20 Most Famous Temples in Delhi

The capital city of Delhi is always noisy and bustling with the crowd. It is the centre of all the political happenings and is regarded as the second most populated city after Mumbai. Amidst all this chaos, Delhi has a spiritual side and visitors will be surprised to see the calmness that is instilled in the temples and other sacred monuments. These temples have a glorious past and play a significant role in the country’s rich culture and heritage.

Scroll down this list to know about the Top 20 Temples in Delhi:

1. Akshardham Temple, NH 24

Located on NH 24 near Common Wealth Games Village, the revered Akshardham Temple is a sight to behold. It is regarded as tranquil heaven for purity, peace and devotion. This breathtakingly beautiful shrine is built in honour of Swaminarayan Akshardham, a great Hindu saint.  It was built by Bochanawasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, a Hindu religious body and was officially inaugurated in the year 2005.

Akshardham Temple, Delhi

Akshardham boasts one of the largest Hindu temple complexes across the country. This divine abode is not only a place of worship but also flaunts a cultural campus dedicated to learning and harmony. The temple is an architectural gem that rises to a height of 43 metres and spans across 96 metres.  It is a sublime blend of different architectural styles in India.

This religious landmark is entirely made from pink sandstones and boasts an intricately carved exterior. Akshardham is packed with 234 ornate pillars and 220 statues of Hindu saints. The main deity of Swaminarayan with a height of 3.4 metres sits in the central dome and enclosed by statues of his Gurus made from the five metals (paanch dhaatu).

Statue of Swaminarayan, Akshardham Temple
Statue of Diety of Swaminarayan, Akshardham Temple

Timings: 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM

Entry Fee: INR 170 per adult (Exhibition), INR 80 per adult (Musical Fountain)

Address: NH 24, Akshardham Setu, New Delhi, Delhi – 110092

Nearest Metro Station: Akshardham

Suggested Tour : Full Day - Delhi Private Tour

2. Gauri Shankar Mandir, Chandni Chowk

Located near Digambar Jain Temple on the main Chandni Chowk Road, Gauri Shankar Mandir worships Lord Shiva. This ancient temple not only provides solace to the devotees but has many interesting tales attached to it. According to legends, this religious site was constructed by a Maratha soldier who vowed to build a temple if he survives in the great battle.

The Shiva Linga which is enshrined in the temple is around 800 years old. Snakes made from silver surrounds the main deity and represents the centre of the universe. There is a small vessel right above the Shiva Linga from where water droplets keep dripping. Besides Lord Shiva, the idols of Devi Parvati and two of their sons, Ganesh and Kartikeya are found. The idols of Gauri and Shankar are adorned in gold jewellery and stands under a silver canopy behind the Shiva Linga. In 1959, this sacred landmark was renovated by Seth Jaipura and his name is inscribed in the temple complex.

Gauri Shankar Mandir, Chandni Chowk

Timings: 5:00 AM to 10:00 AM, 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Entry Fee: No Entry Fee

Address: Chandni Chowk Road, Chandni Chowk, Delhi – 110006

Nearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk

Suggested Tour : 2 Days - Delhi & Agra Tour

3. Hanuman Mandir, Connaught Place

Located in the heart of Connaught Place, Hanuman Mandir is one of the oldest religious landmarks in Delhi dating back to the period of Mahabharata. It was originally built by Maharaja Man Singh I and was rebuilt by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 17th century. This temple has a self manifest Hanuman idol that sits on a spire in the shape of the crescent moon. The worship style followed here is recorded in the Guinness Book of World Record.

This humble abode of Lord Hanuman boasts a splendid architecture which is worth admiring. A plight of marble steps leads visitors to the main foyer that can be entered through huge silver plated doors. Clerestory windows are set in the elaborate walls adorned with Hanuman paintings. Devotional scenes from the Hindu epic, Ramayana can also be seen on the walls. Recently, the Government has installed other idols of gods and goddess in the temple complex that are worshipped and taken care off.

Prachin Hanuman Mandir, Connaught Place

Timings: 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM (Hours may vary on Tuesdays and Saturdays)

Entry Fee: No Entry Fee

Address: Connaught Place, Delhi – 110001

Nearest Metro Station: Rajeev Chowk

Suggested Tour : Full Day - Sightseeing Tour of Delhi

4. Jhandewalan Mandir, Jhandewalan Road

Located on the Jhandewalan Road near Karol Bagh, this temple was built in honour of Devi Jhandewali. It was constructed in the 18th century after Badri Das found an idol of the goddess at the same place where the temple stands. As the hands of the original statue were damaged, new hands of silver were made and the idol was consecrated in a cave. Later a new replica of Mata Jhandewalan was installed in this sacred monument.

