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Gauri Shankar Mandir Chandni Chowk




The Gauri Shankar Mandir is an ancient temple located in the area of Chandni Chowk in Delhi. It is amongst the most important temples in Delhi and is visited by thousands of devotees. The temple features a brown coloured lingam which is thought to be 800 years old. The lingam is enclosed in a structure symbolizes the female organ; it is crafted from marble. The lingam appears wrapped by silver snakes which represents life or the core of the universe and also the celestial column. Above the lingam is a suspended silver bowl from which water drops onto the lingam.

The temple structure was constructed in 1790 but it is believed that the foundation of the temple was laid long before. History suggests that the temple originally was constructed with help from Apa Ganga Dhar. He was a Maratha warrior and a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva. In one of the battles, he suffered grave injuries and pleaded to Lord Shiva for his existence. He also promised that if he was granted his wish he would build an attractive temple commemorating Lord Shiva. He survived the wounds and later constructed the Gauri Shankar Mandir. The temple later was refurbished by Seth Jaipura in 1959.

As per Hindu mythology, the love story of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is the first love story in the universe. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are fondly addressed as Gauri-Shankar, therefore the name of the temple. The love of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is celebrated even by gods. The celebration of Maha Shivratri in the temple is grand with prayers and singing continuing throughout the day and night.

Architecture

Through the years, the structure of the temple has been renovated and adorned in different ways. The structure that remains today is the main sanctum. The temple complex houses as many as eight small and big temples. Each of these temples has its own priest. The huge statue of Lord Shiva inside the temple is mesmerising and beautifully designed.

Attractions

The entrance of the temple complex has marble stairs on both sides of which are strong pillars. The steps merge into a huge square which is filled with devotees all around the day. The courtyard has several stalls selling puja items from where devotees can purchase incense sticks, vermilion, sandalwood paste, flowers, bilva leads and rice as offerings. There is a marble chair with the portrait of Bhagat Swaroop Bramachari on it.

The main temple houses the idols of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Kartik and Lord Ganesh (their two sons). The idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are placed right at the back of the lingam under a silver awning. Both the idols are adorned with jewellery crafted from gold.

The temple atmosphere is calm and serene. People can see priests and yogis meditating for long hours in the temple complex and chanting ‘Om Namah Shivaya’. During the time of aarti which is conducted every morning and evening and people gather in the temple complex to witness the aarti. Oil lamps are lit and priests chant mantras while devotees clap hands and ring the bells. The morning aarti witnesses the ritual of bathing the Lingam with milk and water and then adorning it with beautiful flowers.

Visitor Information

Location: On Chandni Chowk main road adjacent to Digambar Jain Temple 110006.

Contact:  011 2325 6521

Nearest Metro Station: the Chandni Chowk Metro Station (By Walk 582 meters/ 10 min.)

Days Closed: Open all days

Complex Entry: - Free | No Ticket

Timings

  • Morning Entry: 5:00 AM to 10:00 AM
  • Evening Entry: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
  • Closed: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Admission

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

Facilities

Parking Rates per type of vehicle
Cloakroom At owner’s risk (Minimal Fee)
Cameras Allowed but photography inside prayer hall is prohibited
Mobile Phones Allowed
Food Several restaurants around the temple
Books Several book stalls outside the temple

 

Dress Code

  • Respectable - Must cover shoulders and knees

Security & Safety

Not Allowed

  • All Bags
  • Food & Drinks
  • Tobacco & Alcohol Products

Allowed

  • Shoes
  • Belts
  • Wallets
  • Ladies Purses

Strictly Prohibited

  • Smoking, Alcohol & Drugs
  • Tobacco-Related Products
  • Impolite Behaviour & Language
  • Pets

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Gauri Shankar Mandir is in early morning and evening aarti time. Devotees visit the temple in large numbers on Monday as it is the day dedicated to Lord Shiva. The festival of Shivratri is celebrated with pomp and show in the temple and makes a favourable time for devotees to visit the temple.

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