Delhi's Chhatarpur Temple; a quiet place for everyone

If you want a quiet, spiritual break, the Chhatarpur Temple makes a good choice. Set over 60 acres, at Chhatarpur, on the southwestern outskirts of the city of Delhi, off the Mehrauli-Gurgaon road, this temple over 20 small and large temples, to Rama, Ganesha and Shiva, divided in three different complexes.

It is a record setter of sorts as the second largest temple complex in India, after Delhi’s Akshardham Temple. Built in 1974, the Shri Adhya Katyani Shakti Peeth Mandir, known popularly Chhatarpur Temple, is dedicated to Goddess Katyayani. It was built 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.

A side shrine within the main temple houses a shrine of Goddess Katyayani (Durga), which opens only during the bi-annual Navratri season. That is when the crowds really swell. Devotees tie holy threads on an old tree at the entrance to the main temple for wish fulfillment. And if you are looking for a jaw dropping sight, the temple has a living room and a bedroom where all the furniture is in silver.