India is nothing if not the land of temples. From ramshackle roadsides to sprawling complexes across acres of land, the humble abodes of Hindu gods have witnessed some serious upgradations over centuries.
Delhi houses some of the most tech-savvy and breathtaking of these shrines. And a stay in the capital is incomplete without visiting these alluring convergences of religion and science.
And being enthusiastic wanderers, there’s nothing Harsh and I do better on our free weekends than explore our own city. Here’s a list of the top five temples of Delhi that are worth a visit. Trust us, the glorious architecture of these temples would leave you baffled!
This exquisitely designed temple boasts of being one of the largest in the world. Ostensibly built for Lord Swaminarayan, the goal of the temple is to preserve ancient Indian culture.
A quick peek into the intrications of its design and rest assured, one would feel an instant pull to explore firsthand the overwhelming architecture and audio-visual treats the temple offers.
For the less adventurous, just the serenity in the temple complex and the cool haven the well-pruned lawns provide should be enough to make their visit successful.
Akshardham Temple
It happens to be my favorite temples in Delhi! The Lotus Temple, with petals made of marble slabs, can be sighted from afar. It almost looks misplaced as a site of peace and quiet amidst a bustling city.
It’s appealing structure has won it many architectural awards from around the world. Opened to the public in 1986, this Delhi temple functioned as an agent of propagating the Baha’i House of Worship, which emphasizes communal harmony and a peaceful coexistence.
A well-spent tour of the temple would include witnessing the hour long prayers that inculcate preachings from across religions.
(Suggested Read: Free Things To Do In Delhi)
Lotus Temple for peace lovers
The International Society For Krishna Consciousness, ISKCON, had the temple constructed in 1998 for Lord Krishna and Radha. Influences of the Gita envelope devotees with messages preaching the peaceful way of life.
ISKCON functions as a society with its presence pervading across religions and countries, validated by the fact that this temple was designed by Russian ISKCON members. Progressive artistry, Vedic literature and a plethora of audio-visual features are what entice literature and history enthusiasts, while a string of other devotees just marvel at the art and architecture of the shrine.
All the Krishna devotees just cannot get away with visiting this astounding temple in Delhi that has an aura of its own. It enchants the visitors and makes them feel a divine power surrounding them.
Lord Krishna lovers cannot miss a visit to ISKCON Temple
Birla Mandir, or Lakshminarayan Mandir, was inaugurated in 1938 by Mahatma Gandhi. The white marble and red sandstone structure houses a number of Hindu deities, from Lord Ganesha to Lord Shiva. The chief attractions are the shrines of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu.
This multi-shrine temple in Delhi has exquisite gardens and fountains, and a separate room for those who want to read the Gita. The whole complex, complete with loud chanting of aartis, is reminiscent of elaborate temple complexes of the pre-colonial era.
Birla Mandir
Located in the heart of the capital, Kalkaji Mandir is dedicated to Goddess Kalka Devi and holds cultural and historical significance. The twelve dome structure built in 1771 stands as an epitome of architectural brilliance of the Maratha period.
This temple in Delhi today stands as a bright and colorful building where devotees flock every morning and evening to attend aartis. These aartis are the highlights of the present-day functioning of the temple.
Kalkaji Mandir
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