and the light show held in the evening are captivating sights to view at the temple.

  • Best Time to Visit: October to March (pleasant weather), visit in the evening for the light and sound show.
  • How to Reach: Nearest metro station is Akshardham (Blue Line). The temple is about 5 minutes’ walk from the station.
  • Why Visit: Akshardham is a magnificent Hindu temple showcasing Indian culture, spirituality, and architecture. The temple complex is famous for its intricate carvings, gardens, and cultural exhibits.
  • Things to Do: Explore the main temple, attend the evening musical fountain show, and visit the cultural boat ride that takes you through India’s ancient history.

Read Also:

2. Kalkaji Mandir

Kalkaji is a religious site that is located a little distance from the Lotus Temple. This shrine is devoted to the deity Kali. The temple showcases a stimulating circular architecture. One of the beauties of Kalkaji Mandir is its structure that is made throughout from red-colored bricks.

Devotees in large numbers visit the site every year. They wait in long queues to get a pious glimpse of the goddess and experience an authentic divine experience and the rich cultural heritage of the city. Read Also: The Most Romantic Places in Delhi.

  • Best Time to Visit: October to March, especially during Navratri (festive season).
  • How to Reach: Nearest metro station is Kalkaji Mandir (Violet Line).
  • Why Visit: Dedicated to Goddess Kali, Kalkaji Mandir is one of the oldest temples in Delhi, revered by Hindus for its spiritual significance.
  • Things to Do: Offer prayers at the temple and experience the vibrant atmosphere during major festivals.
Suggested Packages for North India:

3. Sri Kilkari Bhairav Temple

Sri Kilkari Bhairav Temple also called the Bhairo Temple is another famous temple in Delhi. This temple is very ancient. Scriptures show that this temple has been existing since the era of Mahabharata. Sri Kilkari Bhairav Temple lies in the courtyard of the Old Fort in Pragati Maidan. It is visited by several pilgrims every year to offer alcohol to the presiding deity.

There is an ancient belief that this temple was constructed by the Pandavas. There are two wings of this temple. One of them is the Doodhiya Bhairav Temple where devotees offer milk to the idol. The other wing is the Kilkari Bhairav Temple, where devotees offer alcohol to the deity. People have this belief that one of the Pandavas, Bheem worshipped in the temple and accomplished powerful Siddhis. Read Also: Top Golf Courses in Delhi and Around.

  • Best Time to Visit: October to March.
  • How to Reach: Located near Pragati Maidan, accessible by metro (Pragati Maidan station on the Blue Line).
  • Why Visit: This ancient temple is dedicated to Bhairav, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. Known for its unique tradition of offering alcohol to the deity.
  • Things to Do: Explore the temple’s history and offer prayers.

Read also:

4. Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah

The third popular pilgrimage on our list is Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah. It is devoted to a Sufi charismatic religious leader Nizamuddin Auliya.  This temple was built in the 13th century. It is located on the busy streets of Nizamuddin West. This dargah is not just popular among Muslims but for everyone who comes with an unshakeable faith in this place.

Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah hosts the catacombs of a thirteenth-century Sufi poet named Amir Khusro, seventeenth-century Mughal queen Jahanara Begum, and nineteenth-century Sufi musician as Inayat Khan. The entire dargah is enclosed by a peaceful atmosphere. If you are coming to visit this shrine, then you must know that only men are permitted to enter the shrine. Also, read Top 5 Old Streets in Delhi to Explore Old Delhi

  • Best Time to Visit: October to March, preferably in the evening for the qawwali sessions.
  • How to Reach: Nearest metro station is JLN Stadium (Violet Line).
  • Why Visit: A significant Sufi shrine, Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah attracts people from all religions for its spiritual aura and qawwali performances.
  • Things to Do: Attend the evening qawwali sessions, offer prayers, and visit the nearby Humayun’s Tomb.

5. Lotus Temple

The Lotus Temple lies in the center of the city. The most amazing feature of this temple is that it has the shape of a lotus flower. The temple is made entirely of marble. The sight of this temple looks so marvelous that it is a very popular distinctive tourist destination among visitors. This shrine belongs to the pilgrims of the Bahai faith. It is a monotheistic religion that stands tall to signify love, peace, and harmony among people.

Entry to this temple is allowed for everyone irrespective of their faith, gender, and caste. The temple is made up of twenty-seven petals of marble that are arranged in the form of concentric groups. Sitting on the lush green lawns that encloses the temple gives relaxation to people. The evening is the best to come to visit the temple as the temple is beautifully lighted with colorful lights. This makes it a pleasant sight to watch.

