Chhatarpur Temple: Visiting Delhi’s Largest Temple Complex 2026
Chhatarpur Temple is the largest temple complex in Delhi, but it hardly gets any tourists. Most visitors go to the more famous Akshardham Temple instead.
It’s a shame, because Chhatarpur Temple is magnificent and very interesting. It’s an important temple for Hindus, where you can witness sincere devotion and the complexity of Hindu faith.
A neighbour brought me to Chhatarpur Temple my first time. It was during the religious festival of Navratri, and it was so thronged with devotees we had to line up down the street in our bare feet to get in. But it was a colourful and unforgettable experience. I’m so glad I went.
Visiting Chhatarpur Temple: Overview
Chhatarpur 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 2 hours to see the biggest temples 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 between the temples, so I recommend visiting in the morning and bringing water.
Shoes must be removed before entering the temples, but you do not need to cover your head (though some Indians choose to).
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.
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).
Navratri is a 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 (temple is ‘mandir’ in Hindi, and the words are often interchangeable) 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.
The main temple, Shri Aadya Katyayani Shaktipith Mandir, is dedicated to Katyayani Devi, one of the forms of the goddess worshipped in the complex.
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 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 Chhatarpur 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 when leaving until a kind stranger offered to share hers with me.
The Chhattarpur metro station (Yellow line) is very close to the temple complex. Don’t hesitate to use the metro – it’s an excellent system.
You can also take an Uber, or an auto rickshaw if you’re only a few kilometres away. Both are widely used in Delhi and safe.
Where To Stay Near Chhatarpur Temple
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:
- Hyatt Regency Delhi (luxury): It’s the closest 5 star hotel to Chhatarpur that I recommend. The location is great, beside a metro station and the main arterial road that goes south to the temple complex, also close to all the major sites.
- Sheraton New Delhi (mid-range): Fantastic hotel close to the metro and two of Delhi’s best shopping malls, so lots of dining and entertainment options within walking distance. The Sheraton has a really nice outdoor pool.
- Tree of Life (budget): Very pleasant bed and breakfast on a residential street in Saket (where I stay now). Rooms are clean, comfortable and there’s view of the Qutub Minar. Great location for exploring Delhi.
What to See Near Chhatarpur Temple
Chhatarpur Temple is in the far south of Delhi, so while you’re in the area try to see a couple of sites that are nearby:
- Dhan Mill Compound: Former grain and rice storage facility that is now a hub of cafes and boutiques. Pleasant to walk around and good spot to eat after visiting the temples. I like Cafe Dori and Bombay Club.
- Dastkar Nature Bazaar: Handicraft market with very authentic Indian textiles and crafts. It’s pedestrian only and there’s a small food court. Small entrance fee.
- Kururattha-Khemararam (Wat Khmer New Delhi): Only Cambodian temple in Delhi. Small, but very beautiful. It’s right next to Dastkar Nature Bazaar.
Last Words 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.
