Kali Mandir Cr Park (Chittaranjan Park Kali Bari) is a temple complex and Bengali community cultural centre in New Delhi’s Chittaranjan Park. It began as a Shiv temple in 1973, which still stands within the complex, and the larger shrines dedicated to the goddesses Kali, Shiva, and Radhakrishna were added in 1984.

Throughout the years, it has remained an important point of convergence for the local Bengali community during the annual Durga Puja celebrations. In 1977, the temple also held its first Durga Puja, a tradition that continues to this day.

History of Kali Mandir CR Park

It was established in 1973 on land designated by the fledgling EPDP colony, and a small Shiva temple was dedicated on a small hill on the colony’s outskirts. Durga Puja became a tradition in 1977. The expansion of the devotee base enabled the construction of an imposing Kali temple in Bengal terracotta temple architecture in February 1984. Then there were two temples, one for Shiva and one for Radha-Krishna. From 2006-2009, the temples were overlaid with intricate terracotta designs.

Because of the high concentration of Bengalis in Chittaranjan Park, the Kali Mandir is a hub of Bengali activity. The Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir Society manages it and organises a variety of cultural and religious events throughout the year.

The architecture of Kali Mandir Cr Park

The temple’s design is inspired by Bengal terracotta temple architecture. Bengali Hindu temple architecture has a distinct roofing style that is closely related to the paddy-roofed traditional building style of rural Bengal. The temple structures have gabled roofs known colloquially as the chala. The sanctum sanctorum (Garbha Griha) houses an idol of Bhavataraini, Goddess Kali, standing on the chest of a lying Shiva.

The aura is so positive that once you enter into temple everything looks very beautiful and peaceful. Please note, photography inside temple premises is prohibited.

Facts about Kali Mandir Cr Park

• Kali Mandir Cr Patk is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kali Devi, a form of Shakti, in New Delhi, India.
• There is also a small atelier where artists create the earthen idols of Durga and other goddesses.^[
• Every year two Navratra melas are organised in the month of Aswin and others in the month of Chaitra by the Shrine Board.
• Kali Devi is a Shakti roop or form. It is strongly believed that Goddess Kali, to whom this temple is dedicated, is a powerful Goddess who fulfils the wishes of devotees.
• The best time to visit the temple is during the festival of Navratri when it is decorated with a brilliantly decorated and filled with devotional activities.
• The Mandir also has a large library with books on various aspects of Bengali culture and offers Bangla language classes for those interested in learning the language.
• For children, a variety of cultural programmes and competitions are organised. A guest house is also run by the mandir.

Famous Festivals In Kali Mandir Cr Park

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 town. A very famous Mela (fair) is conducted near the temple every year.
• MahaShivratri – Mahashivratri, “The Great Night of Shiva” is the most significant event in India’s Hindu calendar.
• Other religious functions at the Mandir include Kali Puja, Lakshmi Puja, Saraswati Puja, Ganesh Chaturthi etc.

How to Reach Kali Mandir Cr Park

By Air: Indira Gandhi International Airport is the nearest airport and the distance from Airport to Temple is 20 KM.

By Rail: New Delhi Railway Station is the nearest station and the distance from Station to Temple is 15 KM.

By Road: You can reach this temple by any mode of transportation. Regular bus and cab services are available in the city.

By Metro: Nearest Metro Station is Nehru Palace and Kalkaji Temple.

Also, Read –  Kali Bari Ahmedabad