  • Best Time to Visit: October to March.
  • How to Reach: Nearest metro station is Kalkaji Mandir (Violet Line).
  • Why Visit: The Lotus Temple is a Baháʼí House of Worship known for its flower-like architecture and serene atmosphere. It’s open to people of all religions for meditation and prayer.
  • Things to Do: Experience the peaceful environment and admire the architectural beauty of the temple.

Suggested Delhi Packages:

  • View More Packages
  • 2 Days of Delhi Sightseeing
  • Old & New Delhi Full-Day Sightseeing Tour
  • Chandni Chowk Food Tour of Old Delhi
  • Spiritual Private Tour of Delhi Temples
  • Bicycle Old Delhi Tour

Read Also:

6. Chhattarpur Temple

Chhattarpur Temple lies 4 km from Qutub Minar. It is another religious place that is built for the devotees of Ma Durga. The goddess is worshipped in the temple in the form of Katyayani. The temple got constructed in the south-Indian architectural style in 1974 by Sant Nagapalji. Being the 2nd largest temple in the world, millions of people come to visit this temple throughout the year. This enormous temple is spread over an area of 24 hectares of land. The ideal time to visit it is during the Navaratri Festival when a lot of festivity and forms of worship happen in the temple. Chhattarpur Temple is a must-visit religious destination on your Delhi trip.

  • Best Time to Visit: October to March, especially during Navratri.
  • How to Reach: Nearest metro station is Chhattarpur (Yellow Line).
  • Why Visit: One of the largest temple complexes in India, Chhattarpur Temple is dedicated to Goddess Katyayani. It features grand temples, intricate carvings, and beautiful gardens.
  • Things to Do: Explore the temple’s sprawling complex, offer prayers, and visit during festivals for a vibrant cultural experience.

{ The 10 Best Art Galleries in Delhi }

7. Hanuman Mandir

This is an ancient pilgrimage that is counted among the five pilgrimages that were constructed at the time of Mahabharata. It was rebuilt in 1724 by Maharaja Jai Singh. The temple is located in Connaught Palace. It is a major place of worship for all devotees of Hanuman. The pictures of Lord Rama are carved on the ceiling of this temple.

Though the temple is open to visitors on all days of the week, Tuesday and Saturday are the most auspicious for the worship of Hanuman. So, you can find long queues of devotees near this temple on both days. Hanuman temple is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for incessant chanting of the sacred mantra ‘Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Ram.

  • Best Time to Visit: Tuesdays and Saturdays, especially during Hanuman Jayanti.
  • How to Reach: Nearest metro station is Rajiv Chowk (Yellow and Blue Line).
  • Why Visit: This ancient Hanuman temple is famous for its spiritual significance and the chanting of the “Sankat Mochan” prayer.
  • Things to Do: Offer prayers to Lord Hanuman, explore the bustling Connaught Place area, and enjoy the local street food nearby.

{ Complete Guide Chandni Chowk Market Delhi }

8. Gauri Shankar Temple

Gauri Shankar Temple is the religious place for all devotees of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This ancient temple lies on Chandni Chowk Road, close to the Digambar Jain Temple. As per the belief of locals, this temple got built by a soldier who suffered from a severe injury while fighting on the battlefield. Through the blessings of the divine, he recovered.

Filled with gratefulness, he took a vow to construct a temple of Gauri and Shankar. Another interesting thing to note about this temple is that the Shiva Linga that presides in this temple is eight hundred years old. In addition to the idols of Shiva, and Parvati, you will also find beautiful idols of their sons, like Ganesha and Kartik. Visitors are mesmerized looking at the silver paintings that hang on the walls displaying the scenes from Lord Shiva’s life.

Monday is believed to be the day of Lord Shiva, and so you can find a huge crowd of devotees who come and pay their reverence to the deities at this temple on this day.  If you are on a trip to Delhi, then the best trip time to visit the temple is during the auspicious occasion of Shivratri. At this time, the entire temple is marvelously ornated and looks incredible.

  • Best Time to Visit: October to March.
  • How to Reach: Nearest metro station is Chandni Chowk (Yellow Line).
  • Why Visit: This 800-year-old temple, located near the Red Fort, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its peaceful and spiritual atmosphere.
  • Things to Do: Offer prayers to the lingam, explore the nearby Red Fort and Chandni Chowk market.

{ Agrasen ki Baoli – Delhi }

9. Shri Jagannath Mandir

Jagannath Mandir in Hauz Khas is a highly popular temple among people of the Oriya community. This temple is a replica of the ancient Jagannath Temple that lies in Puri. The temple is a great place to immerse in the spiritual experience and witness the remarkable culture of the place. People from all parts of the world come to worship and offer prayers to Lord Jagannath.

