Bahai Temple
The temple represents the Bahai faith which is broad in its
outlook, scientific in the influence it exerts on the hearts
and minds of men. It signifies the purity and the universality
of the lord and equality of all religions. Visited by over
four million people, annually, this gleaming lotus- like marble
structure is located on Bahapur Hills (South Delhi) and it
is the seventh and most recent Bahai houses of worship in
the world. The temple is a must visit for every tourist who
comes to Delhi.
This structure, completed in 1986, is a marvel of modern architecture.
Set amidst pools and gardens, the view of the temple is very
spectacular just before dusk when the temple is flood lit.
Anyone is free to visit the temple and pray or meditate silently
according to their own religion. The temple is around 45 minutes
from Domestic Airport.
Jama Masjid
Built by Shah Jahan in 1658, it is one of the largest mosques
in India with a seating capacity of more than 20,000.
The mosque is situated near the Red Fort in old Delhi. This
is the area that still retains the traditional charm of markets
in Mughal times.
The bulbous domes and tapering minarets built with marble
stand strong and beautiful even to this day. This mosque has
three gateways, four angle towers and two 40 m. high minarets.
You can even go to the top of minarets and have a bird's eye
view of Delhi.
Birla Mandir
Also known as the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, it is ideally located
in central Delhi (Mandir Marg). This temple dedicated to 'Lakshmi'
(goddess of wealth) and 'Lord Narayana' (the preserver) was
built in 1938 by the prominent Indian industrialist Raja Baldev
Das Birla and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi.
The temple, built in Orissan style, has a large number of
idols representing various hindu deities. It welcomes people
of all faiths.
The temple is also known for its excellent sculptured panels,
wall paintings and frescoes done by master artists from Jaipur,
Rajasthan.Adjacent to the temple is 'Geeta Bhavan' where a
magnificent statue of Lord Krishna and beautiful paintings
depicting the epic of Mahabharata are seen. A temple dedicated
to Lord Buddha and wall paintings depicting his life and teachings
is also located around the central structure of Birla Mandir.
A guest house, a library and a reading room also form a part
of the temple.
Nizam-ud-din Shrine
This is the tomb of the famous Sufi saint, Nizam-ud-din Auliya
and after his burial it became the coveted cemetry of Muslim
nobility. The tomb of Jahanara, daughter of Emperor Shah Jehan
and well known poets, Mirza Ghalib and Amir Khusru are located
here.
This shrine is now an important Muslim pilgrim centre. After
sunset, every Thursday, qawawals sing the melodious lyrics
of Amir Khusro. It is also the venue for Urs festival.
Location: West of Mathura Road
ISKCON Temple
Built on a hilly place in 1998, the ISKCON Temple is a complex
of temples. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this elegant temple
is one of the largest temple complexes in India. It has a
large number of Hare-Rama Hare-Krishna followers.
Chattarpur Mandir
It is located beyond the Qutb Minar in Mehrauli. This temple
dedicated to Goddess Durga, is built in the South Indian style.
The temple complex is spread over a large area with beautiful
lawns and gardens. Though devotees visit this temples throughout
the year, the main festival is celebrated during Navarathri.
Special bus service is provided to the devotees during the
festival.
Bala Hanuman Temple
This samll but elegant temple located at Baba Kharak Singh
Marg near Connaught Place was built in 1724. It is very popular
among the devotees of Lord Hanuman.
The 24-hour chanting of the mantra 'Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai
Jai Ram', since August 1, 1964, has earned a place in the
Guinness Book of Records.
St. James Church
Located very close to Kashmere Gate in north Delhi, St. James
Church is the oldest church in the capital. It was built by
James Skinner and consecrated in 1836.
It is built in the Western classical design with a Greek cross
plan. Three of the arms of the cross have porticoes, while
the eastern arm contains the altar. The central areas is covered
by a magnificent dome. This church is open only on Sundays.
Aurobindo Ashram
This ashram at Aurobindo Marg, is a centre for yoga and meditation.
The main ashram is at Pondicherry. Products like handmade
paper, incense sticks, etc. are available here.
Religious Places in Delhi, Places of Religious Interest in
New Delhi
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