Sri Aiyyappa Swamy Temple In R K Puram

The Sri Aiyyappa Swamy Temple is located in R.K Puram in New Delhi. It is visited by a huge number of worshippers not only from the city but also from surrounding states. The Sri Aiyyappa Swamy Temple in Delhi is also known as the Sabarimala in North. As per astrology the temple is a Mahakshetra and is thought to be the second most important Aiyyappa shrine after the Sabarimala temple in Kerala. The rituals and pujas followed in the temple are same as those followed in other prominent Aiyyappa shrines in Kerala.

Throughout the year the temple conducts various religious festivals like the Ulvasam, Mandal Puja, Navaham, Makara Vilakku, etc. These festivals are attended by various devotees from around the city and surroundings areas.

Architecture

The Sri Aiyyappa Swamy Temple in Delhi started in a small room way back in 1971. A few devotees of Lord Aiyyappa came together to form a committee and started conducted prayers, kirtans, bhajans and special invocations for the lord. Consequently the Aiyyappa Puja Samiti was formed in 1973 and later in 1980 a full-fledged temple was constructed in the area.

The Sri Aiyyappa Swamy Temple is built in the same lines as the Aiyyappa Swami temple in Kerala. However the idol in the Delhi temple has its own features. The idol combines the features of Sri Dhanwantri Murti, the spiritual Mother and the Ardhnareeshwar avatar of Shiva. In this Delhi temple, the Srikovil is constructed in the style of an elephant’s back signifying the form of Lord Ganesha. The temple does not have any shrines for updevatas as the principal idol combines the features of all the divinities. The main idol of the deity is constructed sitting on his right leg representing Sri Dhanwantri Murti, the left leg is folded signifying Sastha, the physician avatar represents Lord Vishnu and the clump of hair on the hear represents Lord Shiva.

The bhoomi puja for the temple was performed by Sri Sankaracharya of Joshimath. The temple complex is huge with guest houses for saints and temple workers, office complex, the nata shala, gopurakavadam, etc.

Attractions

The temple conducts daily pujas on a large scale including abhishek and aartis in morning and evening. They celebrate all the Hindu festivals on a large scale and during the festivals the temple is decorated beautifully. During special pujas and festivals the temple serves breakfast. The temple also conducts marriage ceremonies.

An important aspect of the temple is that it conducts four pujas during the Ulvasam. These pujas are conducted for Nagas, Rakshas, Shiva and Bhagvati. During the Ulvasam, special puja is conducted on Fridays known as the Ladies Ulvasam. This occasion is sponsored by the female devotees. On Saturdays, the Ulvasam is sponsored by the devotees of Sri Aiyyappa Swami working in the Delhi Police.

The Sri Aiyyappa Swamy Temple can be visited by people of any caste, religion or community. The temple allows female visitors. The only norm to be followed when visiting the temple is to be clean and pure in order to maintain sacredness of the temple. A visit to the temple is an unforgettable experience where worshippers can see various customs and traditions followed by the priests to invoke the Lord.

Visitor Information

Location: Sri Aiyyappa Swamy Temple, Ayyappa Mandir Marg, Sector - 2, R.K Puram, New Delhi - 110022

Contact: T: 011-2617962 / 26191129 | Website: http://ayyappatempledelhi.org

Nearest Metro Station: The Green Park Metro Station (4.7 KM approx. 15 minutes by bus/ auto/ taxi)

Days Closed: Open on all days

Complex Entry: - Free

Timings

• Morning timings: 5:30 AM to 11:00 AM
• Evening Timings: 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Admission

Complex Entry:                      Free
Mandir:                                   Free
Abhishek Puja:                       Charge varies according to Puja

Facilities

Parking	Available near temple premises
Cloakroom	At owners’ risk (Minimal fee)
Photography	Photography allowed
Food	Temple offers morning Prasad
Books & Gift Centre	Books available from stalls around the temple

 

Dress Code

• Casual/formal - Must cover shoulders and knees
• Cleanliness – Visitors should cleanse themselves before visiting the temple to maintain its sanctity.

Security & Safety

Not Allowed

• Mobile phones should be switched off
• Any baggage
• Food / Drinks
• Inebriated Products
• Shoes should be removed before entering temple

Allowed

• Belts
• Ladies clutch purses
• Wallets

Strictly Prohibited

• Use of Inebriated Products
• Rude Behaviour
• Animals

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Sri Aiyyappa Swamy Temple is during early morning when the temple opens for the Nirmalaya Darshan of the Lord. Special aartis are also conducted in the evenings. Visitors from outside Delhi should plan their visit around the autumn and winter months from October to March when the weather is cold and nice.