There are idols of other deities too in this temple as Lord Balabhadra, Maa Subhadra, and Sudarshan Chakra. The most appropriate time to visit the temple is during the Rath Yatra festival. At this time, the temple is lavishly decorated, and a lot of cultural celebrations and holy rituals are organized.

  • Best Time to Visit: During the Rath Yatra festival (June or July).
  • How to Reach: Nearest metro station is Hauz Khas (Yellow Line).
  • Why Visit: Dedicated to Lord Jagannath, this temple is known for its cultural significance and the grand Rath Yatra procession.
  • Things to Do: Visit during the Rath Yatra festival, offer prayers, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Hauz Khas.

{ Top 100 Places to Visit in India }

10. ISKCON Temple

ISKCON is another renowned place of worship in Delhi. It is a massive structure that is constructed for the devotees of Lord Krishna to offer gratitude, and love to him. This temple is located on “Hare Krishna Hill” in Kailash. This pious shrine is known for its incredible architecture. It has been designed by a popular architect Achyut Kanvinde.

This massive hall is carved with scenes that showcase the Mahabharata era. The soothing chant of the mantra “Hare Rama, Hare Krishna” on the melodious thumping of the Mridangam instrument makes the entire ambiance of this temple very pious. At the ISKCON temple, you can find the sacred Bhagavad Gita in various languages. When coming to this temple, you must ensure to attend the pious Mangala Aarti that takes place in the evening.

  • Best Time to Visit: October to March, especially during Janmashtami.
  • How to Reach: Nearest metro station is Nehru Place (Violet Line).
  • Why Visit: A spiritual haven for devotees of Lord Krishna, ISKCON Temple is famous for its daily aarti, bhajans, and the Krishna consciousness movement.
  • Things to Do: Attend the aarti, visit the museum, and enjoy the vegetarian prasadam (offered food).

To plan a customized Delhi tour visit this page: https://www.tusktravel.com/india/delhi-tours/

Top Suggested Article for Further Read:

Suggested Article about Temple in India:

FAQs: Temples in Delhi

1. What are the best temples to visit in Delhi?
Some of the best temples to visit in Delhi include Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple, ISKCON Temple, and Birla Mandir.

2. Which is the biggest temple in Delhi?
The Akshardham Temple is the largest temple in Delhi and one of the biggest in India.

3. Are there any famous Shiva temples in Delhi?
Yes, the Gauri Shankar Temple near Chandni Chowk is a famous Shiva temple in Delhi.

4. What are some peaceful temples in Delhi?
The Lotus Temple and ISKCON Temple are known for their peaceful ambiance and spiritual atmosphere.

5. Which temple in Delhi is known for wish fulfillment?
The Jhandewalan Temple is believed by devotees to fulfill wishes, especially for wealth and prosperity.

6. What are the best temples in Delhi for tourists?
Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple, and ISKCON Temple are the most popular among tourists for their architecture and cultural significance.

7. Where can I find a South Indian temple in Delhi?
The Uttara Swami Malai Mandir, also known as the Malai Mandir, is a popular South Indian temple in Delhi.

8. Are there any hidden or lesser-known temples in Delhi?
The Yogmaya Temple in Mehrauli is one of Delhi’s hidden gems, known for its ancient history.

9. Which temples in Delhi are popular for their architecture?
The Akshardham Temple and Lotus Temple are renowned for their stunning architecture.

10. What are the religious places to visit in Delhi besides temples?
In addition to temples, religious places like Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and Jama Masjid are also significant in Delhi.

11. Are there any ancient temples in Delhi?
Yes, the Kalkaji Temple and Gauri Shankar Temple are ancient temples with historical significance in Delhi.

12. Which temples in Delhi are ideal for family visits?
Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple, and Birla Mandir are family-friendly temples with ample space and activities for all age groups.

13. What are the top 5 temples to visit in Delhi?
The top 5 temples in Delhi include Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple, ISKCON Temple, Birla Mandir, and Jhandewalan Temple.

14. Are there any Jain temples in Delhi?
Yes, the Digambar Jain Lal Mandir near Red Fort is a famous Jain temple in Delhi, known for its peaceful atmosphere.

Related Posts

2 thoughts on “The 10 Most Beautiful Temples to Visit in Delhi”

  1. Pingback: List of Religious Places and Temples in Uttarakhand - Tusk Travel

  2. Pingback: The 10 Best Art Galleries in Delhi - Tusk Travel

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Plan my Trip
Exit mobile version