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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