Kalka Mandir also known as Kalkaji Temple is a famous Hindu mandir (temple), dedicated to Hindu Goddess Kali, situated in the Delhi, India, near Okhla.The name has also lend itself to nearby locality of Kalkaji, opposite Nehru Place business centre A km away from the temple, on a hill in the East of Kailash neighbourhood, near the ISKCON temple, lies an Edict of Ashoka, dating 3rd century BC.
General information
Kalkaji temple is arguably the most visited temple in the Delhi city.[citation needed] The temple is dedicated to goddess Kalka or Kali who is an incarnation of goddess Durga. The temple is situated near the Okhla industrial estate just in front of the famous Bahá'í Lotus Temple. Devotees attend the temple throughout the year but the culmination point of the celebration comes during the festival of Navratri. This is a nine-day festival, during which a large fair is organized here. These fairs are the Indian version of carnivals that is full with the commotion of hawkers and children. Small groups singing various hymns and songs praising goddess Durga, accompany them.
History
Very little is left of the original temple, built almost 3000 years ago, due to invasion and razing by Mughals.[citation needed]. It is also said that Pandavas and Kauravas came here to pray to the almighty. However, a very small portion of the original structure built in the year 1734 can be seen on the topmost point of the hill. Later in the mid 19th century, Raja Kedarnath, the treasurer of Emperor Akbar II made certain changes and additions to the temple.
Modern Structure
The modern temple is a 12-sided structure completely made out of marble and black pumice stones. This structure houses the black stone that denotes goddess Kali. The temple building is very simple and has no ornamentation as such. There are a number of inns (Dharamshalas) around the main structure.
Rituals
The major ritual consists of offering and bathing the idol (Mata Snanam) with milk followed by an Aarti every morning (6 AM) and evening (7:30 PM). This, in turn, is followed by hymn recitation. Offerings can be purchased just before the entrance of the temple. Visitors should be alert in the area as the place is very crowded and there can be Pickpockets. The Puja archana and other rituals are performed turn by turn (Monthly Basis) by Pujaris consisting of more than 1000 families who are the descendants of 4 main clans (Thulas) of brahmin pujaris and one clan of Jogis/Mahants.
The atmosphere around the temple is airy and bright with lights which stay during the whole night. Devotees also try to meditate there and a spectacular tantric aarti is held at in the evening. Bol kalka mai ki jai.
