The Shree Adya Katyayani Shakti Peeth Mandir, more widely known as Chhatarpur Temple, is more than just a place of worship; it’s a sprawling spiritual sanctuary in the heart of India’s capital. Founded in 1974 by the revered saint Baba Sant Nagpal Ji, the temple stands as a magnificent tribute to Goddess Katyayani, the sixth form of Goddess Durga. Occupying a vast 70 acres of land, it holds the distinction of being the second-largest temple complex in Delhi and one of the largest in India, attracting millions of devotees and tourists annually.
What makes Chhatarpur Temple truly unique is its stunning architectural fusion. Constructed primarily from white marble, it beautifully blends North and South Indian architectural styles, featuring intricate carvings, ornate pillars, and exquisite jaali (lattice) work. Within its massive compound, you’ll find not just one, but over 20 smaller temples dedicated to various deities like Lord Rama, Shiva, Radha-Krishna, and Hanuman, creating a complete spiritual ecosystem. One of its most sacred and intriguing features is the silver-adorned “Shayya Kaksh” (bedroom) and living area created for the deity, which devotees can view through glass panels. The temple is also famous for its sacred Kalpavriksha (wish-fulfilling) tree, where visitors tie threads and bangles with faith.
Srirangam Vishwaroopa Temple Darshan 2025 | Timings, Sevas
Chhatarpur Temple Overview at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Deity | Goddess Katyayani (a form of Goddess Durga) |
| Founder | Sant Baba Nagpal Ji |
| Year Established | 1974 |
| Total Area | 70 acres |
| Architectural Style | Fusion of North & South Indian (Vesara style) |
| Main Construction Material | White Marble |
| Unique Attraction | Silver bedroom (“Shayya Kaksh”) for the deity |
| Key Fact | Second largest temple in Delhi |
Chhatarpur Temple Timings for 2026
The temple follows a consistent daily schedule, with special extended hours during major festivals like Navratri. The general timings for darshan (viewing of the deity) in 2026 are expected to be as follows.
Table: Daily Darshan and Aarti Timings
| Day | Morning Darshan | Evening Darshan | Morning Aarti | Evening Aarti |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday to Sunday | 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM | 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM | 6:30 AM | 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM |
Important Note on Special Days:
- Navratri: During the nine days of both the Chaitra (March-April) and Sharad (September-October) Navratri festivals, the temple operates for extended hours, often from 5:00 AM until 11:00 PM. This is also the only time of the year when the main sanctum of Goddess Katyayani is fully accessible to all devotees every day.
- Ashtami: The sanctum of Goddess Katyayani is also open for darshan on the Ashtami (eighth day) of every lunar month.
Chhatarpur Temple Sevas, Poojas, and Offerings: Price List for 2026
Devotees can perform various sevas (services) and poojas at the temple. Bookings for these are handled offline at the temple counters. The following table lists common sevas with their estimated prices for 2026.
Table: Seva/Pooja List and Estimated Prices
| Seva / Pooja Name | Approximate Price (INR) | Notes / Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Rudrabhishek (3 Pandits) | ₹ 4,100 | Performed at Shiv Gauri Nageshwar Mandir |
| Sawan Rudrabhishek | ₹ 5,100 | Special ritual during the month of Sawan |
| Mahamrityunjaya Jaap | ₹ 41,000 | A powerful prayer for longevity |
| Ramayan Path (24 Hours) | ₹ 6,100 | Continuous recitation of the Ramayana |
| Sunderkand Path | ₹ 4,100 | Recitation of a chapter from the Ramayana |
| Satyanarayan Katha + Langar | ₹ 4,100+ | Story of Lord Vishnu, includes community meal |
| Mundan Ceremony | ₹ 200 | Head-tonsuring ritual for children |
| Vehicle Pooja | ₹ 100 – ₹ 500 | Blessing for vehicles |
| General Donations (Hundi) | Voluntary | Donations for temple upkeep and langar are always welcome. |
Important: The temple serves free langar (community meal) daily, which is a quintessential part of the visit. During Navratri, the scale is immense, serving over 100,000 people a day.
How to Reach Chhatarpur Temple
The temple is located in South Delhi and is very well-connected.
- Official Address: Shree Adya Katyayani Shakti Peeth Mandir, Chhatarpur, New Delhi – 110074.
