Holy Pilgrimage – Delhi and New Delhi –( Kalka Mandir, Uttara Swamy Malai Temple, Gauri Shankar Temple, Kali Bari Mandir,Lotus Mandir and Shani Dham Temple ) -3 at 10:06 PM

Holy Pilgrimage – Temples in Delhi and New Delhi

Kalka Mandir, Delhi

Kalkaji Mandir,, also known as Kalkaji Temple, is a famous Hindu mandir or temple, dedicated to Hindu Goddess Kali. This temple is situated on Kalkaji Mandir (Delhi Metro) in the southern part of Delhi, India, in Kalkaji, a locality that has derived its name from this famous temple and is located opposite Nehru Place business centre. The temple is easily accessible by all forms of public transport on Kalkaji Mandir (Delhi Metro) and is near Bus Terminus-Nehru Place and Railway Station-Okhla.^[1][2][3] The general belief is that the image of the Goddess Kalka here is a self-manifested one, and that the shrine dates back to Satya Yuga when the Goddess Kalika had incarnated and killed the demon Raktabija along with other giant demons.

 

General information

Kalka or Kalkaji Mandir is amongst the oldest and the most reverend ancient temples of India. The temple is dedicated to goddess Kalka or Kali, an incarnation of Durga. It is also called 'Jayanti Peetha' or 'Manokamna Siddha Peetha'. 'Manokamna' literally means desire, 'Siddha' means fulfillment, and 'Peetha' means shrine. So, it is believed to be the holy shrine where one gets the blessings of Maa Kalika Devi (Goddess or Mother Kalika) for the fulfillment of one's desires.
The temple complex is situated on Kalkaji Mandir (Delhi Metro), in between the Nehru Place bus terminus & business center and Okhla railway station & industrial area, and is right beside the famous Bahá'í Lotus Temple. Close by to the temple, on a hill in the East of Kailash neighbourhood and near the ISKCON temple, lies an Edict of Ashoka, dating 3rd century BC.
Devotees attend the Kalkaji temple throughout the year, but the culmination point of their prayers and celebration comes during the festival of Navratri twice a year. This is a nine-day Hindu festival, in Spring and Autumn during which a large fair is organized here. Devotees gather and sing various hymns and songs praising Goddess Durga.

History

Legend

 

While the Hindu scriptures have multiple references and legends regarding the birth and acts of the Goddess Kali, the legend which tells about the circumstances attending to the birth of Maa Kalika Devi at the Kalkaji Mandir is as below:

Millions of years ago, the gods who dwelt in the neighbourhood of the present temple were troubled by two giants and were compelled to prefer their complaint to Lord Brahma, 'the god of all'. But Lord Brahma declined to interfere, and referred them to the Goddess Parvati. Out of the mouth of Maa Parvati sprung Kaushki Devi, who attacked the two giants and slaughtered them, but it so happened, that as their blood fell on the dry earth thousands of giants came into life, and the battle was maintained by Kaushki Devi against great odds. Maa Parvati took compassion on her offspring and out of the eyebrows of Kaushki Devi came maa Kali Devi, 'whose lower lip rested on the hills below and the upper lip touched the sky above. She drank the blood of the slaughtered giants as it poured out of their wounds; and the goddess obtained a complete victory over their enemies. Maa Kali Devi then fixed her abode here, and she was worshipped as the chief divinity of the place.

It is believed that the Goddess Kalkaji, pleased with the prayers offered and rituals performed by the Gods on the advice of Lord Brahma, appeared on this mount, known as Surya Koota Parvata, and blessed them. Ever since, the Goddess took this holy place as her abode and has been fulfilling the wishes of her devotees. During the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna and the Pandavas are said to have worshipped this Goddess during the reign of Yudhisthir.

References in History

According to the Government records, the temple of Kalkaji is said to have a very ancient origin, but the oldest portions of the present building is believed to have been constructed not earlier than the 1764 AD by the Maratha rulers.^[4] In 1816 A.D. Mirza Raja Kidar Nath, the Peshkar of Akbar II, is said to have made some additions to it. Over the last five to six decades, a considerable number of dharamshalas have been erected in the vicinity by the Hindu bankers and merchants of Delhi place. It is said that Baba Balak Nath of Nath Sampradaya, i.e. the Kanpata Yogis (who have rings pierced in the ears) visited this holy place hundreds of years ago. He is believed to have had the darshan of Goddess Kalika who asked him to stay here and get the temple reconstructed, which by then was completely ruined due to neglect. From that time onwards the yogis of Nath Sampradaya have been serving the Goddess and are enthroned as Mahant. Baba Sandhya Nath, Baba Sahaja Nath, Mahant Prithvi Nath, Mahant Rama Nath are remembered with great respect. They were renowned yogis of their time empowered with special spiritual powers and visions.

Modern Structure

The temple complex, as it stands today, is constructed of brick masonry, finished with plaster (now with marbles) and is surrounded by a pyramidal tower. The Central Chamber which is 12-sided in plan diam. (24' I.M.) with a doorway in each side is paved with marble and is surrounded by a verandah 8'9" wide and containing 36 arched openings (shown as the exterior doorways in the Parikrama). This verandah encloses the Central Chamber from all sides. About the middle of this arcade opposite the eastern doorway there are two red sandstone tigers sitting on a marble pedestal on which the inscription engraved on the marble railings is repeated. The language of the inscriptions is Urdu and the characters on the railings as well as on the pedestals are nastaliq without any pretensions to antiq mvbm,cuity. Between the tigers there is stone image of Kali Devi with her name engraved on it in Hindi, and a trident of stone standing before it.

Rituals

 

The major ritual consists of offering and bathing the idol (Mata Snanam) with milk followed by an Aarti every morning (6 AM) and evening (7:30 PM). This, in turn, is followed by hymn recitation. Offerings can be purchased just before the entrance of the temple. Visitors should be alert in the area as the place is very crowded and there can be Pickpockets. The Puja archana and other rituals are performed turn by turn (Monthly Basis) by Pujaris consisting of more than 1000 families who are the descendants of 4 main clans (Thulas) of Brahmin pujaris and one clan of Jogis/Mahants.
The atmosphere around the temple is airy and bright with lights which stay during the whole night. Devotees also try to meditate there and a tantric aarti is held in the evening

 

Location for the Kalkaji Mandir

The temple is situated on the Suryakoota Parvata (ie. Suryakoota Mount) of Aravali Mountain Ranges. That is why we call Maa Kalka Devi( Goddess Kalika) as 'Suryakoota Niwasini', that is one who dwells at Suryakoota.

There are two other famous temples in the vicinity of the shrine viz. Lotus Temple and ISKCON Temple.

