Kalkaji temple is arguably the most visited temple in
the Delhi city. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kalka or Kali who is
reincarnation of Goddess Durga. The Temple is situated near the Okhla
industrial estate just in front of the famous Lotus temple. Devotees
throng the temple throughout the year but the culmination point of the
celebration comes during the festival of Navratri. This is a nine-day
festival, during which a large fair is organized here. These fairs are
the Indian version of carnivals that is full with the vibrant commotion
of hawkers and children. Small groups singing various hymns and songs
praising Goddess Durga, accompany them.
Very less has left of the original temple, built in mid 18th century.
However, a very small portion of the original structure built in the
year 1734 can be seen on the topmost point of the hill. According to the
historical accounts, Marathas are said to have plundered the then temple
after they lost to the Mughals in the battle of Talkatora in the year
1738. Later in the mid 19th century, Raja Kedarnath, the treasurer of
Emperor Akbar II made certain changes and additions to the temple.
The modern temple is a 12-sided structure completely made out of marble
and black pumice stones. This structure houses the black stone that
denotes goddess kali. The temple building is very simple and has no
ornamentation as such. There is an inn in the backyards of the main
structure known as Kali Dharamshala.
The major ritual consists of offering and bathing the idol with milk
followed by an Aarti in the evening. This, in turn, is followed by hymn
recitation. Offerings can be purchased just before the entrance of the
temple. Visitors should be alert in the area as the place is very
crowded and there can be few anti-social elements (pickpockets) after
your wallet or precious possessions.


