Chhatarpur Temple - New Delhi

              Chhatarpur, a small village nestled in the south-western suburbs of Delhi has become a prominent place to worship Goddess Katyayani at the Chhatarpur Temple. The temple is now popularly known as Shri Adya Katyayani Peeth Mandir by its religious bliss. Maa Katyayani is one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga and widely worshiped during Navaratri festival.

History:

Before the existence of Akshardham Temple in 2005, this temple was considered as the second largest temple in the world and India’s biggest temple.

Baba Sant Nagpal Ji established Chhatarpur Temple in the year 1974. After his demise in 1998, his Samadhi shrine was built within the temple complex in Shiv-Gauri Nageshwar Mandir premises. With the divine grace of Maa Durga and the passionate effort of Baba Ji, the small village of Chhatarpur was converted into a mini temple-town from scratch that took about three decades. Recently, a museum was constructed by converting the place where Baba Nagpal Ji spent his last days. The Museum owns all the items that were used by him during his lifetime.

Temple Architecture:The temple has a blended architectural style of both northern and southern India, spreading over a large area of about 60 acres. There are three different complexes composing 20 small and big temples all-together in the temple. Goddess Katyayani resides in a side shrine of the main temple that opens only in the Navaratri Festival. Also, there exists a Shayan Kaksha (meaning bed-room) of Goddess Katyayani within the temple, where the bed, dressing table and a dining table with nine chairs of pure silver are present.

Other Attractions:The other deities worshipped within the temple complex are Goddess Durga, Radha Krishna, Lord Ganesha, Lord Rama, Lord Hanuman, Ma Mahishasuramardini and Shiv-Parvathi. Goddess Durga’s shrine is open to visit from morning to evening. Visiting the temple during the Aarti, performed once in the morning and evening gives a pleasant experience.

Temple Celebrations:

Thousands of visitors from all over throng the temple during the Navaratri, Janmashtami and Mahashivratri festivals. The Sharad-Navaratri Festival is celebrated on large scale and even today the Trust follows the same tradition evoked by Babaji. The start of Navaratri is marked by Kumbhabhishek (holy bath) of Ma Katyayani prior the festival. In addition, 41 temples of Delhi are offered with various items like sarees, fruits, sweets and cash on this occasion. Also 11 temples of Kulu, Himachal Pradesh is offered with puja materials. Daily events take place during Navaratri for example Rudrabhishek, Chariot Puja, Recite of Ramayana and Durga Saptsati and Lungar Puja. The shrine has an attached prayer-hall where devotional songs are sung.

The temple management is under the control of Shree Adya Katyayani Shaktipeeth Mandir Trust handling the social and religious affairs.

Timing:

The temple remains open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and entry fee being free. Strictly photography is prohibited within the prayer hall.

How to reach:

By Air: Devotee can hire Taxis from Indira Gandhi International Airport

By Rail: New Delhi/Nizzamudin Railway station is well connected with all parts of India.The temple is accessible by the nearest Chhatarpur Metro Station.

By Road: Regular buses and taxis are available from all parts of Delhi.

Accommodation:

A Dharamshala within the premises, facilities stay for both tourists and volunteers who are involved in various religious activities.All types of accommodations are available in Delhi city. Large space is provided for parking tourist vehicles.

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