CHHATARPUR TEMPLE

Chhatarpur Temple is located in a down town area in south of Delhi - Chhatarpur. This is the second largest temple complex in India, and is dedicated to Goddess, Katyayani

Chhatarpur Temple was constructed in the year 1974, by Baba Sant Nagpalji. Following his death in 1988, his samadhi shrine lies in the premises of the Shiv-Gauri Nageshwar Mandir within the temple premises. Built entirely out of marble, it is characterised by ‘jaali’ work on all its facets. 

The entrance of the main temple is guarded by an old tree, where devotees tie a holy thread for the fulfilment of their wishes. Another shrine of Goddess Durga lies above the shrines dedicated to Radja-Krishna, and Lord Ganesh. There are also temples dedicated to Lord Rama, Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva within the Chhatarpur Temple complex. The temples have been built in both South and North Indian style of temple architecture.

 During the festive celebrations of Navratri, thousands of devotees come to visit this temple of Chhatarpur. Succinctly, Chhatarpur Mandir is an important temple, unfolding the religious legacy of India.

Here, two forms of Goddess Durga are commemorated. One shrine is dedicated to Maha Gauri (form of Durga), which is opened for 'darshan' every day. Another shrine is dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, whose 'darshan' can be availed only on 'ashtami' falling in every month. Otherwise, the 'darshan' of Goddess Katyayani can be made throughout the days of 'Navratri'. The golden image of Katyayani attracts the attention of devotees with its huge size and sheer divinity. 

The image of Katyayani Devi is placed in a big hall, which can also be reached from the hall of prayers. The gilded image of Goddess Katyayani is always festooned in rich clothes, striking jewelry and a heavy garland of flowers. During the time of Navratri, the temple is thronged by thousands of people. To control such massive crowd of devotees, serpentine queues are made ranging in kilometers. Innumerable security guards are kept to manage the functioning of queues. 

Near to the shrine of Katyayani Devi, there are two rooms that are meant to Goddess' rooms. One room is made as the living room with tables and chairs made in silver. The other room is regarded as the 'Shayan Kaksha' (Bed Room), where a bed, dressing table and table are carved in silver. The royal appearance of the rooms, make one to ponder over the appearance of heaven. 

Inside the complex, there are several shrines that are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Radha-Krsihna and Lord Rama respectively. Apart from the shrines, a massive structure has been constructed where 'Bhandara' (Food is offered to people) is conducted on a daily basis. Almost for 24 hours, various religious prayers and discourses are held in the temple.

 The temple  opens only during the bi-annual Navratri season, and is accordingly thronged by thousands of devotees. A nearby room has been adopted as a living room, complete with tables and chairs made in silver, and another as the ‘Shayan Kaksha’ or the bed room, where a bed, dressing table and table are carved in silver. 

The best time to visit the Chhatarpur Temple is between the months of October and March.