|
The Chhatarpur Temple is located on the southwestern outskirts of the city of Delhi and is just one kilometer off the Mehrauli-Gurgaon road.
This temple is one of the biggest and most popular Hindu temples in India.
It was considered as the biggest temple in India and second largest in the world, before the Akshardham Temple was created in 2005 in Noida, Delhi. This temple is totally constructed from marble and on all the facets there is Jaali (perforated stone or latticed screen) work.
Although, the main deity in this temple is Goddess Durga but the complex also has other temples dedicated to Lord Rama, Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva.
The architecture of this temple is a blend of the styles of Chalukyas and Cholas.
Although, this temple is themed on South Indian temples it does not have a Gateway or Gopuram, which is a mandatory item in South Indian Temples.
Chhatarpur Mandir is truly a wonder of architecture, where stones appear to transmit poetry. Chhatarpur Temple is located on Gurgaon-Mehrauli Road, in South Delhi.
Chhatarpur Temple was built by Swami Nagpal Maharaj, who was a great devotee of Goddess Durga. The legend left this corporeal world in the recent years. Erected in white marble, the main shrine is dedicated to Goddess Katyayani (a form of Durga). The main feature about this temple is that its construction doesn't seek any end.
The History
 Shri Adhya Katyani Shakti Peeth Mandir is popularly known as Chhatarpur Temple since it is located in a down town area in south of Delhi - Chattarpur. This is the second largest temple complex in India, and is dedicated to Goddess, Katyayani. It is located at Chhatarpur, on the southwestern outskirts of the city of Delhi and is just 4 km from Qutub Minar, off Mehrauli-Gurgaon road.
The temple was established in 1974, by Baba Sant Nagpal ji, who died in 1998. His samadhi shrine lies in the premises of the Shiv-Gauri Nageshwar Mandir within the temple complex.
This temple was considered as the biggest temple in India and second largest in the world, before the Akshardham Temple was created in 2005 in Delhi. This temple is totally constructed from marble and on all the facets there is jaali (perforated stone or latticed screen) work.
The architecture
The Chattarpur Temple has been completely carved out of marbles and you will not find any other stone used in the construction. The temple is very richly crafted and has Naqqashi and Jaali work done all over its facets. Though the principal deity of this temple is goddess Durga, the temple complex has many temples dedicated to other deities like Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesh and Lord Ram. The Chhatarpur Temple becomes the center of attraction during the annual Navratri festival. Thousands of devotees can be seen thronging the temple complex during this festival.The architecture of the Chhatarpur temple is based on the fusion of architectures of the Cholas and Chalukyas. Its outlook is broadly based on South-Indian temples but the major difference is the absence of Gopuram or Gateway, which is inseparable in southern temples. The temple complex is spread over a large area with beautiful manicured lawns and gardens. The whole ambience of the temple complex is very religious as discourses and prayers are held round the clock. The only problem is the construction work that never stops and is continued since years.
The Temple
The entire temple complex spread over 60 acres, has over 20 small and large temples divided in three different complexes. The main deity in the temple is Goddess Katyayani, a part of Navadurga, the nine forms of Hindu goddess Durga or Shakti, worshipped during the Navratri celebrations.
A side shrine within the main temple houses a shrine of Goddess Katyayani (Durga), which opens only during the bi-annual Navratri season, when thousands of people throng the premises for darshan. One nearby room has been made as living room with tables and chairs made in silver, and another regarded as the Shayan Kaksha (Bed Room), where a bed, dressing table and table are carved in silver. This shrine opens on a large satsang or prayer hall, where religious discourses and bhajans, (religious songs) are held. Just at the entrance to the main temple, stand an old tree, where devotees tie holy threads for wish fulfillment. Another shrine of Goddess Durga is open to devotees morning to evening, it lies above the shrines dedicated to Radha Krishna, and Lord Ganesh.
Apart from this the complex also has other temples dedicated to Lord Rama, Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva. The temples have been built in both South and North Indian style of temple architecture.
Location
Located in Delhi, Chhatarpur temple is just a distance of 4 kms from the Qutub Minar.
Source: Wikipedia
Click here for Photo Features
|
