Shri Kilkari Bhairav Temple, New Delhi, India
Among other buildings outside the Purana Qila are two Hindu temples, which are dedicated to Bhairav baba, an fierce incarnation of Lord Shiva, also known as the destroyer among the Hindu trinity of Gods. There is a story around that the temple or at least its core dates back to the time of Mahabharata.
Conclusion can be derived that the basis of the temple might be of that era, even though the building itself is not much old. The most amazing factor of this temple is that the reigning deity of this temple is not offered milk as is usual in Shiva temples, instead its given alcohol. There is, however, a regular temple here too called the "Dhudhiya Bhairon", where one can offer milk.
People who have interest in Occult or Tantrik siddhis, visit here regularly. Lord Bhairav is known as granter of siddhis.
Legends
The legendary temples of the northeastern end of Old Fort said to have been built during the Mahabharata period by Pandavas. Its said that Bheem (one of the pandava brothers) worshipped here and got siddhis. The complete name of temple also suggests that ,its called "Pandav kaleen Sri Kilkari Bhairav Temple" .There are two temples dedicated to Bhairav ji, offering made to the residing deity is alcohol in Kilkari bhairav temple and milk in Doodhiya bhairav temple. The unique concrete cow built here, which is under serve as water taps is interesting.
Places of Interest
Birla Mandir - Birla Mandir is commonly known as Lakshmi Narayan Temple. It is a famous Hindu temple, constructed in the year 1938 by Raja Baldev Das Birla. You can visit the popular pilgrimage destination of Birla Mandir, the shrine that is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu and is located in the heart of Delhi. Durga and Shiva are the other major deities in the Birla Mandir temple
Lotus Temple - It is a lotus shaped structure made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand. The temple is located in Kalkaji in the south of Delhi. You can visit the Lotus Temple on your tour to New Delhi. The temple is open to all faiths and is an ideal place for meditation and obtaining peace and tranquility.
Iskcon Temple - Built on a hilly place in 1998, the ISKCON Temple is a complex of temples. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this elegant temple is one of the largest temple complexes in India. It has a large number of Hare-Rama Hare-Krishna followers.
Chattarpur Temple - It is located beyond the Qutub Minar in Mehrauli. This temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, is built in the South Indian style.
Bala Hanuman Temple - This samll but elegant temple located at Baba Kharak Singh Marg near Connaught Place was built in 1724. It is very popular among the devotees of Lord Hanuman. The 24-hour chanting of the mantra 'Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram', since August 1, 1964, has earned a place in the Guinness Book of Records.
Gauri Shankar temple - Tucked behind fragrant mounds of marigolds, roses and jasmine blossoms sold on Chandni Chowk just west of the Jain temple, the large marble Gauri Shankar temple, dominated by its eight-hundred-year-old lingam, is Delhi's holiest Shiva temple.
Aurobindo Ashram - This ashram at Aurobindo Marg, is a centre for yoga and meditation. The main ashram is at Pondicherry. Products like handmade paper, incense sticks, etc. are available here.
Digambara Jain temple and Jain Bird Hospital - Delhi's oldest Digambara Jain temple, directly opposite the entrance to the Red Fort, at the east end of Chandni Chowk, was built in 1526, but has been modified and added to ever since, and remains a haven of tranquility amid the noise and chaos of the main street.
Points to Remember
-
If you like to offer alchol to diety, purchase it from market first and then go to temple , as you won't find it in temple.
-
Rules of puja in the Bhairav temple are not common like in other Hindu temples, Better ask the local shopkeeper first who sells prasad outside temple or priest present in temple.
-
Sunday is the most crowdy day and thousands of people visit this temple on sundays. So, if you hate rushy and crowdy places , avoid visiting on Sunday.
-
Don't give alchol to beggars sitting outside temple, as its against the rules and local police may harass you, if they will find you doing so.
-
Beware of pickpockets outside temple.
-
Dogs are considered as the vehicle of Lord Bhairava, so you will find many dogs in temple complex. Please don't try to harm any dog as this may land you in trouble.
-
Any donations or cash, must be handed over to temple management office or should be dropped in hundi boxes.
Getting there and Around
By Air - Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport is connected to all the important cities of the world with almost all the major international airlines operating out of here.
By Rail - The Indian Railway with their modern and organized network connects Delhi to all major and minor destinations in India.
By Road - Delhi is well connected to all the major cities of India by a network of highways and roads.
Best way to travel in Delhi - For travel in Delhi there are local buses, the Metro train, Cabs, auto-rickshaws and cycle- rickshaws. Delhi Metro railway line is a convenient and efficient mode of transport connecting all major places within the city.
Accommodation
With travelers of all categories visiting New Delhi every year, the demand for good accommodation facilities is always high. So right from luxury travelers to budget tourists, New Delhi offers quality accommodation to all. Besides, with more and more deluxe and budget hotels coming up every year, finding good accommodation in New Delhi is not a very difficult task.
