Dedicated to Goddess Kalka Devi or Kali, the Kalkaji Temple is a Hindu temple located in South Delhi. This temple is acknowledged as Jayanti Peetha or Manokamna Siddha Peetha where the term ‘manokamna’ means desire, ‘Siddha’ means accomplishment, and ‘peetha’ refers to a place of worship. Therefore, people have faith in getting blessed by Devi Kali for the fulfillment of their desires and hence worship her with immense devotion and purity.

The temple is considered one of the busiest Hindu temples in Delhi and among the oldest Maa Kali temples in India. The temple can be visited throughout the year but it experiences major gatherings during the time of the Navratri festival which takes place twice a year, in spring and autumn. Large fairs are organized during this festival. 

Kalka Devi, commonly known as Kali, is a Hindu goddess and is symbolized as the goddess of time and death. Kali can be seen in many forms. The most common form shows her with four arms and hands, showing aspects of both creation and demolition. The two right hands are often held out in blessing. Her left hands hold a severed head and blood-covered sword. Kali is characterised by her dark and frightening appearance which represents the darkness from which everything was born. 

Kalkaji Temple - New Delhi
Kalkaji Temple – New Delhi

The Kalka Devi temple in New Delhi is considered as one of the famous Hindu temples in the city and people from far and wide visit this temple and take the blessings of the goddess to fulfil their desires and achieve salvation.

Highlights ofKalkaji Temple

LOCATION Kalkaji, New Delhi
TIMINGS 4:00 am – 11:30 pm (open on all days)
RELIGION Hindu
DEITY Kali, also known as Kalka Devi
Altitude 4900 mts
Trekking Length KM 165 K.M
Kalka Ji Temple Darshan Inside
Inside Kalkaji temple
Kalkaji Temple - New Delhi
Kalkaji Temple
Kalkaji Temple Murti
Idol inside Kalkaji Temple
Kalkaji Temple Mundan Area
Kalkaji Temple Grounds
Kalkaji Pilgrimage Murti
Idol inside Kalkaji Temple
Kalkaji Pilgrimage Inside
Kalkaji Temple at Night
Kalkaji Temple Gallery

History ofKalkaji Temple

Considering the theories so far, it has been found that the construction of the temple took place back in 1764 AD by the Marathas. About a century later the temple was renovated by Mirza Raja Kidar Nath, the Peshkar of Mughal King Akbar Shah II. Old articulation says that the temple is built on the land of Shamlat Thok Brahmins and Thok Jogians who also serves as the pujari’s of the temple and carry out the worship rituals inside this temple.

Legends say that Kalka Devi was born at the place where the temple is situated at present. They also believe that during the Mahaharata, Pandavas and Kauravas came to this temple to worship the goddess. 

Best Time to VisitKalkaji Temple

The temple can be visited throughout the year. However, the festive seasons of Navratri, which are held twice a year are considered the best time to visit Shri Kalkaji Temple. During this time, fairs are organized, and devotees gather in bulk to worship and chant in the morning and evening aartis.   Similarly, every Saturday, the temple gets crowded with pilgrims.

How to ReachKalkaji Temple?

Shri Kalkaji Temple is located near Nehru Place, and hence, can be reached through the metro, and the nearest metro station is located at a distance of fewer than 200m from the temple. It can also be reached via other public transport like buses, rickshaws, autos, etc. You can also drive your private vehicle to the temple and experience blissful aartis and hymns.

Kalkaji Temple Schedule

Morning Schedule forKalkaji Temple

  • Ganesh Vandana: 5:00 AM
  • Holy Bath of Deity: 5:30 AM to 6:30 AM (the temple remains closed during this time)
  • Morning Aarti: 6:30 AM to 7:00 AM

Evening Schedule forKalkaji Temple

  • Ganesh Vandana: 7:00 PM
  • Holy Bath of Deity: 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
  • Evening Aarti: 8:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Note – The Temple remains Closed from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm for offering prasad to the deity and between 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm for cleaning. 

Kalkaji Temple Nearby Tourist Attractions

Shri Kalkaji Temple is located near Nehru Place, South Delhi and has a number of tourist attractions in its near proximity. These attractions are:

  • Lotus Temple
  • ISKCON Temple
  • Nehru Place Market
  • Zakir Hussain Museum
  • Prachin Bhairon Mandir
  • Kalkaji District Park

Haridwar Pilgrimage

Itinerary for Kalkaji Temple

Day-1: Reach Delhi

Reach Delhi and check in to your hotel. Visit the local market of Nehru Place.

Day-2: Visit Kalkaji Temple 

Visit Kalkaji Temple for the morning aarti which helds between 6.30 to 7.00 A.M. Have a hearty breakfast after that and explore the nearby places such as Lotus Temple, ISKCON Temple, etc. 

With this, your trip comes to an end. You can either stay for long and take a tour of the rest of Delhi or you can make your way back home.

Note: People coming from nearby cities can take a one-day trip to Delhi and visit Kalkaji Temple and explore nearby places.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) for Kalkaji Temple

How old is Kalkaji Temple?

As per the beliefs, the temple is more than 3000-year old.

Is photography allowed in the temple?

Yes. Photography is allowed but not in the prayer hall.

Is there a parking facility nearby Kalkaji Temple?

Yes. There are parking facilities available at a distance of 5 min, 8 min, and 10 min walk away from the temple.

Why is Kalkaji Temple famous?

Built-in 1764 AD in Nehru Place, Kalkaji Temple is famous for worshipping Shakti Devi/Maa Kalka or Kali, an incarnation of Maa Durga.