State: Delhi

Chattarpur Mandir is situated just 4 km from Qutub Minar, located in the Mehrauli area of New Delhi. This temple is dedicated to goddess Durga. It is one of the largest and most popular Hindu temples of the capital. Other deities at the temple are Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi and God Ganesh. The temple architecture is designed in the South Indian style which was developed in the Dravida Desam.

The Vimana and the Gopurams are the distinctive features of the Southern style. It has a tall pyramidal tower consisting of several smaller storeys which stands on a square base called as a Vimana. The Gopuram has two storeys separated by a horizontal moulding. The Prakara or the outer wall encircles the main shrine and the other smaller shrines, the tank, the Pallavas, the Cholas, the Pandyas, the Vijayanagar rulers, and the Nayaks.

On Durga Puja, there is a never-ending queue of devotees waiting patiently for their turn for the blessings of the Goddess Durga. According to the popular belief, tying a thread on the tree inside the complex of Chattarpur Mandir fulfills one's wishes. After the wishes are granted, one needs to come back to untie the thread.Chattarpur Mandir attracts a large number of devotees, especially at the time of Navratras and Durga Puja.

This temple is made up of white marble and has a number of lush gardens adding to the beauty of this temple complex. The temple complex is spread over a large area with beautiful lawns and gardens. Devotees from all over Delhi come to pay their prayers to the deities in the temple. There are also a number of temples inside the complex, dedicated to various Gods and Goddesses, like Vishnu, Ganesha, Lakshmi and Shiva.  Prayers and sermons are offered in the temple 24 hours a day. For the devotees of Goddess Durga, Delhi Chattarpur temple holds great respect.

Article Contributed by Swati Sharma