Discovering The Temples in South Delhi: A Spiritual Journey

A picture of a temple in south Delhi taken from a distance showing its intricate architecture

South Delhi not only has a unique cultural importance but is also a spiritual area in Delhi. This place has many beautiful temples with marvellous artistry reflecting different religious faiths and structures of the Indian cultures. These are not only places of worship but also places that religious believers can visit to get a break from the busy daily routine of society. Here is a list of ten noteworthy temples in South Delhi that have their allure and sacredness to offer.

10 Temples In South Delhi To Visit

These are some of the religious places that are known to have been treasured in the region, from ancient places of worship to contemporary architectural masterpieces. Here’s a detailed look at ten notable temples in South Delhi:

1. Lotus Temple

A frontal view of the Lotus Temple in Delhi with lines of visitors visible in the front entrance

Photo: Buete / Wikimedia Commons

The Lotus Temple is one of the modern Bahá’í Houses of Worship inaugurated in the year 1986 and designed in the shape of a lotus. Fariborz Sahba, an architect, designed the temple to reflect unity and spiritual balance. With 27 marble petals that resemble a lotus flower, it is intended to represent both purity and acceptance for all. The temple can be visited by people of any religion and encourages prayer and contemplation in a pleasant atmosphere. With its uniquely modern design and serene location, it has become one of the most popular attractions in Delhi.

Location: Bahapur, Shambhu Dayal Bagh, Nehru Place, Delhi
Best Time To Visit: Early morning or late afternoon
Entry Fee: Free

2. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

A frontal picture of a temple in south Delhi with traditional architecture and intricate designs

Photo: Rameshchaudhari9 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is also a famous temple of Lord Hanuman situated in South Delhi. Founded in 1967 under the social worker Pt. Ram Chandra Sharma, this temple has always been characterized by its liveliness and the strong passion of its occupants. The deity of Hanuman which is placed in the middle of the temple is the deity for many religious rituals that are performed in this temple. This temple is valued for its services in community service and for organizing religious events, so it occupies a special place in the spirit and culture of the region.

Location: K-1, Kalkaji, Delhi
Best Time To Visit: Early morning or during Hanuman Jayanti for special celebrations
Entry Fee: Free

3. Chhatarpur Temple

A frontal view of a spiritual building with traditional architecture and intricate designs

Photo: Manjeet Bawa / Wikimedia Commons

The Chhatarpur Temple was established in 1974 by Baba Sant Nagpal Ji and is devoted to Goddess Katyayani. It occupies an area of 70 acres which makes the temple complex one of the largest in Delhi. It has several minor shrines, and all of them have carvings and sculptures, adding to its grand design and size. Due to its exponential growth in popularity and the intensity of religious activities it hosts, the temple occupies the position of the utmost spiritual and cultural importance.

Location: Chhatarpur, Delhi
Best Time To Visit: During the morning hours
Entry Fee: Free

4. Kalkaji Mandir

A picture of a temple's interior with the idol of Goddess Kalka in front, dressed with garlands

Photo: Shrikalkajimandir / Wikimedia Commons

Delhi’s oldest temple, Kalkaji Mandir, dedicated to Goddess Kali, dates back its existence to the 18th century. The temple is in Kalkaji, South Delhi, and is one of the most famous temples, especially in the Navratri festival. Its traditional architectural style is also complemented by the central Kali Ma statue, which attracts intricate rituals and festivities. The historical background and the colourful festival hold the temple as an important place for the devotees.

Location: Kalkaji, Delhi
Best Time To Visit: During Navratri for vibrant celebrations
Entry Fee: Free

5. Sri Aurobindo Ashram

A temple in South Delhi with gardens and a walkway in the complex along with traditional architecture

Photo: Kprateek88 / Wikimedia Commons

Sri Aurobindo Ashram is an institution of integral yoga and spiritual learning which was set up in the 1920s by Sri Aurobindo. It is a place for spiritual reflection and self-development, where people find serenity and quietness different from city noise. The ashram has meditation halls, a library, and a bookstore, reflecting the importance of spirituality and philosophical enlightenment. It is a minimalist building, which corresponds to the teachings and principles of spiritual development and one’s inner harmony.

Location: Sri Aurobindo Marg, Delhi
Best Time To Visit: Early morning for meditation sessions
Entry Fee: Free

6. Gauri Shankar Temple

A picture of a prayer house from inside with idols of two gods in front, dressed with garlands

Photo: Ningreat / Wikimedia Commons

Gauri Shankar Temple, in Old Delhi, is a temple devoted to Lord Shiva built during the Tamurid Gurkhani period. It has rich historical and architectural importance and also has a large bell that was gifted by Akbar. It has intricate designs carved out and a Mughal touch that has made it a historical building. The well-maintained Shiva lingam, as well as the calm environment, make it an important place for prayers and historical symbolism.

