Chhatarpur Temple Delhi

Introduction to the Chhatarpur Temple

Delhi houses many ancient Hindu temples. Chhatarpur Temple is one of the largest temples located in downtown South Delhi. The temple was originally known as 'Chhatarpur Shri Adhya Katyayani Shakti Peeth Mandir.' It is the second-largest temple complex in India. Maa Katyayani is the presiding deity of the Chhatarpur Temple. Devotees hailing from all castes and creeds visit the Chhatarpur Temple to receive her blessings. The temple is 4km from Qutab Minar.

Legend of the Chhatarpur Temple

Maa Katyayani is the sixth incarnation of Durga, and is also known as Lalitha or Parvati, who is the wife of Shiva. There was a Rishi named Katyayan who worshipped Durga by doing severe penance. He prayed to her for a boon that Durga would be born as his daughter. She was pleased and accepted his prayers.

It is said that Maa Durga incarnated here as Katyayani for slaying the demon Mahishasur, who unleashed havoc upon the world with his evil deeds. The holy trinity Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma combined their forces and created Katyayani. They endowed Maa Katyayani with incredible powers. She slew the demon effortlessly and thus acquired another name, Mahishasuramardhini. Katyayani is often depicted with flowing hair, a golden complexion, and a fierce expression.

The Architecture of the Chhatarpur Temple

The Chhatarpur Temple features the South Indian architectural style. In 1974, Baba Sant Nagpal Ji established the temple. He passed away in 1998. His Samadhi lies on the premises of the Shiv-Gauri Nageshwar Mandir in the temple complex. Marble has been used to build the temple. The Chhatarpur Temple sprawls over 60 acres. Three different complexes in the temple premises cover over twenty small and large shrines.

After entering the temple, people can see the shrine of Maa Katyayani outside the main hall. Maa Katyayani's golden-faced idol is installed in a big hall accessible from the prayer hall. The idol is always dressed in heavy clothes and gold jewellery and adorned with fresh flowers. There is a living room where people can see nine Durga avatars and two beautiful Maa Katyayani paintings. Silver furniture is also seen in the living room.

Proceeding further, there is a meeting area. Devotees can see a queen-size bedroom of the deity following the meeting area that features a silver bed, dressing table, gold ornaments, cosmetics, a sword, and other things. All these rooms have glass enclosures and can only be seen from outside. Gauri and Katyayani, the two incarnations of Navdurga, have separate shrines. Maa Gauri shrine is accessible all days of the year. However, the devotees can visit Katyayani shrine only on Ashtami every month or during all nine days of Navratri.

There is a courtyard in the Chhatarpur Temple where devotees can see an old and holy Peepal tree. A huge basement room is next to the temple complex, where devotees are fed free delicious meals. Shiv Mandir, Ram Mandir, Maa Mahishasurmardini Mandir, Maa Ashtabhuji Mandir, Hanuman Mandir, Jharpeer Mandir, Laxmi Vinayak Mandir, Markandeya Mandap, Baba Samadhi, Nageshwar Mandir, the Trident (Trishul), 101 feet high Hanuman statue, etc., are some of the unique attractions of the Chhatarpur Temple. These temples feature both South and North Indian styles of architecture.

Festivals in the Chhatarpur Temple

During festivals like Vasant Navratri, Maha Navratri, Krishna Janmashtami, and Guru Purnima, thousands of devotees congregate in the Chhatarpur Temple. The temple offers Langar (free food) to lakhs of visitors during Navratri.

Babaji's birthday falls on the full moon day in February or March every year, and Babaji's Nirvaan Divas is on December 15.

Benefits of Worshipping at the Chhatarpur Temple

Devotees visit the Chhatarpur Temple and tie a thread to the Peepal tree for wish fulfillment. It is believed that Maa Katyayani can grant her devotees' wishes and bestow them with a peaceful and prosperous life.