22 Top Temples in Delhi: An Ultimate Spiritual Guide

Delhi, the capital city of India, is not just a hub of political and historical significance but also a spiritual center. The city is home to a diverse range of temples in Delhi that reflect its rich cultural and religious heritage which tourists love to explore in their India trips. 

From ancient shrines that have stood the test of time to modern marvels of architecture, temples in New Delhi offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Apart from temples, there are many places to visit in Delhi. Whether you are a devotee or a tourist looking to explore the spiritual side of Delhi, there is a list of Temples in Delhi that provide a deep connection to the city’s soul.

The Best 22 Temples To Visit In Delhi:-

1. Akshardham Temple

Akshardham Temple is a modern architectural wonder standing on top in the list of Temples in Delhi  and one of the largest Hindu temples in the world. Built in 2005, it showcases the rich cultural heritage of India through its intricate carvings, exhibits, and spiritual experiences. The temple is dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and is a symbol of Indian culture, spirituality, and architecture.

• Location: NH 24, Akshardham Setu, New Delhi
• Timings: 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
• Nearest Metro Station: Akshardham Metro Station (Blue Line)

2. Lotus Temple

The Lotus Temple, also known as the Bahai House of Worship, is famous for its unique lotus-shaped structure and one of the most famous temples to visit in Delhi. It is a place of worship open to all, irrespective of religion. The temple is surrounded by nine pools and extensive gardens, offering a peaceful environment for meditation and prayer.

• Location: Near Nehru Place, South Delhi
• Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
• Nearest Metro Station: Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station (Violet Line)

3. Birla Mandir (Laxmi Narayan Temple)

Birla Mandir, also known as Laxmi Narayan Temple, is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Built in 1939 by the Birla family, it is one of the most famous temples in Delhi, known for its beautiful architecture and serene environment.

• Location: Mandir Marg, Near Gole Market, New Delhi
• Timings: 4:30 AM to 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Nearest Metro Station: R.K. Ashram Marg Metro Station (Blue Line)

4. ISKCON Temple

The ISKCON Temple, also known as Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, is one of the largest temple complexes in India. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha and is a spiritual hub for devotees of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. The temple is one of the best temples in Delhi known for its daily prayers, spiritual lectures, and festivals.

• Location: Hare Krishna Hill, East of Kailash, New Delhi
• Timings: 4:30 AM to 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
• Nearest Metro Station: Nehru Place Metro Station (Violet Line)

5. Kalkaji Mandir

Kalkaji Mandir is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Delhi, dedicated to Goddess Kali. The temple is one amongst top temples in Delhi and believed to be a powerful spiritual site, and devotees visit it throughout the year, especially during the Navratri festival.

• Location: Kalkaji, South Delhi
• Timings: 4:00 AM to 11:30 PM
• Nearest Metro Station: Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station (Violet Line)

6. Hanuman Mandir (Connaught Place)

Located in the heart of Delhi, Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place is one of the oldest temples in the city and among most popular temples in Delhi, believed to date back to the time of the Mahabharata. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is famous for its unique idol, wh shadow, Raja ich is depicted as a child (Bala Hanuman).

• Location: Connaught Place, New Delhi
• Timings: 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
• Nearest Metro Station: Rajiv Chowk Metro Station (Yellow and Blue Lines)

7. Chhatarpur Temple

Chhatarpur Temple, also known as the Shree Adya Katyayani Shaktipeeth Mandir, is one of the largest temple complexes in India and one of the top temples in Delhi. It is dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, a form of Goddess Durga, and is a significant pilgrimage site, especially during Navratri.

• Location: Chhatarpur, South Delhi
• Timings: 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Nearest Metro Station: Chhatarpur Metro Station (Yellow Line)

8. Gauri Shankar Temple

Gauri Shankar Temple, located near the historic Red Fort, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is among famous temples in Delhi, over 800 years old and is one of the most revered Shiva temples in Delhi. The temple’s main attraction is the 800-year-old lingam made of brown stone, surrounded by snakes made of silver.

• Location: Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi
• Timings: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Nearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk Metro Station (Yellow Line)

9. Nizamuddin Dargah

Although technically a mosque, Nizamuddin Dargah is a significant spiritual site in Delhi, attracting people from all religions. The Dargah is the mausoleum of the famous Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya and is a place of great historical and spiritual importance.