The Jhandewalan Mandir has two levels – the upper level contains deities of Jhandewali Mata, Devi Saraswati and Kali while the rituals are performed in the lower level. Here, Navratri is celebrated 2 times a year and attract pilgrims from far and wide. It is believed that devotees who pray to the goddess with a pure heart, their wish get fulfilled.

Timings: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Entry Fee: No Entry Fee

Address: Jhandewalan Extension, Paharganj, New Delhi, Delhi – 110055

Nearest Metro Station: Jhandewalan

Suggested Tour : 2 Days - Delhi Private Tour Package

5. Shri Digambar Jain Temple, Chandni Chowk

Shri Digambar Jain Temple is the most popular Jain religious monument in Delhi. It is known for a veterinary bird’s hospital that lies right behind the temple complex. This religious structure has a history dating back to the era of Shah Jahan. He granted some land around Dariba Gali to several Jain merchants who eventually built a religious site in the year 1656.

 Shri Digambar Jain Temple has a beautiful architecture that treats the sore eyes. A pillar of honour (manastambha) stands tall in front of the monument. The devotional area is located on the first floor and can be reached after crossing a tiny courtyard packed with several shrines. The temple complex also houses a bookstore filled with a variety of books on Jainism. Lal Mandir was visited by Shantisagar, a Jain monk in the year 1931.  

Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir, Delhi

Timings: 5:30 AM to 11:30 AM, 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM

Entry Fees: No Entry Fee

Address: Netaji Subhash Marg, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi – 110006

Nearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk

Also Read : 20 Most Famous Jain Temples in India

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6. Birla Mandir, Connaught Place

Birla Mandir aka Laxmi Narayan Temple was built by Mr. B.D Birla, the famous business tycoon. It is nestled on Mandir Marg and is easily accessible by buses, metros and cabs. The temple was constructed in 1938 and the funds came from the Birla family. Covering 7 acres of land, this religious site is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Devi Lakshmi. Birla Mandir houses several deities and there is a grand hall for devotional practices.

The architecture of Birla Mandir is a sight to behold. It is designed in the typical Orissan style entirely made from red sandstone. It features tall spires and the tallest one extends to a height of 50 metres. The timeless interiors are engraved with exquisite sculptures and Jali work that looks remarkable and ignites the imagination. There are lush gardens and fountains in the temple premise and authorities have also built a guest house for the convenience of tourists.

Birla Temple, Delhi

Timings: 4:30 AM to 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Entry Fees: No Entry Fee

Address: Mandir Marg, New Delhi, Delhi – 110001

Nearest Metro Station: Ramakrishna Ashram Marg

Suggested Tour : 5 Days - Delhi Agra Jaipur Holiday Package

7. Lotus Temple, Kalkaji

Dedicated to the Bahai House of Worship, Lotus Temple is one of the prime attractions in Delhi. This temple is open to all regardless of any religion, caste or creed. The distinct lotus shape has made it popular across the globe. The lush green surrounding accompanied by the tranquil ambience makes this sacred site an ideal place to embrace calmness.

Lotus Temple is an architectural splendour that is entirely made of white marbles. There are 27 free standing marble lotus petals that look absolutely mesmerizing. The sanctum is around 40 metres tall and can accommodate approximately 2000 people at a time. The temple is designed with 9 doors that open to the main hall. Lotus Temple has won several awards and accolades for its unique architecture. According to a 2001 CNN report, it is one of the most visited landmarks in the world.

Lotus Temple, Delhi

Timings:

Summer: 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM

Winter: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Entry Fees: Free of cost

Address: Kalkaji, New Delhi, Delhi – 110019

Nearest Metro Station: Kalkaji Mandir

Suggested Tour : 6 Days - Delhi Agra Jaipur Tour

8. ISKCON Temple, Hare Krishna Hills

ISKCON Mandir is a sacred Vaishnav Temple built in honour of Shri Krishna. It was officially inaugurated by former Indian Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1998. This temple boasts one of the largest complexes in the country. It houses the Indian Vedic Centre, an opportunity for visitors to learn about Hindu religious inscriptions, presented with the help of multimedia technologies.

ISKCON Delhi was beautifully built and designed by Achyut Kanvinde, a well known Indian architect who received the Padma Shri award. The complex has several rooms that are used for administration purposes. There is a fully air-conditioned hall that has a capacity of accommodating 1500 people. All the religious rituals and practices take place here and form the heart of the temple. There are 3 main shrines – Radha-Krishna, Sita-Ram and Gaur-Nitai. ISKCON Mandir is also known for housing a remarkable collection of paintings by renowned Russian painters.