If we go by the map, this shrine is at Kalkaji, the place is known after the temple. The areas adjacent to this shrine are Nehru Place, Greater Kailash, Chittaranjan Park(also known as C.R. Park), East of Kailash, Maharani Bagh, Lajpat Nagar, Okhla Industrial Area etc

 

Uttara Swami Malai Temple, New Delhi

Uttara Swami Malai Temple (Tamil: உத்தர சுவாமி மலை கோவில்), popularly known as Malai Mandir (literally, Hill Temple), is a Hindu temple complex in New Delhi located on the affluent Palam Marg primarily dedicated to Lord Swaminatha (more commonly known as Lord Murugan), most revered by the religious Hindus of Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada community in the city.

Architecture

The main temple within the complex, formally called Sree Swaminatha Swami Temple, houses the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Swaminatha. It is situated atop a small hillock in Sector-7 R.K. Puram and overlooking Vasant Vihar in South West Delhi. This is in keeping with the tradition of locating Murugan temples on hills. The sign outside the main temple is written in Tamil, proclaiming Lord Swaminatha's motto, "Yaamirukka Bayamain" meaning "Why fear when I am there?". The temple is built entirely of granite, and is reminiscent of the Chola style of South Indian Temple Architecture.
Besides the main Swaminatha Swami Temple, the complex contains temples dedicated to Sree Karpaga Vinayagar (elder brother of Lord Swaminatha), Sree Sundareswarar (father of Lord Swaminatha) and Devi Meenakshi (mother of Lord Swaminatha). These subsidiary temples draw inspiration from the Pandya style of South Indian Temple Architecture, as can be seen at the historic Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
In the Hindu religion, the peacock is considered Lord Swaminatha's mount or vahana. Accordingly, the temple has adopted a peacock as its pet. This peacock can be seen and heard among the trees and foliage within the temple compound.

History

• Sep 8, 1965 The foundation stone for the temple is laid by M. Bhakthavatsalam, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, at a function held under the presidentship of Sri Lal Bahadur Shastri, then Prime Minister of India.

• Jun 7, 1973 The main temple for Lord Swaminatha - Sree Swaminatha Swami Temple - is consecrated and a Mahakumbhabhishekham performed.

• Jun 13, 1990 The temples for Sree Karpaga Vinayakar, Sree Sundareswarar and Devi Meenakshi are consecrated and Mahakumbhabhishekhams performed. A Jeeranoddharana Kumbhabhishekham for the Lord Swaminatha temple is also performed on the same day.

• Jul 7, 1995 The Navagraha temple (nine planets), along with a small temple for Idumban Swami, is consecrated and Kumbhabhishekham performed.

• Nov 9, 1997 The Adi Sankara Hall is inaugurated.

• Jun 27, 2001 The third Punaruddharana, Ashtabandhana and Swarna-Rajatha Bandhana Mahakumbhabhishekham of the temples are performed by H.H. Kanchi Kamakoti Peethadhipati Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal. H.H. Sri Vijayendra Saraswati Swamigal also participates in the yagna pooja on the night of June 25, 2001.

