- Kalka Mandir, Delhi
Om SRi Durgaya NamahKalkaji temple is arguably the most visited temple in the
Delhi city.Fact|date=February 2008 The temple is dedicated to goddess Kalka orKali who is an incarnation of goddessDurga . The temple is situated near the Okhla industrial estate just in front of the famous Bahá'íLotus Temple . Devotees attend the temple throughout the year but the culmination point of the celebration comes during the festival ofNavratri . This is a nine-day festival, during which a large fair is organized here. These fairs are the Indian version ofcarnivals that is full with the commotion ofhawkers andchildren . Small groups singing various hymns and songs praising goddess Durga, accompany them.Very little is left of the original temple, built in mid 18th century.Fact|date=February 2008 However, a very small portion of the original structure built in the year 1734 can be seen on the topmost point of the hill. According to the historical accounts,
Marathas are said to have plundered the then temple after they lost to theMughals in the Battle of Talkatora in the year 1738.Fact|date=February 2008 Later in the mid 19th century, Raja Kedarnath, the treasurer of EmperorAkbar II made certain changes and additions to the temple.The modern temple is a 12-sided structure completely made out of
marble and blackpumice stones. This structure houses the black stone that denotes goddess Kali. The temple building is very simple and has no ornamentation as such. There is an inn in the back of the main structure known as Kali Dharamshala.The major ritual consists of offering and bathing the idol with milk followed by an
Aarti in the evening. 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 thieves.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 spectaculartantric aarati is held at in the evening.
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