• Location: Nizamuddin West, New Delhi
• Timings: 5:00 AM to 10:30 PM
• Nearest Metro Station: JLN Stadium Metro Station (Violet Line)

10. Sai Baba Temple

The Sai Baba Temple in Lodhi Road is dedicated to Shirdi Sai Baba, a revered saint. The temple attracts thousands of devotees who come to offer prayers and seek blessings. The temple is known for its peaceful ambiance and spiritual significance.

• Location: Lodhi Road, New Delhi
• Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:30 PM
• Nearest Metro Station: JLN Stadium Metro Station (Violet Line)

11. Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir

Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir is the one of the oldest and most famous Jain temples in Delhi, located opposite the Red Fort in Chandni Chowk. The one of the most visited temples in Delhi, is known for its stunning red sandstone architecture and houses an impressive statue of Lord Mahavira.

• Location: Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi
• Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• Nearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk Metro Station (Yellow Line)

12. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is one of the most prominent Sikh temples in New Delhi, known for its magnificent golden dome and serene surroundings. The Gurudwara also houses a large pool, known as the Sarovar, and provides free meals (Langar) to visitors.

• Location: Connaught Place, New Delhi
• Timings: 24 hours open
• Nearest Metro Station: Patel Chowk Metro Station (Yellow Line)

13. Shri KalkaJi Temple

Shri KalkaJi Temple, also known as Kalkaji Mandir, is one of the most revered temples in Delhi, dedicated to Goddess Kali. It is believed to be one of the oldest  and best temples in Delhi, with references dating back to the Mahabharata. The temple is especially crowded during the Navratri festival, attracting devotees from all over the country.

• Location: Kalkaji, South Delhi
• Timings: 4:00 AM to 11:30 PM
• Nearest Metro Station: Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station (Violet Line)

14. Shri Sheetla Mata Mandir

Shri Sheetla Mata Mandir, located in Gurgaon (adjacent to Delhi), is among famous temples in Delhi dedicated to Goddess Sheetla, the goddess of smallpox. The temple is a significant pilgrimage site, particularly for devotees from nearby regions who come to seek the blessings of the goddess for good health.

• Location: Sector 6, Gurgaon, Haryana (near Delhi)
• Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• Nearest Metro Station: HUDA City Centre Metro Station (Yellow Line)

15. Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple (ISKCON Dwarka)

Another ISKCON temple, this one located in Dwarka, is a significant spiritual centre for devotees of Lord Krishna. The temple features beautiful idols of Radha and Krishna, and the premises are serene, offering a peaceful environment for worship and meditation. The temple also hosts regular spiritual programs and festivals.

• Location: Sector 13, Dwarka, New Delhi
• Timings: 4:30 AM to 9:00 PM
• Nearest Metro Station: Dwarka Sector 12 Metro Station (Blue Line)

16. Malai Mandir

Malai Mandir, also known as Uttara Swami Malai Mandir, is a popular temple dedicated to Lord Murugan (Kartikeya). Amongst the best temples in Delhi, is built in the traditional South Indian style and is a significant spiritual site for devotees from the Tamil community in the city. The temple is situated on a hillock, offering a panoramic view of the surroundings.

• Location: Sector 7, R.K. Puram, New Delhi
• Timings: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
• Nearest Metro Station: Hauz Khas Metro Station (Yellow Line)

17. Jhandewalan Temple

Jhandewalan Temple is one of the most famous and most visited temples in Delhi, dedicated to the goddess Aadi Shakti (Durga). The temple is named after the flag (Jhanda) offered by the devotees to the goddess. The temple is an important pilgrimage site, especially during Navratri, when it is beautifully decorated, and special prayers are held.

• Location: Jhandewalan, New Delhi
• Timings: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Nearest Metro Station: Jhandewalan Metro Station (Blue Line)

18. Uttara Guruvayurappan Temple

Uttara Guruvayurappan Temple is a one of the famous South Indian temples in Delhi, dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is worshipped here as Guruvayurappan. The temple follows the traditional Kerala style of worship and architecture. It is a spiritual hub for the Malayalee community in Delhi.

• Location: Mayur Vihar Phase 1, New Delhi
• Timings: 4:30 AM to 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
• Nearest Metro Station: Mayur Vihar Phase 1 Metro Station (Blue Line)

19. Shani Dham Temple

Shani Dham Temple, located in Asola, is one of the most famous temples in Delhi, dedicated to Lord Shani (Saturn) in India. The temple houses the world’s tallest statue of Lord Shani, standing at 21 feet. Devotees visit the temple to seek relief from the malefic effects of Saturn and to gain prosperity and happiness.