It was a time when the South Indian population of Delhi was just a handful. An ardent devotee of Lord Swaminatha, who was worshipping an emerald idol of the Lord given to him by Bhagawan Ramana Maharshi, organised jpublic celebration of Śrī Skanda Shashti, the conquest of Lord Muruga over the demon kings (the triumph of good over evil) for the fierst time in the year 1943. As the years went by, the South Indian population increased manifold and the Shashti festival became very popular. The attendance swelled into thousands and the need for a temple began to be keenly felt.
The search for a suitable elevated place commenced in 1961. In a dream to a devotee, a small hillock was indicated as His would-be abode by Lord Swaminatha Himself. The mound was in the heart of a vast thicket of berry trees. There was only a tiny village, Vasant Gaon, in the vicinity.
Undeterred by the remoteness of this spot and little realising that it would one day become the hub of a vast residential colony, the organisers went about their task for the erection of a temple with earnestness and devotion. The site was first cleared by the Department of Archaeology as suitable for erecting a temple. Ina a map available with the Department, the mound was marked R.P. (Religious Place). The concerned Government Authority was willing to allot the site on top of the hill, measuring 589 square yards, on payment of Rs. 21,000.
On Vijaya Dasami Day, October 18, 1961, Śrī Swaminatha Swami Seva Samaj was formed under the presidentship of Sangeetha Kalanidhi Śrī T.L. Venkatarama Iyer, Supreme Court judge, for the purpose of raising funds and constructing the temple.
Money was scarce those days. It came in dribbles. The hillock was acquired in 1963. Śrī O.V. Alagesan, then Minister of Petroleum and Chemicals, became the President of the Samaj in the following year.
A small balalaya was soon put up and regular worship commenced at the chosen site. The Samaj obtained, with the permission of the Government of Madras, the services of Śrī V. Ganapathi Sthapathi, Superintendent of the Sculpture Training Centre, Mahabalipuram, to prepare the design and undertake the construction of the temple. The project was blessed by H.H. Jagatguru Sankaracharya Śrī Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Swamigal of Kanchipuram. His Holiness has been the guiding star of Malai Mandir, as it has come to be popularly known, ever since.
A virorous fundraising drive was launched. Thanks to the help rendered by the Religious Endowment Department of the State Government, the temples in Tamil Nadu came forward to help the new project with an aggregate contribution of about Rs. two lakhs. The Andhra Pradesh Government and the Tirupathi Devasthanam contributed Rs. 25,000 each. The Swaminatha Swami Seva Samaj received every encouragement from the citizens of Delhi to proceed with the plans for the construction of the new temple, in granite stone.
The foundation stone for the temple was laid on September 8, 1965 by Śrī M. Bhakthavatsalam, Chief Minister of Madras, at a function held under the presidentship of Śrī Lal Bahadur Shastri, the then Prime Minister of India. The same day, a Works Centre started functioning at Walajabad, to dress and carve the grainte stones taken from the nearby Pattumalai Kuppam quarry. About 75 sculptors and carvers were engaged in the task for more than four years, until the stones were ready to be transported to Delhi by Rail.
In the meantime, on June 2, 1967, the Sila Sangrahanam (stone acquiring) ceremony for the Moola Vigraham of Lord Swaminatha was performed at Tirunelveli. With blessings of the Sankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam and Arulnandi Tambiran Swamigal of Tirupanandal, the stone for the main idol of Lord Swaminatha was located and lifted from the bed of the Tambaravaruni River. It appears that the present moolavigraham in Śrī Subramania Swami Temple on the seashore at Tiruchendur was carved out sixty years earlier from another portion of the same bedrock. The Tambara Varuni stone was brought to Mahabalipuram for making the moolavigraha . It took nearly thirty months to sculpt the idol of Śrī Swaminatha. In April 1970, the idol was taken to Kanchipuram to be blessed by His Holiness the Sankaracharya Śrī Chandrasekarendra Swamigal. His Holiness was pleased at the workmanship and performed special abhishekam and archana to the moola vigraha . It was then brought to Uttara Swamimalai and kept in dhanya vasa .
The first instalment of five wagons of carved stones from Walajabad arrived in New Delhi by rail in December 1968, to be followed by another 14 wagons in May 1969. The skilled workers from Walajabad then began giving the finishing touches and the work of assembling commenced.
In Septermber 1969, the foundation work was completed and the work of actual erection was taken up. The Garbha Nyasa function was performed on 26 April 1970 by His Holiness Śrī Krishna Bhodasrami Swamigal, the then Sankaracharya of Jyotir Math
Early in 1973, the temple was ready for consecration. On the invitation of the Samaj, His Holiness Jagadguru Sankaracharya Śrī Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal of Kanchi Math undertook a padayatra of 2,400 kilometres from Kanchipuram to Delhi via Tirupati, Hyderabad, Nagpur, Jhansi, Gwalior, Agra and Mathura, covering a period of four months from the middle of February 1973 to early June of that year. On June 4, 1973, the Jagadguru performed the Yantra Sthapana ceremony. On the same day, H.H. Śrī Niranjana Dev Tirtha Maharaj, the Sankaracharya of Govardhan Peetham, Puri and H.H. Śrī Krishna Bodhasrami Maharaj, the Sankaracharya of Jyotir Math, visited the temple and had darshan of the Lord in Jaladinivasa.
The Maha Kumbhabhishekam on the 7th June 1973 was acknowledged to be the biggest event of the decade. Over three lakhs of people witnessed the Kumbhabhishekam performed by Sarva Sadakam Sivachariar Ayyamani Sivam in the august persence of His Holiness the Sankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. There were 47 homa kundams (holy fires) and 64 kalasams set in the Yaga Sala and over 100 sivachariars and vedic scholars from various parts of India performed the homams, pujas and other rituals. His Holiness visited the Yaga Sala several times and gave several useful directions to the sivachariars and vedic scholars.
Śrī R. Venkataraman was the President of the Samaj. On his appointment as the Union Finance Minister in January 19880, and on his advice, Śrī T. Swaminathan, I.C.S., the thenChief Election Commissioner, became the Chairman of the Board of Management. Śrī T. Swaminathan could not continue as Chairman of the Board of Management of the Samaj due to ill health and the stewardship of the Samaj passed on the Śrī R. V. Subrahmanian, I.A.S. (Retd), who continues to be the President. Śrī R. Venkataraman, the former President of India, is the Patron-in-Chief of the temple.
Built on top of the 90 feet high hillock at a cost of Rs. 14 lakhs, the temple of Lord Swaminatha has several unique features. this is the only temple where Brahmasthana Prathista has been done. Deities delineated in human form are not normally house in the Brahmasthana or the very centre of the garbha graha. Lord Skanda is an exception. The shrine has become famous as Sahasrara Kshetra and has been sung by poets as the seventh Padai Veedu. The six important shrines of Lord Subrahmanya at Tiruchendur, Tirupparankundram, Swami Malai, Palani, Pazhamudircholai and Tiruttani represent the six centres (cakras) Mooladhara, Swadisthana, Manipuraka, Anahata, Visudhi, and Agyaya. The Sahasrara of Brahmarandhra Kshetra was missing all these centuries and Uttara Swami Malai has filled the void.
There is evidence in the Mahabharata to show that Rohtak (about 25 miles from Delhi) was the stronghold of Matha Mayurakas and that their cherished deity was Karttikeya. This Uttara Swami Malai is the one shrine which has been visited by the Sankaracharyas of all the five maths: Bhadri, Dwaraka, Kanchi, Puri and Sringeri. This is also the only temple where the Sarva Vasikarana Yantra is embedded under the deity. This yantra is the strong magnet attracting all irrespective of caste, creed, race, religion or nationality to this great shrine.
The temple of Lord Swaminatha is assembled and not constructed. The 900 massive stones, some of them weighing three to four tons each, stand assembed together without the use of cement or mortar. Only the crevices have been filled with the time-tested adhesive material made of lime and sand, gound to a paste with molasses and fruit juice

At the instance of His Holiness Jagadguru Sankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, the Samaj took up the construction of the Silpa Kala Mandapam. It does not house any deity but houses several ezquisite sculptural pieces like the lion pillar, the trellised window, the music pillar, the stone chain and the stone bull. It took five years to complete this showpiece of South Indian temple architecture and sculpture at a cost of Rs ten lakhs. This was inaugurated on 18 September 1983 by Śrī R. Venkataraman, then Union Finance Minister and thrown open to the public.
The next important step was to build a temple of Devi Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswara. The Sankaracharya of Kanchi advised the Samaj to construct this temple on the pattern of the great Madura temple. The work was entrusted to Śrī Ganapati Sthapati of Badrachalam Temple reputation. He prepared the design and left the actual execution to his younger brother Śrī Muthiah Sthapati, who has to his credit the construction of several temples both in India and abroad.
The work on the construction of the Meenakshi Sundareswara Temple as well as the temple for Lord Vinayaka commenced in 1986. The Sila Nyasam was performed on the 6th February 1986. When the edifice reached the garbha griha level, the garbha nyasam was performed on the 6th July 1987. The garbha griha containers were laid for all the three shrines by Śrī Vidya Peethadhipati Śrī Vidya Guru Śrī Vimarshanandendra Saraswati Maharaj of Bhaskara Prakasa Ashram, Madras.
While the brick construction was progressing at Delhi, the idols to be installed in the new temple were being carved at the sthapati's work centre at Palavakkam, Madras. It was decided that the lingam to be installed as Sundaresa should be a bana lingam drawn from the Narmada River. An exquisite piece of emerald colour stone about 1"9" high and about three feet in circumference was slelected from among the several stones available at Omkareswarar on the Narmada. The construction work at Delhi and the carving of the idols were completed in January 1990 over a four year period. The bana linga of Lord Shiva, the idol of Meenakshi and some of koshta vigrahas including Veena Dakshinamurti were taken to Kanchipuram to be blessed by His Holiness the Sankaracharya Śrī Chandrasekarendra Saraswati Swamigal in February 1990. His Holiness offered puja to the vigrahas.
The yantra sthapana of the new temple was performed at midnight on the 11th June 1990 by maharaj Śrī Gokulananda Saraswati Swamigal of Ramakrishna Math, New Delhi.
The Maha Kumbhabhishekam of the new temple and Jeernodhanrana Kumbhabhishekam of Lord Swaminatha Temple were performed on the 13th June 19990 at 6:45 am. Eighty sivacharyas drawn from various temples in the South and fifty Vedic scholars participated at the six kala yagas that preceded the kumbhabhishekam. There was recitation of the Rgveda, Krishna and Sukla yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda from dawn to dusk each day by selected Vedic pandits deputed by the Adi Sankara Advaita Research Centre, Madras. The kumbhabhishekam was performed in the august presence of Their Holinesses Śrī Gokulananda Saraswati, SrilaŚrī Śrī Muthikumaraswami Tambiran Swamigal of Tirupanandal and SrilaŚrī Ilvarasu Tambiran of Tiruvaduthurai Adheenam.
In strict accordance with the agamic rites and rituals, four kala pujas are being performed daily at all the shrines. The Samaj is administering a Pooja Trust Scheme for the well-being of the devotees and their families. Under this scheme, any person can donate a sum of Rs. 4,000 only and, on a date specified by the donor, the Samaj will perform four kala pujas for the specified deity in perpetuity on behalf of the donor for his andhis family's welfare.
Among the dignitaries who visited the Temple on the kumbhabhishekam day were the President of India Sr. R. Venkataraman, Vice-President Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma and Air Chief Marshal (Retd.) Arjun Singh, Lt. Governor of Delhi. The Samas is beholden to Śrī lR. Venkataraman, who is its Patron-in-Chief, for his abiding interest in the activities of the Samaj from its inception.
While the Swaminatha temple had adopted the Chola style of architecture, the Sundareswara Temple has adopted the Pallava style and the Meenakshi temple the Pandya style. Thus, the Uttara Swami Natha Malai is a unique blend of all the three ancient and renowned styles of South India temple architecture and sculpture.
Since 1990 a temple hall for Adi Sankara has also been constructed on the premises of Uttara Swami Natha Malai. Today one may say without any gainsaying that a magnificent effort has been made to bring the glory of South Indian temple architecture and sculpture to the North

