Marvel at intricate architecture. Immerse yourself in spirituality. Find peace in Delhi’s temples.
If you love to explore temples and discover legendary tales, Delhi is a must-visit. From vibrant festivals and moments of peace to marble facades and exquisite artwork, each one of the temples in Delhi is worth discovering.
Discovering Delhi’s temples
A beautiful and striking collection
Delhi is a city where ancient history meets modern dynamism. Beyond its bustling streets and political power, Delhi holds a deep spiritual significance, reflected in its many temples. From grand complexes to serene sanctuaries, these temples offer a glimpse into the city’s rich religious tapestry.
Find peace within their walls, wander through spiritual gardens, immerse yourself in community spirit, and discover a wonderful sense of faith and devotion.
Unmissable temples in Delhi
Architecture, experiences, and spirituality
From architectural marvels known across the world to spiritual experiences including prayer and meditation, you’re guaranteed to have a memorable visit to your chosen temples in Delhi.
ISKCON Temple
Impressive features and facilities
Dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radharani, the vibrant ISKCON Temple in Delhi is known for its devotional chanting, lively festivals, and attractive exterior. One of the largest temple complexes in India, this temple has a cultural centre with art galleries, a library, a bookstore, a vegetarian restaurant, and plenty of other great facilities. Delhi’s ISKCON Temple opens with a ritual (arati) at 4:30am each morning, closes to visitors between 1pm and 4pm, then opens again until 9pm. Various aratis take place throughout the day and there’s a mantra meditation daily at 5:15pm.
Look out for:
The art galleries and library
Religious chanting
Meals in the restaurant
Akshardham Temple
A spiritual experience
Akshardham Temple is a modern architectural marvel. This sprawling Hindu temple complex boasts intricate carvings, awe-inspiring light and water shows, and a sense of grandeur. Focused on devotion, purity, harmony, learning, and peace, every aspect of this temple has spirituality at its heart, from its exhibitions to the gardens. Visiting Akshardham Temple is a grounding experience, whether you decide to join devotees in prayer or simply marvel at the beauty of the complex. Just remember there are strict security checks and restrictions on photography within the main temple.
Look out for:
Intricate carvings
Informative exhibitions
The gardens and courtyard
Cultural Fact File
Lotus Temple
Unmissable architecture
A unique architectural masterpiece shaped like a lotus flower, this Baháʼí House of Worship welcomes all faiths for silent prayer and meditation, treating everyone as an equal. Observe the serene atmosphere and respect the silence within the temple. The Lotus Temple is an important attraction in Delhi, primarily because of its beautiful shape which has won it multiple architectural awards. Nine pools surround the temple and are intertwined with walkways, bridges, and ballasts. You can visit this temple between 9am and 5:30pm Tuesday to Sunday. It’s closed to visitors on Mondays.
Look out for:
The temple’s ‘petals’
Prayers throughout the day
The inclusive community
Jagannath Temple
Exciting festivities
Dedicated to Lord Jagannath (a form of Krishna), this temple is particularly popular during the annual Ratha Yatra (chariot festival), which takes place in June. If you visit during the festival, you’ll experience vibrant processions, a devotional atmosphere, and a gathering of thousands of devotees. Delhi’s Jagannath Temple boasts exquisite carvings and Patta Chitra. The temple’s first floor is home to the main sanctum sanctorum where you’ll find deities of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra, and Sudarshan, as well as panoramic views. The temple glows during sunrise, making this a perfect time to visit.
Look out for:
Exciting celebrations during Ratha Yatra
The garden dedicated to Lord Jagannath
Impressive marble architecture
It’s important to dress respectfully when visiting temples, so ensure that your knees and shoulders are covered. Many temples have areas where you can’t take photos, so be mindful of this too. For the most comfortable temperature, visit Delhi’s temples between October and March before the weather gets too hot.
Tirupati Balaji Temple
A modern temple
A replica of the famous Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati Balaji Temple offers darshan (viewing) of Lord Venkateswara. Set on 1.2 acres, this modern temple has three floors, including meditation halls and a music and dance room. Tirupati Balaji Brahmotsavam – an important annual festival celebrated to mark Lord Srinivasa’s self-manifestation day under the leadership of Brahma – takes place here and attracts thousands of locals and visitors. The festival is held in May and lasts for 11 days.
Look out for:
Huge crowds during Tirupati Balaji Brahmotsavam
The ornate, golden gateway
Meditation rooms
Got more time? Visit these temples in Delhi
Immerse yourself in Delhi’s culture
Delhi is not short of fantastic temples, and if you aren’t in a rush, or simply fall in love with the architecture, fascinating histories and serenity found in the city’s temples, we have more than enough suggestions to add to your itinerary.
Chhatarpur Temple
A sprawling temple complex dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, Chhatarpur Temple is known for its grandeur and festive celebrations, especially during Navratri. An impressive 70 acres in size, this temple is thought to be India’s second-largest temple complex. Featuring both Dravidian and Nagara styles of architecture and made from marble, Chhatarpur Temple houses numerous statues to admire.
Hanuman Mandir
An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Hanuman Mandir is located in the heart of Delhi and offers a peaceful respite amidst the city’s bustling centre. Famous for its huge statue of Hanuman, the monkey god, this temple was built in the 16th century and is 108 feet tall at its highest point. The temple’s main gate features beautiful artwork by skilled craftsmen.
Kalkaji Mandir
Kalkaji Mandir is a prominent temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. Known for its powerful energy and devotional practices, it’s thought that the temple’s image of Goddess Kalkaji is self-manifested and dates back to her incarnation. More women attend this temple than men during festivities, and small red flags decorate the temple during special occasions.
Jhandewalan Temple
Dedicated to Goddess Durga, Jhandewalan Temple is known for its wish-fulfilling powers and is thought to be one of the oldest temples in Delhi. This temple attracts large crowds, including locals and visitors from around the world. Devotees seek blessings regardless of their status, and chanting can be heard throughout the day. Jhandewalan Temple houses idols of Maa Jhandewali, Saraswati, Kali, and other gods.
Sai Baba Temple
Sai Baba Temple is a serene temple dedicated to the revered saint Sai Baba. Offering a peaceful, positive atmosphere for prayer and meditation, this temple is popular with people who want to pay their respects to the Sufi saint and seek blessings. It’s believed that the saint would perform miracles and his teachings would be focused around ‘One God’.
Bangla Sahib Gurudwara
A prominent Sikh Gurudwara, Bangla Sahib Gurudwara is known for its golden dome, sacred pool, and community kitchen serving free meals (langar) to everyone, regardless of their faith or status. Many devotees visit this temple to rid themselves of suffering by taking a dip in the holy water in line with the story of Guru Sahib where he cured Delhi residents during an epidemic.
Average costs in Delhi
On your trip to Delhi, expect to spend on various essentials and experiences such as:
Peace, serenity and spirituality. Plus, ornate and intricate architecture. Delhi’s temples offer something for everyone and provide a cultural experience you’ll never forget.
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