Location: Old Delhi, accessible for South Delhi visitors
Best Time To Visit: Early morning
Entry Fee: Free

7. Shri Subha Siddhi Vinayaka Temple

A picture of a temple from outside having colourful walls and paintings of various deities

Photo: రవిచంద్ర / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Shri Subha Siddhivinayak Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is famous for being active in the local community and festivals. The temple was built in the latter part of the twentieth century and has the idol of Lord Ganesha in the centre. Beautiful ceremonies are held during Ganesh Chaturthi and the atmosphere is lively and busy. Its contemporary style and active participation of people are the reasons why this is one of the most essential places of worship in the region of Saket.

Location: Pocket 4, Near MV 1 Metro Station, Mayur Vihar Phase 1, New Delhi, Delhi 110091
Best Time To Visit: Early mornings or during Ganesh Chaturthi for special events.
Entry Fee: Free

8. Shree Jagannath Temple

A picture of a temple in Delhi made of white marble with 2 sculptures on the entrance

Photo: Prateek Pattanayak / Wikimedia Commons

The Shree Jagannath Temple of Delhi is modelled on the lines of the Jagannath Temple located in Puri, Odisha. This temple has elements of Odia-style architecture and is devoted to Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. The temple also has the famous Ratha Yatra where many people come and the chariots used are vibrant. The interiors contain intricate carvings on doors, windows and decorations which depict the cultural and religious importance of the temple to the devotees and the tourists.

Location: Delhi
Best Time To Visit: During Rath Yatra for vibrant processions
Entry Fee: Free

9. Shri Raghunath Temple

A picture of a temple with red walls and  intricate design with traditional architecture

Photo: Sudeep Pramanik / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Shree Raghunath Temple is based in the culturally diverse part of South Delhi and consists of Lord Rama as the deity, who is an avatar of Vishnu. The temple was founded in 1983, and the atmosphere is calm, and the architecture follows the traditional idea. The main deity is an exquisite image of Lord Rama accompanied by Sita and Lakshmana. This temple is well-known for its puja ceremonies and colourful festivals are held in the temple including Ram Navami.

Features: It is built in traditional Hindu style with carvings all over it as well as a sanctum sanctorum of Lord Rama. Many different religious ceremonies and festivals are held here which means that the atmosphere is always lively and filled with spiritual energy. These features and practices establish the temple as the focal point of religious practices and social interactions.

Location: A-2, Panchsheel Park, Delhi
Best Time To Visit: Early mornings or during Ram Navami for special events
Entry Fee: Free

10. Shree Lakshmi Narayan Temple

A picture of a temple in South Delhi taken from across the street having intricate designs

Photo: A.Savin / Wikimedia Commons

Shree Lakshmi Narayan Temple is situated in South Delhi and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his consort Goddess Lakshmi. It is famous for its beautiful structure and quiet interiors for offering prayers. The architectural designs are beautiful with carvings and murals of various gods and themes from folklore. It provides the venue for worshippers to pray and seek divine intervention and comfort. The architectural design and serene environment of the temple make the site a popular and well-worth place of worship.

Location: South Delhi
Best Time To Visit: Early mornings
Entry Fee: Free
Temples in South Delhi are indeed the epitome of spirituality and cultural beauty. Be it solitude, spirituality or a break from the urban pace that you are in search of, these temples are your refuge. Visiting these spiritual shrines not only offers a perspective into India’s religious history but also brings a feeling of tranquillity. Buckle up and head out on your trip to Delhi with none other than TripXL!

Cover Photo: Manjeet Bawa / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the famous tourist attractions in South Delhi namely the Lotus Temple, Chhatarpur Temple, Kalkaji Mandir and Shree Jagannath Temple. All these temples offer different designs of the structures and different experiences of the spiritual realm.
All those in South Delhi, like the Lotus Temple and Kalkaji Mandir, do not charge any entry fees. However, it is advisable to get the latest information either from the official websites of any temple or from other local resources.
Temples in South Delhi should ideally be visited early morning or later in the evening when there are no hordes of tourists and visitors. Other major festivals also include colourful celebrations.
Some of the temples have specific photography rules and regulations. For instance, the Lotus Temple prohibits photography in the prayer hall area, but the rules may not be the same for other temples. Respect the sanctity and always seek permission from the temple administration before taking pictures.
Some of the temples like Lotus Temple and Chhatarpur Temple even have ramps and facilities for specially-abled people. It is advisable to consult specific accessibility features of a particular place before going there.

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