Gauri Shankar Temple

 

Dedicated to Lord Shiva Location Old Delhi Constructed By Apa Ganga Dhar (As per the legend)

Gauri Shankar Temple is a Hindu temple situated in the Old Delhi. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and houses an approximately 800-year old brown lingam, made up of phallus stone. The Lingam is encircled by snakes and represents a "cosmic pillar, the center of universe, the life itself". There are bejeweled statues of Gauri (Goddess Parvati) and Shankar (Lord Shiva), standing beneath the silver canopy, inside the main shrine. Along with these idols, are the idols of their sons, Ganesh (the elephant headed god) and Kartik, (the god of war).

The Gaurishankar Mandir of Delhi counts amongst the most revered temples of Shaivism (a sect of Hinduism that worships Lord Shiva) in India. A flight of marble steps, adorned with pillars carved with chains and bells, lead into the temple courtyard. The offerings made in the Delhi Gauri Shankar Temple include bilva (wood apple), chandan (sandal wood paste), marigolds, red powder, rice and cotton threads. One of the highlights of the temple is a marble chair of Bhagat Swaroup Bramachari. He was a Hindu saint who spent more than 50 years in the temple.

Many legends are associated with the temple. One of them is that Apa Ganga Dhar, a Maratha Hindu Soldier was a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva. One day, he got badly injured in a battle, with the survival chances being quite dim. He prayed to the Lord and made a pledge that if he survives, he will build a temple dedicated to the Lord. To everyone's amazement, he survives and thereafter, built the temple that is today known as the Gauri Shankar Temple. Another legend is that one-day, Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb ordered that the temple bells would not be rung. From that day onwards to the next three days, he kept hearing the ringing of the bells in his ears. Finally, he relented and took back

 

Kali Bari Mandir Delhi

Dedicated to Goddess Kali Location New Delhi

 

Kali Bari Mandir of New Delhi is dedicated to Goddess Kali. It is relatively small in size and quite unpretentious in its design. The temple holds special significance for the Bengali people residing in the city, especially at the time of Durga Puja, held in the month of October-November every year. During that time, the temple becomes the center for celebrations and is flooded by devotees of all ages, in large numbers. A massive Peepal tree grows inside the temple and is considered to be quite sacred.

Devotees coming to the Kali Bari Mandir tie a red thread around the bark of the tree while making a wish. If the wish gets fulfilled, they come back to the temple to untie the thread. An amazing fact about the temple is that here, liquor is offered to the Goddess. Situated near the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, the Kali Bari temple is also visited by the North Indians staying in the capital city. Though not ostentatious like the numerous other temples in Delhi, it still attracts devotees from far and wide.

 

Lotus Temple, New Delhi

Location Nehru Place, New Delhi

Dedicated to No Particular God

Lotus Temple is situated 12 km to the southeast of Connaught Place. Architecturally one of the most splendid temples of India, Delhi Lotus Temple is called so because it is built in the shape of a Lotus flower. The temple got completed in the year 1986 and rises to a height of more than 40 m. Located on Bahapur Hills, it is the seventh and the latest Baha'i houses of worship in the world. Bahai Temple of New Delhi is a white marble monument designed like a half-opened lotus.

Twenty-seven giant lotus petals of white marble spring out from nine pools and walkways of the temple. These walkways represent the nine unifying spiritual paths of the Baha'i faith. Exquisitely manicured lawns surround the building of the Lotus Temple. Silence is a prerequisite inside the New Delhi Lotus Temple. Also, one needs to take off the shoes while entering inside. Made up of marble, cement, sand and dolomite, this temple is often equated with the Sydney Opera House. Baha'i Temple in Delhi is often compared to the Sydney Opera House.

There is a simple, but outstanding 34.27 m high central hall in the temple where people sit and meditate. Petal alcoves of the temple are inscribed with stimulating quotes of the Baha'i sacred scriptures. Though the temple belongs to the Baha'i sect, it is open to people of each and every faith. The Baha'i religion, an independent one, places great importance on prayer and meditation as instruments for the progress of the human soul. Committed to the oneness of all religions and mankind, it traces its origins to its prophet Baha'u'llah, born in Persia in the 20th century.

