This 200+ Year Old Temple In The Bustling Lanes Of Chandni Chowk Has 84 Bells & An Intriguing Story

We all love the duality of Delhi, that is, how history and modernity coexist together. Old, traditional, bustling markets to giant malls, Delhi is a melting pot for all cultures and traditions. Did you know about this temple that’s been nestled in the lanes of Chandni Chowk for over 200 years and has an interesting slice of history attached to it? Find out more, here!

A Little Bit Of History For Y’all | The 84 Bells or Chaurasi Ghanta Mandir in the Sitaram Bazaar of Chandni Chowk has 84 bells, very true to its name. But, the story behind those bells is that they are touted to represent the 84 lakh cycles of birth that one is said to go through to attain rebirth as a human being, in Hinduism. The bells are all tied with a single chain, leading to one loose end. When the loose end is pulled, all the 84 bells chime together.

There are a lot of different versions surrounding the origin of the temple. The local and most popular legend has it that the Shiva Linga, the icon of Lord Shiva, appeared on its own on the site, which was once a graveyard, and so a temple was built around it. Some also say that even the idol of Hanuman magically appeared on the site one day.

The temple’s walls are made of white stones and are decorated with religious scriptures and paintings, with idols of Hindu Gods Hanuman, Ganesha, Shiv, and even Sai Baba. Patrons believe that if they have a ‘mannat’ or a ‘wish’, praying at the holy temple would result in its fulfillment; once fulfilled, the believer will return to ring the bell or donate a new one.

So, we just can’t wait to ring a bell of gratitude!

Where | Chaurasi Ghanta Mandir - 3101, Sitaram Bazaar, Lalkuan Bazar Rd, Hauz Qazi, Chandni Chowk