Kalkaji Mandir: Kalkaji Mandir is a place which is dedicated to Goddess Kali. The temple is Located in South Delhi, Kalkaji - the locality is named after the temple itself. Kalkaji Mandir is one of the prominent Hindu temples in Delhi. Thousands of people visit daily to have a glimpse of the Goddess. This locality has an excellent connectivity with metro and social infrastructure around.
HistoryIt is believed that Kalkaji Mandir is over 3000 years old. Pandavas along with Lord Krishna visited this temple to offer their prayers to Goddess Kali during the Mahabharata time.
The temple underwent several modifications over the years. While Kalkaji Mandir is much older, it is believed that its oldest portion have been built around 1764 AD by the Marathas. Many additions were made in 1816 by the Peshkar of Akbar and Mirza Raja Kidar Nath.
StoryAccording to the Hindu Scriptures, two demons created many problems for the Gods who were residing around the place where the Kalkaji Mandir is situated. The gods approached Lord Brahma to tackle this problem and asked to visit Goddess Parvati to sought her help then Kaushiki Devi (woman of the cell) emerged from the mouth of Goddess Parvati. Kaushiki Devi fought with these two demons but whenever Kaushiki Devi killed the demon, their blood fell on the dry land during the battle and due to this, many other demons came alive. After seeing the army of demons, Kaushiki Devi knitted her eyebrows and then Goddess Kali emerged from her forehead.
Goddess Kali not only killed the demons but also drank their blood. All the deities pleased Goddess Kalika and requested her to reside at the same place where Kalkaji Mandir is located. Since then, the temple has become one of the most ancient shrines in the nation.
SignificanceIt is believed that devotees who visit the temple and worship Goddess Kali, attain everything they want in life. Kalka Devi is also known as Kaal Chakra Swamini. Kalkaji Mandir is also known as 'Manokamana Siddha Peetha' and 'Jayanti Peetha'. Manokamna Siddha means 'desired wish fulfilment', and Peetha means the 'shrine'.
Rituals at Kalkaji Mandir1. Each day in the Kalkaji Mandir starts with a milk bath of Goddess Kali, followed by the Morning Aarti.
2. The aarti is performed twice a day, and the evening aarti is also called as the Tantrik Aarti.
3. Aarti time changes depending upon the winters and summers.
4. Pujaris in the temple perform aarti by their scheduled turns.
5. Devotees stand in queues outside the temple and wait for their turn to get a glimpse of the Goddess and perform their rituals.