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Bhairav Temple Delhi Purana Quila




Outside the Purana Qila (Old Fort) in Delhi is a historic temple, the Bhairav Temple. The temple is unique because of the traditions of worshipping followed here. Dedicated to Lord Bhairav, the Rudra avatar (angry incarnation) of Lord Shiva, the temple attracts several devotees across the year. Legend has it that the temple was established by the Pandavas when they were constructing their capital in Indraprastha.

The history of the temple dates to ancient times when Vaishno Devi entered a cave leaving a warrior monkey to guard the entrance. Bhairav then a demon and entered the cave forcefully. This angered Vaishno Devi and she took the Chandi avatar and killed Bhairav by beheading him. The Vaishno Puran mentions that even after being beheaded Bhairav kept pleading to Vaishno Devi for mercy and she forgave him. She also blessed him saying that he will be worshipped by the coming generations. This is the reason why the idol of Lord Bhairav is till the neck.

Many believe that the temple is the site where Bheem (the second of Pandav siblings) prayed and attained his powers. The complete name of the temple is ‘Pandav Kaleen Sri Kilkari Bhairav Mandir’. The temple is known throughout for being alcohol friendly and devotees carry alcohol to serve it to Lord Bhairav.

An interesting fact about the temple is that people who do not wish to offer alcohol can offer milk at another Bhairav shrine built adjacent to the temple. This shrine is known as the ‘Dudhiya Bhairav Mandir’. However the Kilkari Bhairav Temple sees more devotees in comparison to the other shrine.

The temple premises features a well, which is called as the ‘Pandabon ka Kuan’. The water from this well is believed to have curative powers and devotees can get water from the well with help from the temple staff.

Architecture

The temple is an ancient one hence the structure is quite old. The way the temple is constructed and its architecture is ancient. However, renovations have been done and today the architecture looks contemporary. There is a unique feature in the temple in the form of a cow built of concrete. Under the udder of the cow are water taps.

Prasad & Offering

The Kilkari Bhairav Temple is different from other temples where people usually offer flowers and sweets. The offering and Prasad at the temple is alcohol. Devotees who wish to make offering to the deity should buy alcohol from a registered legal shop and then visit the temple. There are no such shops in the vicinity of the temple. Meat is also offered at the temple. People visiting the temple premises with their kids are advised to be mindful of their children.

Rituals at the Temple

People who believe in tantric siddhis visit the temple regularly. Flowers, incense sticks, camphor and other offerings can be bought from stalls outside the temple. The rituals of prayer are different as compared to other temples and it is best to ask the priest. You can give your offering to the priest who will offer it to the deity. After the offering, he returns the Prasad which you can either take home with you or leave it with the priest. Giving Prasad to the beggars sitting outside the temple is strictly prohibited.

This rule has been devised by the temple management to stay clear of any controversy. Since the temple offers alcohol as Prasad distributing it to the beggars can land devotees in trouble.

There are several dogs inside the temple premises and also outside the temple. Devotees should be aware that the dog is considered as the means of transport of Lord Bhairav and hence should not be harmed.

Visitor Information

Location: A-1/1, Loni Road, Jyoti Nagar West, Shahdara, New Delhi, DL 110095 ‎

Nearest Metro Station:  Shahdara (By Walk – 1.6 KM.)

Days Closed: Open all 7 days

Complex Entry: - Free | No Ticket

Timings

  • Morning Entry: 5:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
  • Evening Entry:  3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
  • Closed: 12:00 Noon to 3:00 PM

Admission

Complex Entry -   Free | No Ticket
Mandir - Free | No Ticket
Puja - Free | No Ticket

Facilities

Parking Huge parking space available adjacent to temple
Cloakroom At owner’s risk (minimal fee)
Photography Prohibited inside the temple
Food Several restaurants at nearby locations
Books Stalls outside the temple

 

Dress Code

  • Respectable - Must cover shoulders and knees

Security & Safety

Allowed

  • Shoes
  • Belts
  • Wallets
  • Ladies Purses (Handheld)
  • Alcohol
  • Meat

Best Time to Visit

The Bhairav Temple can be visited any time around the year. It is mostly crowded on Sundays when devotees throng to the temple in large numbers. If you are looking for a pleasant weather to visit the temple, then the weather in Delhi is pleasant from October to March.

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