 

 

Shani Dham Temple, Delhi

 

Shani Dham Temple, located in the Indian capital of Delhi, contains the tallest statue of Lord Shani in the world. The temple, which is situated on Chhatarpur Road near Asola, is 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) from the Chhatarpur Temple, about 8–9 kilometres (5.0–5.6 mi) away from Mehrauli, and 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) from Qutub Minar.^[1] It is equipped with the natural rock Idol of Lord Shani, as a chief deity.
Apart from this, the other man-made idols are also established since long. These idols were being worshipped, adored for a long time but in last few years i.e. on May 31, 2003 when the largest radiant Shani Idol was unveiled by Anant Shree Vibhushit Jagat Guru Shankracharya Swami Madhavasharam Ji Maharaj. Since then, it has become the center of attraction for the devotees of Lord Shani.
Before unveiling of this radiant Idol of Lord Shani, Shree Shani Dham Peethadeshwar Sant Shiromani Shani Charanuragi 'Datti' Madan Maharaj Rajasthani ji had performed enchanting of One Hundred Crores and Thirty Two Lakhs (in numbers) Shani Mantras on this sacred grove. With a result, the whole environment of the Shani Dham Premises has become so alive that most of the problems of the devotees of Lord Shani are automatically solved, when they happen to reach this temple. Whatever troubles are left behind, they are also solved by their worshiping here and by offering oil (Telabhishek) to Lord Shani.
'Datti', a name given by thousands of his disciples and children with love. In his words, "For the welfare of the common man, I have pleased Lord Shani through his pungent accomplishment and pungent devotion. By the grace of Lord Shani, my only deity, I have succeeded in establishing Shani Idols at Pali, Rajasthan and at Asola Fatehpur Beri, Delhi. Through the devotion and worship performed here, all the hardest of troubles and problems caused due to the adversity of Shani are extinguished within no time."

One of India’s best known shani temples, and perhaps the only one in Delhi, is the Shanidham temple located on the Chattarpur Road, very close to the Asola Wildlife Sanctuary, 6kms from the Chhattarpur temple & 16kms from the Qutub Minar. The temple is famous for having the tallest statue of Lord Shani existing anywhere in the world.

The temple is usually rather quiet on weekdays but comes to life every Saturday – Saturday being the day of lord shani – with people thronging the temple performing aartis and offering prayers all through the day to please the lord. The temple is also very popular on the religious tourism sector with devotees from out-of-town making it a point to visit the temple whenever they are in Delhi. One of the main attractions, of course, remains the massive statue of Lord Shani.

Shani is one of the nine Navagraha or primary celestial beings in Hindu astrology, embodied in the planet Saturn. Shani is the Lord of Saturday; the word Shani also denotes the seventh day or Saturday in most Indian languages. According to Hindu mythology Shani is actually a demi-god and is a son of Surya, the sun god. It is said that when he opened his eyes as a baby for the very first time, the sun went into an eclipse, which clearly denotes the impact of Shani on astrological charts i.e. a person’s horoscope.

It is the general belief that when shani enters one’s horoscope, bad luck will fall upon that person and he will be surrounded with problems. To avoid this and to please the shani god people offer prayers in the shani temples, especially on Saturdays, which are dedicated to the dark and dangerous Lord. Black is the color associated with shani, so devotees wear black clothes, donate black pulses and perform a series of rituals to keep the short-tempered God happy.

So in case life has not been treating you well of late it might be the shani god that’s responsible so, come Saturday, head out to the Shani Dham temple and offer some prayers.

Shree Sidh Shakti Peeth Shanidham

Pithadhishwar Shree Shree 1008 Mahamadaleshwer Paramhans Daati Ji Maharaj (Nijswaroopanand ji Maharaj) Datti Shree was born in the village of Alawas in Sojat Tehsil, District Pali (Rajasthan). He left for the quest of gaining the grace of the almighty at the age of seven. He wandered all of north and east India and met many Yogis on his tour.

Shree Shanidham Trust

Shree Shanidham Trust is a non-profit, non-governmental social welfare volunteer organization established under the expert guidance of Shree Sidh Shakti Peeth Shanidham Pithadhishwar Shree Shree 1008 Mahamadaleshwer Paramhans Daati Ji Maharaj (Nijswaroopanand ji Maharaj).^[2] The Trust is engaged in social welfare activities in different parts of India but is primarily focused on Rajasthan. It has continuously worked in areas of Rajasthan affected by drought. Some of their social works are as follows:

• Helping people affected by drought
• Providing free fodder for cattle
• Arranging food, clothes, and blankets to the needy
• Organizing free medical camps in remote parts of Rajasthan
• Pensions for the elderly and needy
• Scholarships for meritorious students
• Providing tricycles to the disabled
• Arranging potable water in the interior rural areas of Rajasthan

The Impact of Lord Shani on Human Life by Shanicharananuagi Shree Shree 1008 Mahamadaleshwer Paramhans Daati Ji Maharaj

The planets control the whole Universe, but Lord Shani is the chief controller. Shani is also known as a chief controller among the jury of planets. Lord Shani decides the results of the fructification of our Karmas and all the planets give malefic or benefic results depending upon such karmas of a native. We all living beings are bounded to the chains of our Karmas and have have to undergo their good and bad results. I would like to discuss herewith, about the most important and the only justified planet ‘Shani’, about whom people have a lot of misconceptions and misunderstandings

To make you better understand the subject, I would like to explain to you the basics about the other planets, before discussing about Lord Shani. The trinity Lords; i.e. Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesha are responsible for Generation, Operation and Destruction of the Universe. To deliver us the results of our own actions, God himself has been incarnated in the form of the planets. Our classics clearly declare that all of these nine planets are the icons of various incarnations of Lord Vishnu. So the Sun, the Moon, the Mars, the Mercury, the Jupiter, the Venus, the Shani, the Rahu and the Ketu are known to be the incarnations of Lord Rama, Krishna, Narsimha, Buddha, Vaman, Parashurama, Kurma, Varaha and Matsya respectively. There is another fact regarding Lord Shani, which needs to be clearly understood here over. It is that Lord Shani appeared as the son of Lord Sun, who himself is an incarnation of Idealistic Lord Rama. Apart from this, even all the occupants of divine land, do also come under the reign of the planets itself. This clarifies that the planets are even more powerful than Lord Indra or any other god. The jurisdiction of the planets is larger than that of the god's himself. Accordingly, it has been declared in the classics very clearly :-

 

Graha Rajyam Prayachhanti,

Graha Rajyam Haranti Che,

                                                               Grahaeè Vyapatam Sakalam Jagat

 

i.e. Planets not only grant and snatch away Kingdoms but are also responsible for existence of this whole Universe.

