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The first time I went to Chhatarpur Temple was during the festival of Navratri. My neighbour and friend brought me there one night. It was thronged with people because of the festival, and we had to line up way down the block in our bare feet, even though we were on the street and far from the entrance. That first visit was a colourful, crowded, and unforgettable experience!
Even though this is the largest temple complex in Delhi, most tourists go to the more famous Akshardham Temple instead. That’s a shame, because Chhatarpur Temple is magnificent and very important to Hindus. This is where you will see sincere devotion, and learn a little of the complexity and beauty of the Hindu faith.
Visiting Chhatarpur Temple: Overview
Chhatapur Temple is a major temple complex in South Delhi dedicated to the goddess Shakti. There are over a dozen temples in the complex, spread out on both sides of Main Chhatarpur Road.
You will need a couple of hours to see the biggest temples that sit on both sides of the main road. The complex is a little spread out, so be prepared for some walking. This is a busy part of Delhi, and there’s not much shade walking between the temples, so I recommend visiting in the morning.
You have to remove shoes before entering the temples, but you do not need to cover your head (though some Indians choose to). Make sure you bring water. Food is not sold inside the complex, but there are vendors on the street and by the metro station. There are toilet facilities on site.
Keep in mind Chhatarpur Temple gets extremely busy during the two main Navratri seasons (March/April and September/October – dates change every year according to the lunar calendar). This is a really special time to visit the temples but they will be crowded, especially the main temple Shri Aadya Katyayani Shaktipith Mandir.
Hours: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm; daily (open 24/7 during Navratri)
Cost: free
Location: Main Chhatarpur Road, Dr Ambedkar Colony, Chhatarpur, Delhi
What Is Special About Chhatarpur Temple?
Chhatarpur Mandir is devoted to the goddess Shakti. Shakti is very important in Hinduism. She is considered the mother goddess and sum of all female gods. She has nine avatars, the most well known being Parvati, Durga and Kali.
Inside the main temple there is a living room for the goddess, with nine chairs (one for each avatar), as well as a bedroom with dressing table and sword.
On one side of Main Chhatarpur Road is the Shaktipith complex where the main temple, Shri Aadya Katyayani Shaktipith Mandir is located. The architecture is very unique in Delhi, a combination of north and south Indian styles. The temple is built entirely of marble with carvings and fine lattice work, called jaali.
Across the street in the Markandeya complex you will see the massive Hanuman statue, Nageshwal Temple, Baba Nagpala Temple (the saint who founded the temple complex), a huge Lord Shiva trident and gardens.
Insider tip: Stay for the aarti (prayer ceremony) at Shri Aadya Katyayani Shaktipith Mandir. Aartis are at 6:30 am and 7:00 pm daily.
Chhatarpur Temple History
The Shaktipith temple and complex was the vision and mission of Baba Sant Nagpal, considered a saint to devotees. Baba Sant Nagpal lost his parents as a child in Karnataka, South India. During his mother’s cremation, an unknown woman brought him to the adjacent Shakti temple. She told him Shakti was the universal mother and would always remain with him. From that moment Baba Sant Nagpal devoted his life to the goddess Shakti.
In the mid 1970s Baba Sant Nagpal settled in Chhatarpur and started building the main temple. Plots of land on both sides of the main road were purchased over 30 years, and the temple complex grew, much of it funded by devotees. Today it is over 60 acres and one of the largest temple complexes in India. The temple does a lot of charitable work, and runs several schools and a medical diagnostic centre, free of charge for those in need.
How To Get To Chhatarpur Temple
The best way to get to Chhatapur Temple is by Delhi metro. This is a very busy part of Delhi and traffic is always bad. The last time I was there I couldn’t even get an auto rickshaw, until a kind stranger offered to share hers with me. The Chhattarpur metro station is very close to the temple complex. Exit from gate 2 at the station. Don’t hesitate to use the Delhi metro – it’s an excellent system.
You can also take an Uber, or grab an auto rickshaw if you’re only a few kilometres away. Both are widely used in Delhi and safe.
Where To Stay Nearby
The Chhatarpur temples are in far South Delhi. These are my favourite hotels relatively close to the complex. You’ll be able to explore the rest of Delhi easily from any of these.
📍Tree of Life (budget) – this is a lovely bed and breakfast with views of the Qutub Minar (UNESCO). Rooms are clean and comfortable with ensuite bathrooms, free Wi-Fi and plenty of hot water. The metro is within walking distance.
📍Sheraton New Delhi (mid-range) – a wonderful full service hotel ideal for tourists and business travellers. It’s close to a metro station, and next to two of Delhi’s best shopping malls with plenty of dining and entertainment options. The Sheraton has a fantastic pool and chocolate boutique.
📍Leela Palace New Delhi (luxury) – this is one of Delhi’s most luxurious hotels. It’s a beautiful property in the greenest part of New Delhi. You can expect exceptional service and comfortable, well-appointed guest rooms. The Leela has restaurants, lounges, spa, gym, pool and business services.
FAQs
These are common questions about visiting the Chhatarpur temples:
What is Chhatarpur Mandir in Delhi famous for?
Chhatarpur Mandir (mandir is Hindi for temple) is famous for being the largest temple complex in Delhi, and one of the largest complexes in India. It is over 60 acres and has many temples and shrines, most of which are devoted to Goddess Shakti (aka Katyayani).
How big is Chhatarpur Temple?
The Chhatarpur Temple complex is over 60 acres and has many temples and shrines. It is divided into several groups, or smaller complexes on both sides of Main Chhatarpur Road.
What is the architecture of Chhatarpur Mandir?
There are several styles of architecture at Chhatarpur Temple. You’ll see north Indian, south Indian and Vesara, which is a hybrid of Dravidian (from the South) and Nagara (from the North).
Where to go After Chhatarpur Temple
If you’re looking for somewhere nice to eat and relax after visiting the temples, I recommend the restaurant and boutique shopping hub, Dhan Mill Compound. It’s very close to the temples and there’s many wonderful cafes like Cafe Dori or CAARA at Ogaan.
Another excellent option is to head to Dastkar Nature Bazaar after the temples. Dastkar is an excellent pedestrian market where you will find authentic Indian handicrafts. They also have a small food court. It’s very close to the Chhatarpur temples.
The Wrap-up on Chhatarpur Temple: Visiting Delhi’s Largest Temple Complex
Chhatarpur Temple stands out from the other temples in Delhi because of its unique blend of architectural styles and sheer size. The temple complex has a very devout following, and you will no doubt be moved by the sincere faith of so many. Few tourists come here, this will be a very authentic cultural experience!
Don’t forget travel insurance! It’s always a good idea to carry travel insurance just in case something goes wrong. I really like and use SafetyWing
