Chhatarpur Temple in Delhi, officially known as Shri Aadya Katyayani Shakti Peetham, is India is dedicated to Goddess Katyayani.
The temple was established by Sant Shree Nagpal Baba in 1974. The temple is now a popular tourist attraction in the city and an important pilgrimage centre which is visited by a large number of devotees throughout the year.
History of Chhatarpur Temple in Delhi
The history of this Shaktipeeth intricately revolves around the life of its founder, the esteemed Saint Shree Durga-Charan-anuragi Baba Sant Nagpal. Known affectionately as ‘Baba’ by his devotees, he was characterized by profound humility, to the extent that he forbade his disciples from glorifying his name during his lifetime.
Born in Karnataka on the auspicious full-moon day of the Holi festival in 1981 of Vikram Samvat (corresponding to Tuesday the 10th March), Baba faced the loss of his parents at a tender age.
During the cremation of his mother, a mysterious woman took the grieving child to the nearby Temple of Mother Goddess, revealing that SHE was the true universal Mother who would always be by his side.
From that poignant moment onward, the Divine Mother provided him solace in her embrace. Baba reciprocated with unwavering dedication and complete surrender to the Divine Mother in thought, word, and deed.
For him, she was a living reality with whom he maintained constant communication, never undertaking any action without seeking her permission and blessings.
Quick Facts
- Address: Chhatarpur, Main Chhatarpur Road, Near Chhatarpur Metro Station, New Delhi, Delhi
- District: Chhatarpur
- Affiliation: Hinduism
- Deity: Goddess Katyayani
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 am–10 pm
- Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Dress Code: decent outfit recommended
- Festivals: Navratri, Dussehra, Mahashivratri and Janmashtami
- Best Time to Visit: October – March
ALSO READ: Kalkaji Mandir : History, Architecture, Dress Code
Aarti Timings
Morning Aarti- 6:30 AM
Evening Aarti- 7:00 PM
Architecture of Chhatarpur Temple
Upon entering the main temple complex, one can explore the shrines of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati, followed by the Ram Darbar, which includes:
- The idol of Sankatmochan Hanuman.
- Shri Ram with his divine consort Sita on one side, brother Lakshman on the other, and devoted Lord Hanuman at his feet.
- Shree Radha Krishna.
Ascending the stairs leads to the sanctum of the main deity, Maa Katyayani, a form of Maa Durga, who held special significance for Babaji. At Maa Katyayani’s feet, Lord Ganesha stands with devotion, eager to fulfill her every wish.
Descending the steps, one reaches the hall housing the sanctum of Maa Mahishasurmardini (accessible during Purnimas and Navratras only). This majestic form portrays the mother goddess slaying the demon Mahishasur, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Devotees can sit in this hall and listen to the recitation of Ramayan Path throughout the day.
Exiting this hall leads to the Satsang hall, hosting religious and cultural programs on Sundays, Purnimas, Janamashtami, Shivaratri, and Navratras. With a capacity for over a thousand people, the hall has witnessed performances by renowned artists.
Adjacent to the Satsang hall is Maa’s Shayya Kaksh (Resting Room), fulfilling Babaji’s long-time wish. The room features a silver bed, dressing table, a meeting table for the nine devis, and a wax model of Babaji in a standing position, visible through a glass panel.
Outside the Satsang hall are the sanctums of Ashtbhuji (open during Navratra only) and Lord Hanuman. A proposed installation of Babaji’s Ashtadhatu statue between the two staircases leading to the Satsang hall is in progress.
Visitors can then enter the Matrichaya complex, housing the Administration block, Babaji’s museum, Rath Ghar, Baradari, Nutan Bhawan complex, etc. Notably, Nutan Bhawan complex’s architecture, featuring the Laxmi Vinyak Temple, follows a South Indian style, with artists specifically called by Babaji for its construction.
Underneath the Laxmi Vinayak Temple is the Langar hall, accommodating about 4000 devotees simultaneously, and a kitchen used for food preparation on various occasions. During Navratras, over one lakh people partake in Langar daily, with the food first offered to Maa Annapurna.
Babaji’s Museum, located where he spent his last days, displays items used or gifted to him by devotees, including a wax model of Babaji in a sitting posture.
The Rath Ghar houses the temple chariot used for pujas during Navratras, with idols of Lord Shiva, Lord Kartikeya, Lord Ganeshji, Maa Saraswatiji, and Maa Lakahmiji kept in the Baradari for worship. The Yagyashala hosts daily havan during Navratras, following Vastu Shastra principles.
As visitors approach Babaji’s Samadhi, they encounter a decorative brass bell, cast according to Babaji’s desire, and his Samadhi, an elegant structure where his mortal remains rest below the Shivlinga on the first floor.
On the right side of Babaji’s Samadhi is Atithi Bhawan, where Babaji stayed before moving to Matri Chaya complex. The Navratra festivities, celebrated twice a year, have dedicated free parking spaces for devotees.
To the right of Babaji’s Samadhi stands Markandeya Mandapam, a vast hall built as per Babaji’s wish to accommodate large crowds during religious functions.
This hall, used for various functions, connects to the two portions of the temple complex through a subway. Temples of Lord Vishnuji, Maa Laxmiji, Maa Annapurna, Maa Mahishasurmardini, Maa Durga, and Dasham Mahavidya are housed in the Markandeya Mandapam.
How To Reach Chhatarpur Temple?
By Air
The nearest major airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport. The temple is approximately 12-15 kilometers away from the airport.
By Metro
The nearest metro station is Chhatarpur Metro station. From there you can take a E-rikshaw to the temple.
By Road
You can hire a taxi or use app-based cab services to reach Chhatarpur Temple from any part of Delhi.
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