Friends! In our classical books the present age has been described as Kaliyug, commonly it is also called as Kalyuga. The manner in which, people are dependent on the modern scientific articles and machines these days, the word Kaliyuga (Kal means components) is very appropriate. With the help of latest scientific discoveries and the inventions, man is living a luxurious life day by day. What to talk of the Earth, the Oceans and the Atmosphere, the man has also explored & stepped into the outer space very fast. In Vedic Astrology, the outer space, the barren land, the graveyards, the forests & the deep deserts, deep valleys, the mountains, the caves, the ditches, the mines and all the inhabitant free places on this earth, do fall under the jurisdiction of the Shani. If we notice the progress in the space and the other related areas, it would be justified calling this age as ‘The Saturnian age i.e. the age of Lord Shani. The jurisdiction of Lord Shani includes not only the deep and secret knowledge but also all our actions relating to the vigilance, the labour, the   service, the helplessness, the handicap persons and helping sick and the old people

The great scientists of the age have discovered many secrets regarding the Solar System and the Nuclear Sciences. Lord Shani signifies human actions. In the present scenario, if some one explains to the impacts of the planets over human life, he will certainly be laughed at. However, recent discoveries reveal that all the living beings and matters, however large or small they may be, are so closely inter related to each other that they give retrospective effects. These are really petty issues that are not generally digested by the common person with little knowledge. However, with acceptation or rejection of such people, facts do not change. The declaration made by our great ancient Seers & Sages:

 

Yatha Pinde, Thatha Brahmande

It means that a definite relationship exists between the living beings and the nature and the same is also verified by the modern sciences too. The rules governing the different activities and the happenings on the planets of the solar system, the Sun, the Moon, the Mercury etc. are also applicable not only to the human beings but also to all living beings on this earth. The representative calls of the solar system exist in all the living beings, including human beings.

The deep studies in Physics reveal that matter is made up of the atoms. The atoms itself consist of a nucleus having positively charged protons and negatively charged electrons revolving around it. In case we study the motion of these electrons carefully, we find their motion is similar to that of the motion of the planets in the Solar system. According to Indian Vedic Astrology, the Nakshatra combinations and the planetary combinations, at the time of his birth, leave a life long impression on the life of a native. This planetary position decides his fortune. The analysis of the horoscope of a particular person explains the effects of planetary rays on his life. It may be good or bad, favourable or unfavourable depending upon the position, the mutual aspects and the conjunction of the nine planets, their Nakshatra lordships and the other Astrological combinations. Now, Lord Shani affects human life the most, because it has the longest Mahadasha period i.e. nineteen years. In addition, it transits over one sign for two and a half years period and it is the Lord of the tenth and the eleventh house in the Natural Zodiac. Therefore, being the lord of the house of Karmas and Justice, in the horoscope of ‘Kalpurush’, it justifies our karmas. In order to calculate ‘Mahurta’, in Astrology, the rays of the planets and their Nakshatra lordships are also calculated. These rays have good and evil properties and thus their effect do change with the passage of time. Only specific rays of the Planets and the Nakshatras, have special qualities and matter, as per their transitory position. To perform a particular work successfully, we choose auspicious ‘Mahurta’. It is very much clear that the tradition of finding the ‘Mahurta’ is not merely a superstition or a blind faith, but it is completely scientific and secretive. Horoscope reflects the nature and the character of a particular person. An astrologer reveals the bare facts of the various phases of the life of a native. The Astrological science analyses the facts of the present and the past life of a person and encourages him to put more efforts in performing his duties righteously. Lord Shani being the signifier of our actions (the present as well as the past) has the capacity to do undo the evil results of our past deeds with suitable present remedial measures. An astrologer can do the generosity of making, the unfavourable circumstances as favourable, with the help of the tips, worked out on the basis of the analysis of a horoscope. The unfavourable situations in future can be foreseen and can be made favourable through remedial measures. By preaching and evoking sufficient alertness, an astrologer can help a person in getting his misdeeds done undone. The ‘Supreme Power’ whose mere imagination, makes this Universe to exist, has made these planets responsible to control and regulate all living beings. The planets decide all the joys and sorrows to all living beings including the human beings. However, this is a separate issue that we attain these joys and sorrow due to our own destined karmas. Hence, the most important role of Lord Shani, as a signifier of our present actions, cannot be ignored at all. The decision regarding, “When and how the results of the deeds of pre-births are fructified by the nine planets" among which Lord Shani plays the most significant role. Lord Shani is the chief Justice and punishes or rewards the human beings according to their misdeeds or good deeds. Lord Shani is neither partial nor delays in granting the punishment for evil deeds. The reason being that Lord Shani does not show any sympathy while punishing. He threats them through evil results enriches them makes them famous and known through granting good results. People are frightened of him, possibly that is why Lord Shani is named as a cruel, a rude and a malefic planet. However, it certainly does not mean that Lord Shani has any scarcity of love and kindliness.

The planets also decide the effects of the deeds of our previous births, in our present lifetime. That's why it is necessary to know about the main periods (Mahadasha) and sub -periods (Antardasha) of planets in Astrology.  This knowledge enables us to make remedial measures for protection against the misshapenness.  A particular planet in line with its temper and nature affects us during its Mahadasha (Main period) and delivers the malefic or benefic results as per our own deeds.

Our ancient seers and sages have studied the malefic and benefic effects of Lord Shani very minutely and described the same in our classical books in great details. Saturn is a planet, having a clear vision. A favourable Shani bestows wealth and fame but at the same time, an unfavourable Shani gives endless miseries.

A favourable period of planet Shani bestows sharp memory, and makes people wealthy and famous. There is a satisfactory profit in business and one can also get hidden treasures. He also makes the person, a head of the society, a head of a village, town or city or a public representative. In his Dasha period, people are likely to get special profits from agriculture and are honoured with respect, fame and high position, in the State and society

During the unfavorable period of Shani, one has to face endless miseries. Chances for loss of property, wealth and health also do exist. There can also be humiliation in public life, as a result of involvement in ill deeds. One has to face humiliation at every step or sometimes he gets diseased to incurable ailments

Remember, Lord Shani punishes only those who are involved in ill deeds. However, he becomes happy and favorable to people performing good deeds and rewards them with lots of progress in their life and may also elevate them to high positions like secretary, minister and even sometime up to the rank of Prime Minister. At the same time, when Shani gets annoyed, he also grants imprisonment to such people of high position and they have to face various types of humiliations depending upon their misdeeds

Human embodiment (Manav-Yoni), is also referred to as birth for actions (Karma-Yoni).  The reason being that all the other embodiments are only Bhog Yonies   (getting the results based on previous deeds). Even godly beings cannot perform any Karma (deed) but can only experience the results of their past good or ill deeds. Even huge animals like the elephant cannot perform any Karma (deed). The results of deeds in human-embodiment are to be experienced by the spirit in several births. Moreover, it is Lord Shani, who gives us the results of our deeds while living on the earth and Yamaraj who grants the result of our misdeeds after death. Shani certainly punishes the violators of the laws of nature, and ensures the arrangements for rewarding the good deeds, once for all