- By Metro (Recommended): The Chhatarpur Metro Station on the Yellow Line is the closest. The temple is about a 10-minute walk (500-800 meters) from the station.
- By Road: The temple is easily accessible via the Mehrauli-Gurugram Road or MG Road. You can hire a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or use ride-sharing apps.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), approximately 12-13 km away.
- By Train: The nearest major railway station is Hazrat Nizamuddin (about 11 km away).
How to Book Darshan Tickets and Sevas
- General Darshan: There is no ticket or booking required for general darshan. Entry is free for all devotees.
- Special Poojas/Sevas: As mentioned in the seva table above, all special rituals must be booked in person at the temple’s administrative office or seva counter. There is typically no online booking system for these services. It is advisable to visit the office a day in advance to inquire about availability, procedures, and precise costs.
Nearby Attractions
After your temple visit, you can explore several famous historical and cultural sites located nearby in South Delhi:
- Qutub Minar (4 km): A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s tallest brick minaret.
- Mehrauli Archaeological Park (3.5 km): A large green area with ancient tombs, mosques, and ruins.
- Garden of Five Senses (5 km): A beautiful public park designed to stimulate all five senses.
- Other Sites: Ahinsa Sthal (a Jain temple), Select Citywalk Mall for shopping, and several other historical monuments like Jahaz Mahal and Zafar Mahal are also close by.
Important Instructions for Visitors
To ensure a respectful and smooth visit, please adhere to the following guidelines:
- Entry Fee: There is no entry fee for the temple.
- Dress Code: Dress modestly. Avoid sleeveless tops, shorts, mini-skirts, or revealing clothing.
- Footwear: Remove your footwear before entering the temple premises. Free shoe storage is available.
- Prohibited Items: Mobile phones, cameras, and leather items (belts, bags, wallets) are generally not allowed inside the main prayer halls and sanctum. Lockers may be available.
- Conduct: Maintain silence, do not rush in queues, and follow the instructions of temple staff.
Accommodation Options Nearby
| Type of Accommodation | Options & Details |
|---|---|
| Temple Dharamshala (Budget Stay) | The temple trust runs its own Dharamshala (guesthouse) with 36 rooms and 12 halls, providing affordable lodging for devotees. |
| Mid-Range Hotels | Numerous hotels are available in the Mehrauli and Saket areas, a short drive from the temple. |
| Luxury Hotels | For a luxurious stay, 5-star hotels like Jaypee Vasant Continental are located in nearby Vasant Vihar. |
Dos and Don’ts at the Temple
| Dos | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Do dress modestly and conservatively. | Don’t wear footwear inside the temple. |
| Do switch off or silence your mobile phone. | Don’t carry leather items into prayer areas. |
| Do maintain decorum and wait patiently in the queue. | Don’t take photographs or videos inside the inner sanctums. |
| Do place offerings in the official donation box (Hundi). | Don’t touch idols or interrupt ongoing rituals. |
| Do keep the temple premises clean. | Don’t distribute personal prasad inside the temple. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the best time to visit Chhatarpur Temple?
A1: For a peaceful experience, visit on a weekday morning. For a vibrant, festival atmosphere, visit during Navratri (March-April or September-October), but expect large crowds.
Q2: Can I see the main idol of Goddess Katyayani anytime?
A2: No. The main sanctum of Goddess Katyayani is open for darshan only during the nine days of Navratri and on the Ashtami (8th day) of every lunar month. The temple of Goddess Gauri is open daily.
Q3: Is there parking available at the temple?
A3: Yes, the temple provides free parking lots for both two-wheelers and four-wheelers. Separate parking is often arranged during festival times.
Q4: Are there any facilities for eating?
A4: Yes, the temple serves free vegetarian langar daily. Additionally, you can purchase the temple’s prasad, and there are many restaurants in the surrounding areas.
Q5: How much time should I allocate for a visit?
A2: To explore the massive 70-acre complex and visit the various temples within it, you should plan for at least 2 to 3 hours.
Q6: How can I contact the temple administration?
A6: You can contact them via phone at +91-011-26802925 or email at sakspmt@gmail.com. The official website is www.chhattarpurmandir.org.
I hope this detailed guide helps you plan a fulfilling and smooth visit to the magnificent Chhatarpur Temple in 2026. Is there any other specific detail you would like to know more about?