• Location: Asola, Fatehpur Beri, Mehrauli, New Delhi
• Timings: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Nearest Metro Station: Chhatarpur Metro Station (Yellow Line)

20. Sri Aurobindo Ashram

While not a traditional temple, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Delhi is a spiritual retreat dedicated to the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. The ashram is a peaceful place for meditation and spiritual growth, with a serene environment that attracts those seeking inner peace and enlightenment.

• Location: Sri Aurobindo Marg, Hauz Khas, New Delhi
• Timings: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• Nearest Metro Station: Hauz Khas Metro Station (Yellow Line)

21. Hanuman Mandir (Yamuna Bazar)

Hanuman Mandir at Yamuna Bazar is one of the oldest Hanuman temples in Delhi, known for its ancient idol of Lord Hanuman. The temple is situated on the banks of the Yamuna River and is a significant spiritual site for locals. It is particularly crowded on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

• Location: Yamuna Bazar, Kashmere Gate, New Delhi
• Timings: 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
• Nearest Metro Station: Kashmere Gate Metro Station (Yellow and Red Lines)

22. Bhairon Mandir

Bhairon Mandir, located near the Purana Qila, like other historical sites in India, it is a unique temple dedicated to Bhairav, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. The temple is associated with various legends, and it is believed that worshipping here can help in overcoming obstacles and gaining protection from evil forces.

• Location: Near Pragati Maidan, Purana Qila, New Delhi
• Timings: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Nearest Metro Station: Pragati Maidan Metro Station (Blue Line)

Best Time For Temples in Delhi

The best time for temples in Delhi is during the cooler months from October to March. Here’s why:

1. Pleasant Weather: Delhi experiences extreme weather conditions, with scorching summers and chilly winters. The period from October to March offers mild and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for exploring the city’s outdoor attractions, including temples and other things to do in Delhi.

2. Festive Season: Many important festivals such as Diwali, Durga Puja, and Navratri fall during this period. Visiting temples during these festivals allows you to experience the vibrant cultural and religious celebrations, with temples beautifully decorated and bustling with activities.

3. Longer Daylight Hours: The days are longer during these months, providing ample time to visit multiple temples in a single day and explore their surroundings without the rush.

4. Tourist Season: This is also the peak tourist season in Delhi, so you’ll find more services, guided tours, and cultural events that can enhance your temple visit experience.

Tips For Visiting Temples in Delhi

When visiting temples in Delhi, it’s important to respect the cultural and religious significance of these sacred sites. Here are some tips to ensure a respectful and fulfilling experience:

1. Dress Modestly: Wear conservative clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Some temples may require you to cover your head, especially for women, so carrying a scarf or shawl can be useful.

2. Remove Footwear: Always take off your shoes before entering a temple. Some temples have designated areas where you can leave your footwear.

3. Photography Rules: Check if photography is allowed inside the temple. While some temples permit it, others may have restrictions, especially in the inner sanctum or during certain rituals.

4. Observe Silence: Temples are places of worship and meditation. Maintain a quiet and peaceful demeanour, avoiding loud conversations or disruptive behaviour.

5. Respect Rituals: If you see people performing rituals or prayers, maintain a respectful distance and avoid interrupting them. You can participate if you wish, but be mindful of local customs and practices.

6. Plan Your Visit: Some temples can get crowded, especially during festivals or weekends. Visit early in the morning or during off-peak hours to avoid long queues and fully enjoy the serenity of the temple.

7. Follow the Temple’s Etiquette: Each temple may have its own specific rules, such as not touching the deity, standing in certain areas, or following a particular direction while walking. Pay attention to signs or ask a temple volunteer if you’re unsure.

8. Keep the Temple Premises Clean: Dispose of any waste in the designated bins and avoid littering. Temples are sacred spaces, and maintaining cleanliness is a sign of respect.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your visit to the temples in Delhi is respectful, meaningful, and enjoyable.

Conclusion

Delhi is a city where every corner has a story to tell, and its temples are a testament to the city’s deep-rooted spiritual and cultural heritage. Whether you are a devotee or a history enthusiast, these temples offer a glimpse into the city’s diverse religious practices and architectural splendour. From ancient shrines to modern marvels, Delhi’s temples are a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the spiritual side of the capital. Plan your visit to these spiritual landmarks to experience the divine and historical essence of India’s capital city.