According to our Epics, Lord Sun is a witness to all our deeds and Lord Shani is responsible for bestowing us the results thereof. Remember, we start to experience their results immediately since the time of our birth. After death, Yamaraj i.e. the Lord of Yamapuri, sends us to heaven or hell, depending upon our deeds

A native happens to get some chronic or incurable prolonged diseases due to the affliction of Lord Shani. The effects of Shani during its main period, sub-period and sub-sub periods, brings out the hidden diseases in our body. Shani can also motivate thieves and dacoits to publicly acknowledge their misdeeds. They then have to bear with the pains of long imprisonment, and also suffer severe physical and mental torture

 

It is clear that Lord Shani delivers the result of our deeds without any favour or animosity. He should not be considered as a planet that grants only pains to the living beings. On the other hand, by doing so he nullifies the effects of his misdeeds and makes the living being pure and devoted towards the Divine. Thus, Lord Shani is always a well wisher and is very similar to a Kalpa Vriksha (Tree that fulfills the desires). I hope, by now, all your doubts about Lord Shani would have been clarified, in the light of the above explanation. Having known the real picture of Lord Shani, one should start worshipping him without any fear. People should follow the truthful path, thereby making Lord Shani all happy. This will enable them to experience thyself and thereby enjoying the pleasures, the worldly and the heavenly. We must remember that the blessings of Lord Shani can only be achieved by performing good deeds and through his blessings, our prayers bear fruits, resulting into the speedy experience of the Almighty. Now you can decide yourself, whether Lord Shani is a benefic or a malefic Planet to human life! Your doubts would be clarified instantly, as soon as you contemplate over the above facts. In fact, Shani is not an enemy to anyone. He only delivers the results of our good deeds and the bad deeds, through various ways, thereby making us pure

 

However, those who are not aware of his qualities, his religious activities, his nature, his way of working and his compassion, they address him as a cruel, a pain-giving one and they are really mistaken, treating him as an enemy. Although the fact is that, only our bad deeds are our enemies that result into all our sorrows and pains. It is also true that Lord Shani certainly delivers the results of our deeds. Moreover, just for this reason, treating him as our enemy is not only foolishness on our part but also it’s an indication of our ignorance. We should not be afraid of Shani, but should perform good deeds and treat him as a Chief Justice in the court of human affairs. We should therefore try to pray Lord Shani and obtain right understanding with his blessings

Almighty has designated Lord Shani as a planet to deliver the results of the Karmas of all living beings, exactly in line with their deeds, and he obeys his duties most honestly & righteously. I positively hope that after reading the above, all your doubts gathered from various sources about Shani, must have been clarified. Therefore, obtain the blessings of Lord Shani by praying, worshipping and reciting his name. Do not be afraid of him.

You should be contended with your honest earnings, and be warned of any misdeeds arising out of your greed, thus avoiding any punishment by Lord Shani.

 

Kindly spare some precious moments from your busy schedule, to worship and please him and always believe that he will definitely bless you. Remember, criticism of the wrong doer cannot change the attitude and actions of the Chief justice, in the court of human affairs. Lord Shani is always ready to punish according to ones deeds and as per pre-defined laws of the nature, he also rewards our good deeds. He does his duties without any favoritism or mistake. So, if you think that the mirror is erroneous, think again, it may well be the face that is looked into the mirror, which is erroneous! It is therefore, useless to blame Lord Shani

To make Lord Shani favourable, many remedies have been mentioned in the classical books of the Astrological Science. We can use them to make our lives cheerful and peaceful. However, before I discuss these remedies, I would like to introduce properly Lord Shani to you from the traditional view point, thus helping you to come out of the various misconceptions and misunderstandings about him. In various traditional books there is sufficient discussion about his appearance and special qualities. Therein He is stated as the son of Lord Sun, also known as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu (the soul of the Universe) and as the son of Maharishi Kashyap. The name of his mother is Chhaya or Suvarna. His brothers are manu Sawarni and Yamaraj, and his sister are known to be Yamuna and Bhadra

To make Lord Shani favourable, many remedies have been mentioned in the classical books of the Astrological Science. We can use them to make our lives cheerful and peaceful. However, before I discuss these remedies, I would like to introduce properly Lord Shani to you from the traditional view point, thus helping you to come out of the various misconceptions and misunderstandings about him. In various traditional books there is sufficient discussion about his appearance and special qualities. Therein He is stated as the son of Lord Sun, also known as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu (the soul of the Universe) and as the son of Maharishi Kashyap. The name of his mother is Chhaya or Suvarna. His brothers are manu Sawarni and Yamaraj, and his sister are known to be Yamuna and Bhadra.
As per the common natural law, any sect has the hereditary effect upon its successors. Lord Shani is not only related to Maharishi Kashyap but is also his grandson and is the son of Lord Sun. This makes him wonderful and endows upon him, a matchless personality. It is not only due to this reason that Shani preaches the path of divinity even by becoming a servant to human beings whenever required, and no doubt, these are his hereditary qualities.
Shani is also a great devotee of Lord Shiva. It is said that due to some reasons, his father, Lord Sun was once annoyed with his mother Chhaya and was about to curse her. Lord Shani could not tolerate this attitude of his father and to defend his mother, decided of becoming much more powerful than his father. Without any hesitation he asked his father about the method to become much more powerful than him. The great father, lord Sun, was extremely pleased to know that his son Shani, desired to become more powerful than Him (the Sun). Most fathers want to see their sons much more perspicuous and powerful than themselves.
Accordingly, he asked Shani to go to Kashi and perform the ‘Abhisheka’ and worship Lord Shiva by making a ‘Parthivalinga’. Lord Shani performed this performance (Anusthan) very sincerely. Lord Shiva was pleased with Shani’s devotion and dedication and bestowed upon him his blessings. Lord Shani asked of him for two boons. The first that he should be much more powerful than his father, the Lord Sun and the second that he be at seven times more distant from the Sun and to be surrounded by the seven sub-planets. Lord Shiva bestowed his grace by granting these boons and blessed Lord Shani.
From the above fact, it’s quite clear that Lord Shani has all the inborn qualities with Lord Shiva’s blessings and can satisfy the devotees, blessing them without any delay.
I feel privileged to introduce you to Lord Shani and I have to clarify your misconceptions about him. As said before :-

^tukuka deZQynks xzg:ihtuknZu%*

Jananam Karamphaldo Graharupi Janardanahe"

 

