The Chhatarpur Temple, also known as the Shri Aadya Katyayani Shakti Peetham, is located in the downtown area of Chhatarpur, Delhi, India. This temple honours the Goddess Katyayani. The temple complex is spread out over a large area of 70 acres. It is situated in Chhatarpur, on the southwestern outskirts of New Delhi, and is only 4 kilometres from the Qutub Minar, off the Mehrauli-Gurgaon road.

Chhatarpur Temple, dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, an incarnation of Goddess Durga, is said to be India’s second-largest temple complex, spanning 70 acres. The temple is built of marble and features Dravidian and Nagara architectural styles. It has 20 small and large temples in three complexes, as well as a room with silver-carved tables, chairs, a bed, and a dressing table. The sanctum sanctorum houses an idol of the goddess, who is depicted riding a lion and wielding a sword.

Story/Legend Related To Chhatarpur Temple

It all began when a young boy in Karnataka was orphaned at a young age and was told by someone that the true mother who could protect him and be with him forever was the Mother Goddess. That was enough to set him on a lifelong devotion to Maa Durga. Later, he was taken under the guidance of spiritual masters, educated, and initiated into the Shakti cult, and became known throughout the world as Baba Sant Nagpal Ji.

Chhatarpur Mandir was the culmination of his dreams, and construction began in 1974 with the blessings of the Goddess; before he breathed his last in 1998, he had built the world’s largest temple complex, which was later surpassed in 2005 by the Akshardham Temple.

History of Chhatarpur Temple

The temple was founded in 1974 by Baba Sant Nagpal ji, who died in 1998. Within the temple complex, his samadhi shrine is located within the premises of the Shiv-Gauri Nageshwar Mandir.

Before the Akshardham Temple in Delhi was built in 2005, this temple was regarded as the second largest in India and the third largest in the world. This temple is entirely made of marble, with jaali (perforated stone or latticed screen) working on all facets. It is architecturally classified as vesara.

Architecture of Temple

The entire temple complex, which spans 60 acres, contains over 20 small and large temples divided into three complexes. The temple’s main deity is Goddess Katyayani, one of the nine forms of the Hindu goddess Durga or Shakti worshipped during the Navratri celebrations.

A shrine to Goddess Katyayani (Durga) is located within the main temple and is only open during the bi-annual Navratri season when thousands of people flock to the premises for darshan. One nearby room has been converted into a living room, with silver tables and chairs, and another as the Shayan Kaksha (Bed Room), with a silver bed, dressing table, and table.

An old tree stands near the main temple’s entrance, where devotees tie holy threads for wish fulfilment. Another shrine to Goddess Durga is open to devotees from morning to evening, and it is located above the shrines of Radha Krishna and Lord Ganesh. Other temples in the complex are dedicated to Lord Rama, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Shiva. The temples were built in both South and North Indian temple architecture styles.

Facts about Chhatarpur Temple

• Chhatarpur Temple (Officially: Shri Aadya Katyayani Shakti Peetham) is located in a downtown area in Chhatarpur, Delhi, India.
• The entire complex of the temple is spread over a wide area of 70 acres.
• The temple was established in 1974, by Baba Sant Nagpal ji, who died in 1998.
• Being India’s second largest temple in Delhi, Chhatarpur Temple is dedicated to Goddess Katyayani.
• However, this temple is one of the most popular places of worship in Delhi and North India, particularly during the nine-day Navratri festival, when over a million people flock here for a glimpse or Darshan of the Goddess Katyayani.
• A wish-fulfilling Kalpavriksha tree greets you near the entrance, its branches adorned with sacred threads and bangles, each representing a wish request to the tree.
• The complex’s 70-odd acres house 20 major and minor temples dedicated to various Gods and Goddesses from the Hindu pantheon.
• The golden-faced idol of Goddess Katyayani is displayed in a large hall accessible from the prayer hall. The idol is always dressed in heavy clothes and amazing jewellery, and she is always accompanied by flowers.
• There is also a large area set aside for Langar where prasad is given to devotees.

Famous Festivals In Temple

Millions of people visit this temple every year to celebrate all of the festivals that are held here. Some major festivals held here are

• Durga Puja. (Winter) – Devotees celebrate Navaratri at this temple in the month of Ashwin (Sep-Oct) as well as celebrate the triumph of the Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon (Mahishasura).
• Navaratri. (Summer) – They celebrate other Navaratri in the fortnight of the Chaitra (March-April). Every nine days they worship Navadurga (nine Durgas).
• Diwali – Diwali is one of the most admired and auspicious festivals in the temple.
• MahaShivratri – Mahashivratri, “The Great Night of Shiva” is the most significant event in India’s Hindu calendar.

How to Reach Chhatarpur Temple

By Air– The Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is the closest airport. The temple is located 12 kilometres from the airport.

By Train– Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station is the closest railway station to the temple. It’s about 11 kilometres away from the temple.

By Road– Delhi has good road connectivity throughout the city. Kashmere Gate and Anand Vihar are the two bus terminals. From here, one can also take city buses to the temple.

By Metro- Metro trains are air-conditioned options that connect every corner of the state. The closest metro station to the temple is Chhatarpur.

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