Jhandewalan Mandir Near Karol Bagh Is A Sprawling, Glorious Place Of Worship In Delhi

Some versions claim that he was an ascetic, while others vouch for his merchant background, but all agree that it was a vision or dream of Badri Bhagat which led to the rediscovery of the ancient temple which stands today as Jhandewalan Mandir. Scroll on!

The History Behind The Temple

Several centuries ago, Badri Bhagat, an ardent devotee of the Mother Goddess while meditating atop a hill, in a secluded place, had a sudden vision. The Goddess Adi Shakti symbolising primal eternal energy and source of all creation directed her devotee to unearth her ancient idol buried under the hillock.

He could not ignore this call of the Devi and organised an excavation where she indicated the presence of the lost idol. The digging revealed remnants of an ancient Goddess temple, but the excavation work damaged the idol they were looking for.

Though he was saddened by this event, he set upon with determination and renewed vigour the construction of a grand new temple at that very site. The entire area where the temple is situated is now known as Jhandewalan and lies close to Karol Bagh. A giant 108-foot statue of Hanuman is also visible when passing through the Jhandewalan Metro Station. This station is on the Blue Line of the metro rail network and is the best, most hassle-free means of transportation to reach the Jhandewalan temple.

About The Structure

Picture Credits: Sachit Varma

There are several entrances to this large temple with lanes leading to the entrances, lined with shops selling puja (prayer) items like chunri (scarf), garlands and other offerings. Inside the temple, the air reverberates with the constant chanting of mantras dedicated to the Goddess invoking her mercy, grace and blessings which she showers on all who come before her with a pure heart.

You can have the first darshan (visit) at 5:30 AM in the morning which starts with an aarti (prayer) and later in the day, four more aartis are held, the last at 10 PM in the evening. The original idol, though partly broken and not deemed fit to be worshipped, is still open for public viewing at ground level, but worship is offered to the deity installed at a higher level on a subterranean cave-like formation. The sanctum sanctorum is similar to that of the famous Vaishno Devi cave.

The benevolent Mother or Devi has a very peaceful expression, riding a fearsome lion and holding weapons in her multiple hands. Idols of other gods are also located on this raised level, except for a beautiful Shiv Mandir, which gives company to the original Mother idol near the lower cave formation.

The temple remains open from morning to 12 Noon and reopens from 4 to 10 PM. On the nine days of navratras which are considered to be the most auspicious time for devotion and spiritual upliftment, the temple gets all decked up with flowers and flashing light bulbs running all over the temple exteriors. Special pujas and night-long jagrans (devotional hymns) are sung and prasad (prayer food) is distributed to all.

The term Jhandewalan translates to flags as this temple was offered flags by various devotees upon the fulfilment of their wishes and hence the temple acquired this name. A must-visit for a spiritual experience. 

Where | Jhandewalan Mandir - Jhandewalan Devi Mandir Marg, Block E, Jhandewalan, Near Karol Bagh