 

i.e. God himself incarnated in the form of the planets to reward and punish human being according to their deeds. The Divine also created a court of Justice in the form of these planets to deliver the fair and timely judgments to the people, in line with their own deeds. Lord Shani was also designated as a Chief Justice among these planets. However, people have misunderstood him to be a cruel and horrifying planet and are threatened by his name. Not only this, but the so called Astrologers with little knowledge, exploit the innocent & the ignorant people and make money in the name of Lord Shani. I believe that no more explanation is required to introduce Lord Shani, and by now you must have become familiar with him.
However, I certainly feel pity and get irritated over those impatient and ignorant people, who start blaming him as a cruel, a malefic and an unlovable one, whenever they have to face some petty problem.
When we think seriously, it becomes crystal clear that this era is the era of the favouritism & bribery. Even cheats and dacoits of the highest order are freed by bribery since "Might is Right". In this modern age, only those who are tolerant to others’ ill-deeds, are praiseworthy, irrespective of their post & position. They are successful in every phase of life. They may achieve their goals through bribes or some access. Honesty is deemed to be a curse and fair deal is known as a cowardliness. It is why the honest officers are tortured to such an extent that sometime they commit suicide.
There is no scope for any bribery, flattery or the "Right of Might" in the court of Lord Shani. Here you have to accept and experience the results of your deeds, good ones or the bad ones. Believe me, its only the Lord Shani who is capable enough to deliver such results. All other planets merely support him in owing his duties and they all deliver their effects only through Lord Shani.
The decisions made by Shani can never never be challenged like the ones made by the Supreme Court. Even lord Shiva and Vishnu have to approve these decisions. The only petition that gets a hearing are the good-deeds, the prayers, the pilgrimage and the respect paid and service performed to the Guru, mother, father, guests and sages. Such Karmas definitely do undo the punishment for one’s misdeeds and he is blessed for his real good-deed in the present times. This is the only out which we can make our unfavorable situations as favourable, thereby enabling our life to be peaceful and contented.
It is a bare fact of life that the authority of fructification of the good-deeds and misdeeds is granted by Lord Shani only. The results of good-deeds and misdeeds go hand-in-hand and Lord Shani is very strict in delivering their results. He is very strict while punishing as well as while rewarding. While punishing, he brings people down to earth and thus leads them towards the final liberation (Moksha), the ultimate goal of life. Only Lord Shani has this power, like a goldsmith who purifies gold by melting it, Lord Shani also purifies human life by making them realize their follies. There are many examples when Shani, within a very short time span has turned the most powerful and rich people as beggars during his main-period (Mahadasha) or the sub–period (Antardasha) or the sub-sub period (Pratantar-Dasha). I think it is sufficient to tell that Lord Shani gets pleased through prayers and the worships, and leads mankind towards Moksha, after granting them the worldly and the heavenly treasures both.

Nili Chhatri, New Delhi

 

Nili Chhatri Temple (Neeli Chhatri) is a Hindu temple in New Delhi dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that the eldest Pandava brother, Prince Yudhisthira, established the temple and the Nigambodh Ghat adjacent to it, and conducted Aswamedha yajna from here. The temple located in the Yamuna bazaar area on the banks of the Yamuna river exists even today. The temple has been mentioned only infrequently in various chronicles of Delhi.
Reference: The Archeology and Monumental Remains of Delhi by Carr Stephen (1876, reprinted 2002)
Nili Chhatri is the tomb of Naubat Khan. Naubat Khan was a mansabdar (state official) during the time of Akbar. He built it during his lifetime in 1565.
The tomb is called Nili Chhatri due to the colour of its dome which was originally ornamented with blue caustic tiles. The tomb stands almost midway between Purana Qila and the tomb of Nizamuddin Auliya. It is built in an enclosure of several acres. Though the walls of the tomb are not extant in its entirety, some portions of it can still be seen in the surrounding area. But the gateway is relatively in good shape. At the entrance of the tomb is written the inscription, the letters of the inscription are of black marble inlaid on sandstone. The eyes of Time did not see in this world Such a beautiful and lofty building, Of knowledge, the date of its completion, I asked, (it) replied, (it has) attained completion.
Behind the gateway is a small building with three doors. On the back of this building is a high octagonal terrace about 6 feet (1.8 m) from the ground and 79 feet (24 m) in diameter. In the middle of the southern wall of the terrace there are two flights of steps, on opposite sides, which lead to a landing on a level with the top of the terrace. On the north-eastern and north-western corners of the terrace there are two graves of masonry and stone. On each of the four corners of the terrace are the ruins of a tower. In the center of the ‘chabutrah’ is the mausoleum of Naubat Khan. It is octagonal in shape having 51 feet (16 m) as its diameter and about 34 feet (10 m) high. The whole of the tomb is built of stone and masonry and ornamented with encaustic tiles of four colours i.e. green, blue, yellow, and orange. The verses from Quran can be seen in the tomb. The tomb has eight arched entrances which are about 5 feet (1.5 m) wide and 7 feet (2.1 m) high. Above these doorways are open arched niches. The walls of the tomb have steps. The first set of steps takes the visitor to the level of the open niches over the doorways. The second set of steps which are twelve in number leads to the top of the building. The roof of the tomb is flat, but on its center there is an octagonal ‘chabutrah’ about 5 feet (1.5 m) high and 30 feet (9.1 m) in diameter which supports another octagonal ‘chabutrah’ 23 feet (7.0 m) in diameter and about 2 feet (0.61 m) high. This second ‘chabutrah’ bears marks of eight pillars. It was on these pillars that the blue enameled dome was raised which also began to be called as Nili Chhatri.

Other Temples in Delhi and New Delhi

 

  BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Delhi

  Bhairav Temple, Delhi (Purana Quila)

  Gauri Shankar Mandir, Chandni Chowk

  Shib Mandir, CR Park New Delhi

  Sri Aishwarya Mahaganapathi Temple, Keshav Puram, Delhi

  Sri Aiyyappa Swamy Temple, Mayur Vihar, New Delhi

  Sri Subha Siddhi Vinayaka Mandir, Pkt-IV, Mayur Vihar-1, Delhi-91

  Sri Aiyyappa Swamy Temple, R K Puram, Sector 2,

  Sri Aiyyappa Swamy Temple, Rohini, Delhi

  Sri Ganesh Temple, Mayur Vihar, New Delhi

  Sri Narasimha Swamy Temple, Near Radha Soami Ashram, Pusa Road, New Delhi

  Sri Rama/Venkateswara Temple, Lodi Road, New Delhi

  Sri Venkateswara Temple, R K Puram Delhi

  Shri Shiv Shakti Mandir, A Block Vikas Puri

  Gour Math, W.E.A, Karol Bagh New Delhi

 

Om Tat Sat

                                                        

(Continued...)                                                                                                                              

(My humble  salutations to the great devotees ,  wikisources  and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the collection )