Yogmaya Temple
The Yogmaya Temple also known as the Jogmaya Temple is a temple dedicated to the Yogmaya Mata. The temple is located in Mehrauli in Old Delhi near the Qutub Complex. It is believed that the Yogmaya Temple is one of the five remaining temples from the period of Mahabharata. Yogmaya is thought to be a depiction of the magical strength of God. The temple sees large volumes of devotees especially during the celebration of the navratri festival.
The temple which is seen today was constructed in the 19th century. It is built on the site of a historic Devi shrine. The Jain scriptures from the 12th century record that Mehrauli during those days was known as Yoginipura. It was named after the Yogmaya Temple. The original temple is thought to be constructed by the Pandavas after the end of long battle of Mahabharata. The temple was renovated in the beginning of the 19th century during the Mughal rule with help from Lala Sethmal.
The temple becomes a centre of attraction during the celebration of the festival Phool Walon Ki Sair. During this festival people from various communities offer flowers and flower chaddars at the temple. The festival is held annually after the monsoon season and spans over a period of one week. Several performance, processions and festivities surround this festival.
Architecture
The temple is placed within the walls of Lal Kot. Lal Kot was the first fortress to be built in Delhi and was built on the orders of the Gurjar Chief in the 8th century. The temple was expanded in 11th century by the descendants of the Gurjar Chief and again in 19th century. Despite its historic existence, the structure built of the temple is quite contemporary. The temple features an entrance hall and then the holy altar where the idol of Yogmaya sits. The altar is 17 ft. wide and has a flat roof above which the tower or shikhar is built. The dome is another important feature of the temple.
Attractions
Entrance Hall
The entrance hall of the temple is where the devotees stand or wait their turn to see the idol of the goddess. Regular aartis and paths are held in the hall where devotees and visitors sit and pray.
Shrine
The shrine houses the idol of the goddess. It is crafted from black stone and is placed inside a marble channel around 2 ft. wide and 1 ft. deep. The shrine is covered with shimmering cloth and two fans made of the same cloth are poised over the idol. Above the roof of the shrine, rises the tower which is 42 ft. high. The tip of the tower is copper plated. In front of the idol is an 18 inches long marble table on which flowers, fruits and sweets offered by devotees are placed here.
Previously there was a square cage made of iron inside the temple. The cage was 10 ft. high and housed two tigers carved of stone. The cage is now shifted and is sited in an open wall section.
Water Tank
Next to the temple is a water body which is known as the johad. The water body is also called as the Anangtal named after Maharaja Anang Pal.
Visitor Information
Location: Khasra No. 1806, Mehrauli, New Delhi - 110030, India, Mehrauli, New Delhi, DL
Contact: www.yogmayamandir.com
Nearest Metro Station: Qutub Minar Metro Station (By Walk – 1.4 KM)
Days Closed: Open all 7 Days
Complex Entry: - Free | No Ticket
Timings
- First Entry: 6:00 AM
- Last Entry: 8:00 PM
Admission
Complex Entry - Free | No Ticket
Mandir Entry - Free | No Ticket
Puja - Free | No Ticket
Facilities
Parking | Rates per type of vehicle |
Cloakroom | At Owners Risk |
Food Court | Several eateries outside temple premises |
Books & Gift Centre | Outside temple premises |
Photography | Allowed |
Dress Code
- Respectable - Must cover shoulders and knees
Not Allowed
- Tobacco & Alcohol Products
Allowed
- Belts
- Wallets
- Ladies Purses (Handheld)
Strictly Prohibited
- Smoking, Alcohol & Drugs
- Impolite Behaviour & Language
- Pets
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Yogmaya temple in Delhi is after the monsoon season between October and March. This is when one can witness the festival Phool Walon Ki Sair. The festival is celebrated in October/November and lasts for over a week. The weather at this time is pleasant and visitors get a chance to enjoy the fun and frolic associated with the festival and get good Darshan of the Yogmaya Mata. Devotees can also visit the temple during the navratri celebrations when the temple is decorated beautifully and special paths are held every day.
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