Delhi, with its cultural diversity, greets each day with the calls of namaz, temple bells, and Gurbani in gurudwaras. The Indian capital, hosting a multi-religious population of Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, boasts numerous grand and small shrines. Among these, architectural marvels like the Lotus Temple or Bahá’í House of Worship, constructed with white marble petals, stand out. One can pay respect to all these sacred destinations with a Tempo Traveller in Delhi.
Whether witnessing a qawwali performance at the ancient Nizamuddin Dargah, listening to Gurbani at the beautiful Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, or attending the light and sound show at the Akshardham Temple, visitors can join in various culturally enriching experiences at these places of worship by opting for a Maharaja Tempo Traveller. Explore our comprehensive guide for insights into the most popular religious spots in Delhi.
1. Hazrat Nizamuddin
Hazrat Nizamuddin is the dargah or mausoleum dedicated to the Sufi mystic Nizamuddin Auliya, a charismatic religious leader from the 13th century. Located in the bustling area of Nizamuddin West, it serves as a significant pilgrimage destination not only for Muslims but also for followers of other faiths. The dargah houses the tombs of 13th-century Sufi poet Amir Khusro, 17th-century Mughal princess Jahanara Begum, and 19th-century Sufi musician Inayat Khan, the founder of the Sufi order in the West. The surroundings exude a serene atmosphere. Please note that only men are allowed to enter the main shrine.
2. Lotus Temple
The Lotus Temple, situated in the southern suburbs, draws visitors with its unique lotus flower-shaped architecture. This religious site belongs to the Bahai faith, a form of a monotheistic religion that spreads love for all humanity. The temple is open to everyone, regardless of faith, caste, and gender. Comprising 27 marble ‘petals’ arranged in concentric clusters, the Lotus Temple is not only an architectural marvel but also offers a serene environment. The surrounding lawns provide a peaceful place to rest, and in the evening, the temple is beautifully illuminated to create a captivating sight. A 9 Seater Tempo Traveller Hire in Delhi would be the right choice to visit this religious spot.
3. Kalkaji Mandir
Just a few steps away from the Lotus Temple, you will find the expansive temple complex of Kalkaji Mandir, a religious site devoted to the goddess Kali. The temple boasts a fascinating circular architecture made of red brick. Devotees, carrying offerings for the goddess, patiently form a line and anticipate the ‘darshan’ or sacred glimpse of the goddess. For visitors seeking an authentic experience of Indian culture off the beaten path, this site holds great interest.
4. Chhattarpur Temple
Chhattarpur Temple, situated four kilometres away from Qutub Minar, is a sacred site dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga in her form of Katyayani. Established in 1974 by the self-proclaimed saint Baba Sant Nagapalji, the temple features a south-Indian architectural style, a rarity in the northern part of India. Despite this deviation, the temple draws millions of visitors from around the world, as it is considered the second-largest temple globally. The temple complex, covering an expansive 24 hectares, is a notable destination. The best time to visit is during the Navaratri Festival, where special forms of worship and festive activities take place around the temple.
5. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
The gurdwaras, places of worship for the Sikh community, stand out as fascinating elements of Delhi. In Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, visitors can immerse themselves in a morning filled with the soulful tunes of raagis who sing, recite, and interpret the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikh faith. Situated in the heart of Connaught Place, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is surrounded by tranquil pools to resemble the unique appearance of its larger sister temple, the renowned Gurdwara in Amritsar.
6. Gurdwara Sri Nanak Piao Sahib
Gurdwara Sri Nanak Piao Sahib, as beautiful as Bangla Sahib, holds even greater historical significance. Devoted to the first Sikh guru, Sri Guru Nanak Devji, it was constructed in the garden where the guru used to camp. The term ‘piao’ means ‘to offer drink.’ According to legend, Guru Nanak would provide food and drink to the hungry and thirsty at this location. In this serene setting, visitors can be swept away by the melodious prayers of the faithful.
7. Ramakrishna Mission
The Ramakrishna Mission is situated in the southern part of the tourist area of Paharganj, famous for its budget hotels and convenient distance to the railway station. Established in honour of the great Indian saint Sri Ramakrishna from the 19th century, the mission in Delhi actively promotes the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna. It provides meditation and study sessions focused on Indian philosophy and religion. This serves as an ideal retreat for visitors seeking an escape from the chaos of Paharganj.
Conclusion
For many, Delhi appears as a bustling metropolis, with crowded and noisy commercial areas. Being the second most populous city in the country, much of its urban space does have a constant stream of people and vehicles. Well, visitors would be pleasantly surprised to encounter the serenity that envelops some of the temples. Delhi is home to Sufi shrines, historical mosques, Sikh gurdwaras, and Hindu and Jain temples that exude a unique spiritual atmosphere.
The national spiritual journey unfolds peace and spirituality amidst the bustling city. Beyond its crowded streets, these 7 religious sites offer moments of tranquillity. From Sufi shrines to Hindu temples, these spots provide a soulful sojourn and remind us of the serene side of the urban capital.
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