ISKCON Temple, Delhi

Timings: 4:30 AM to 9:00 PM

Entry Fee: No Entry Fee

Address: Hare Krishna Hills, New Delhi, Delhi – 110065

Nearest Metro Station: Nehru Place

Suggested Tour : 8 Days - Golden Triangle Tour

9. Kali Bari, Chittaranjan Park

Founded in the year 1973, Chittaranjan Park Kali Bari was originally dedicated to Lord Shiva. This religious site started a Durga Puja tradition in 1977 and it continues till date. The imposing Kali Temple was built in 1984 in the Bengali architectural style. This spiritual abode is also a hub for social and cultural activities for the Bengali community. Over the years, this temple has gained huge prominence from the community and frequented by devotees throughout the year.

Presently, the temple is managed by the Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir Society and organizes several cultural events that are loved by all. Kali Bari depicts the Bengali terracotta style architecture with the chala roof that can be found in Bengali traditional huts. Apart from the main shrine of Goddess Kali, this temple also houses a number of smaller shrines of Lord Shiva and Radha – Krishna. There is also a unique library with a small window snuggled in the complex where visitors can peep and ask about the books they want.

Kali Bari Chittaranjan Park, Delhi

Timings: 4:45 AM to 10:00 PM

Entry Fee: No Entry Fee

Address: Chittaranjan Park, New Delhi, Delhi - 110019

Nearest Metro Station: Nehru Place

Suggested Tour : 7 Days - Private Delhi Agra Jaipur Tour

10. Chattarpur Mandir, Chattarpur

Spanning across 70 acres of land, Chhattarpur Mandir is a huge complex dedicated to Devi Katyayani. This temple was built in the year 1974 by Baba Sant Nagpal who died in 1998. Before the establishment of the Akshardham Temple, it was regarded as the largest temple in India and the second largest across the globe. The giant Hanuman statue is the main highlight of this divine monument and attracts visitors from every corner of the country.

Chhattarpur Mandir is made from marbles and designed in the Versara architectural style. It is decorated with Jaali work that looks breathtakingly beautiful. The main deity of Devi Katyayani is enshrined in the temple. There are a number of smaller temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva and Lord Rama. Devotees tie a sacred thread around an ancient tree that stands at the entrance of the main temple.

Chhatarpur Temple, Delhi

Timings: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Entry Fees: No Entry Fee

Address: Chhattarpur, New Delhi, Delhi – 110030

Nearest Metro Station: Chhattarpur

Suggested Tour : 9 Days - Delhi Agra Jaipur + Varanasi (Ganges Tour)

11. Mangal Mahadeva Birla Kanan, Shivaji Marg

Situated in Shivaji Marg, the temple of Mangal Mahadeva Birla Kanan is identified by a tall standing statue of Lord Shiva. Sprawling across an area of 200 acres, this place is a combination of serenity and tranquillity. The temple premises are clean and well maintained. And there is only one stall that sells incense and religious offering.

Mangal Mahadev Birla Kanan, Shivaji Marg

Apart from Lord Shiva, this temple also houses the statues of Devi Parvati, Sita-Ram, Radha-Krishna, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya. There is a beautiful garden spread across the complex and lead visitors to the main shrine. With such a holy environment, peace and solace are guaranteed to the devotees.

Mangal Mahadeva Birla Kanan, Shivaji Marg
Source : www.bhaktibharat.com

Timings: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Entry Fees: No Entry Fee

Address: Shivaji Marg, Rangpuri, New Delhi, Delhi – 110038

Nearest Metro Station: Delhi Aero City

Suggested Tour : 9 Days - Delhi Agra Jaipur with Goa Tour

12. Yogmaya Temple, Mehrauli

Lying close to the Qutub Minar in Mehrauli, Yogmaya Temple is an ancient shrine dedicated to Devi Yogmaya, an incarnation of Durga Ma. According to legends, it is one of the surviving religious landmarks from the Mahabharata era. It is widely believed that the Pandavas has built the Yogmaya Temple at the end of the iconic battle. Lala Sethmal renovated this pilgrimage site in the 19th century under the patronage of the Mughal Emperor Akbar.

The simple yet enticing structure of the Yogmaya Temple unravels the traditional Indian heritage and culture. There are a hall and a sanctum sanctorium where the main idol of the goddess is enshrined. The statue is made from black stones and positioned in a marble well. There is a table set in front of the main shrine where devotees offer flower and sweets to the goddess. The floor was originally made from red sandstone but later it was replaced by marbles. The temple also features a gigantic iron cage where two tiger sculptures are exhibited.

Yogmaya Temple, Mehrauli

Timings: 5:00 AM to 8:30 PM

Entry Fees: No Entry Fee

Address: Mehrauli, New Delhi, Delhi – 110030

Nearest Metro Station: Qutub Minar

Suggested Tour : 8 Days - Delhi Agra Jaipur with Ranthambore Tour

13. Uttara Swami Malai Mandir, Ramakrishnapuram

Uttara Swami Malai Mandir, popularly known as the Malai Mandir is a highly revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Swaminatha. It is a popular pilgrimage destination dedicated to the Hindus of the Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada and the Telegu community. The foundation stone was laid by the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. Bhakthavatsalam in the year 1965.

The main temple known as the Swaminatha Swami Temple has the sanctum sanctorum of the lord. It is perched on a hilltop overlooking the area of Vasant Vihar. The temple is made of granite and depicts the Tamil style Chola architecture. Apart from the main shrine, the complex features other temples dedicated to Devi Meenakshi, Sri Sundareshwarar and Karpaka Vinayakar. The subsidiary temples are inspired by the Pandya architectural style that adds up to its aesthetic appeal.

Uttara Swami Malai Mandir, Ramakrishnapuram Delhi

Timings: 6:30 AM to 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Entry Fees: No Entry Fee

Address: Ramakrishnapuram, New Delhi, Delhi – 110022

Nearest Metro Station: Vasant Vihar

Suggested Tour : 8 Days - Delhi Agra Jaipur with Udaipur Tour

14. Shri Sheetala Mata Mandir, Gurugram

Situated in the Sheetala Mata Road, this ancient Hindu temple is built in honour of Devi Sheetala, wife of Guru Dronacharya. This is a highly revered shrine that is flocked by devotees throughout the year especially during the auspicious occasion of Navratri. It is believed that Mata Sheetala appeared in the dream of Chaudhri Singh, the village Jat and expressed her desire to come to Gurugram. She made him build a temple for her.

The present temple was established by King Jawahar Singh in the 18th century after gaining victory over the Mughal rulers. The temple is a huge structure that flaunts a simple architectural style. There is a grand hallway and the main shrine sits within a closed railing. Devotees cannot enter the spot or touch the idol but can offer sweets and flowers from a safe distance.

Shri Sheetala Mata Mandir, Gurugram

Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Entry Fees: No Entry Fee

Address: Sheetala Mata Road, Sector 6, Gurugram, Haryana - 122001

Nearest Metro Station: DLF Phase 1

Suggested Tour : 8 Days - Delhi Agra Jaipur with Bharatpur Tours

15. Sai Baba Temple, Lodhi Road

Sai Baba Temple is one of the most prominent temples standing tall near Nehru Stadium in Lodhi Road. This temple is open for devotees from all the sections of the society. Since the establishment of this sacred centre, the divine presence of Sai Baba has been felt by the worshippers. Every Thursday, this temple is thronged with devotees from far and wide.

Sai Baba Temple, Lodhi Road Delhi

A big idol of Sai Baba sits in the main hall right at the middle of the temple. The majestic architecture delights the senses and the spiritual ambience is perfect for the visitors seeking solace amidst the chaotic life. Presently Sai Baba Temple is managed by Shri Sai Bhakt Samaj, a registered organization. There are a number of stalls outside the monument from where devotees can purchase religious offering for the lord.

Sai Baba Temple1, Lodhi Road Delhi

Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:30 PM

Entry Fees: No Entry Fee

Address: Lodhi Road, Gokalpuri, New Delhi, Delhi - 110003

Nearest Metro Station: Jawaharlal Nehru

Suggested Tour : 11 Days - Delhi Agra Jaipur & Corbett Tour

16. Kilkari Baba Bhairav Nath Mandir

Arguably one of the most revered temples in Delhi, Bhairav Nath Mandir is known for its unique rituals and spiritual significance since the time of Mahabharata. This ancient temple was established by the Pandavas and reflects the traditional heritage of the country. Lord Shiva is worshipped here in the form of Bhairav Nath. This sacred monument lies in close proximity to the Purana Qila near Pragati Maidan.

Bhairav Nath Mandir is divided into two wings namely Kilkari Bhairava Temple (liquor is offered to the deity) and the Doodhiya Bhairava Temple (milk is offered to the deity). Surprisingly, meat and liquor are offered as Prasad to the devotees. Even alive chicken forms a part of the religious offering. The architecture of Bhairav Nath Mandir is simple but catches the attention of the visitors. This temple sits on a raised platform and the interiors are designed with ornate pillars. The roof is engraved with intricate details and ornamented with a sikhara.

Timings: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM o 9:00 PM

Entry Fees: No Entry Fee

Address: Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, Delhi – 110001

Nearest Metro Station: Pragati Maidan

Suggested Tour : 9 Days - Delhi Agra Jaipur with Pushkar Tour

17. Shani Dham, Asola

Situated near Asola, Shani Dham boasts the world’s highest statue of Shani Dev. In the year 2003, this statue was unveiled by Swami Madhavasharam Maharaj and since then it became a prime attraction for tourists as well as devotees. It is made from natural rock and depicts sheer magnificence.

Shani Dham draws devotees of Shani Devta across the globe. Before unveiling the statue, Madan Maharaj Rajasthani Ji has offered one hundred crores and thirty-two lakhs Shani Mantras on this site after which the temple came to life. It is believed after worshipping Lord Shani in this divine abode all the hardships concerning Shani Graha are extinguished. Oil is used as a religious offering in this temple.

Shani Dham, Asola Delhi

Timings: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Entry Fees: No Entry Fee

Address: Asola, Mehrauli, New Delhi, Delhi – 110074

Nearest Metro Station: Chhattarpur

Suggested Tour : 4 Days - Delhi Agra Private Tour

18. Jagannath Mandir, New Delhi

The spectacular Jagannath Mandir is built by the Oriya community residing in Delhi. This temple is a great alternative for devotees who have not visited the revered site in Puri. The foundation stone was laid in January 1968 and the construction began in the month of February 1968. During the festival of Rath Yatra, this sacred temple is flocked by thousands of pilgrims.

Jagannath Mandir is open to all sections of the society irrespective of religion, caste and creed. Besides being a religious landmark, this temple promotes cultural as well as philanthropic activities. There are options for learning classical dances especially Odissi. It also works for the upliftment of the poor and the underprivileged. The temple also offers dining facilities for around 300 visitors and there are two large halls where marriage celebrations take place.

Jagannath Temple, Delhi

Timings:

Summer: 5:00AM to 12:20 PM, 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Winter: 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM

Entry Fees: No Entry Fee

Address: Hauz Khas Village Road, New Delhi, Delhi – 110016

Nearest Metro Station: Hauz Khas

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19. Shiv Mandir Gufawala

Shiv Mandir Gufawala is one of the most prominent structures in East Delhi. This temple is around 22 years old and receives a large number of pilgrims throughout the year. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Ganesha. The spiritual ambience of the temple offers peace of mind and soul. It is believed, worshipping the Lord will shower devotees with happiness and good health.

The main highlight of this sacred monument is the massive idols of Lord Hanuman and Lord Ganesha. There is a large cave where idols of Mata Vaishno Devi and Lord Hanuman are enshrined. Idols of Lord Shiva stand at the exit as well as on top of the cave. Another small cave is located here that houses the idols of Devi Jwala, Devi Katyayani and Ma Chintpurni. On the special occasion of Navratri, Shiv Mandir Gufawala is adorned with flowers and attracts pilgrims across the city.

Shiv Mandir Gufawala, Delhi

Timings: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Entry Fees: No Entry Fee

Address: Preet Vihar, New Delhi, Delhi – 110092

Nearest Metro Station: Preet Vihar

20. Dudheshwar Nath Temple, Ghaziabad

Standing true to its name, Dudheshwarnath Temple is completely made from sparkling white marbles that looks mesmerizingly beautiful. It is dedicated to the supreme Lord Shiva and is worshipped by the locals of the region. According to legends, the main deity that is enshrined here is around 5000 years old. Standing at a few kilometres away from River Hindon, there are many mythical stories associated with this spiritual abode.


The main door that leads to the Dudheshwarnath Temple is carved out of a single stone. A figure of Lord Ganesha stands in the middle of the door that adds to the divine atmosphere. There is a well present in the temple premise and the water sometimes taste milky and sometimes sweet. A dispensary is also built in the courtyard that offers free Ayurvedic treatment to the poor and the needy. There is also a library that boasts a huge collection of religious texts.

Source : thedivineindia.com

Timings: 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Entry Fees: No Entry Fee

Address: Madhopur, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh – 201009

Nearest Metro Station: Shaheed Sthal (New Bus Adda)

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