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Bahai
Temple
The temple represents the Bahai faith which is broad
in its outlook, scientific in the influence it exerts
on the hearts and minds of men. It signifies the purity
and the universality of the lord and equality of all
religions. Visited by over four million people, annually,
this gleaming lotus- like marble structure is located
on Bahapur Hills (South Delhi) and it is the seventh
and most recent Bahai houses of worship in the world.
The temple is a must visit for every tourist who comes
to Delhi.
This structure, completed in 1986,
is a marvel of modern architecture. Set amidst pools
and gardens, the view of the temple is very spectacular
just before dusk when the temple is flood lit.
Anyone is free to visit the temple and pray or meditate
silently according to their own religion. The temple is
around 45 minutes from Domestic Airport.
Jama Masjid
Built by Shah Jahan in 1658, it is one of the largest
mosques in India with a seating capacity of more than
20,000.
The mosque is situated near the Red
Fort in old Delhi. This is the area that still retains
the traditional charm of markets in Mughal times.
The bulbous domes and tapering minarets built with marble
stand strong and beautiful even to this day. This mosque
has three gateways, four angle towers and two 40 m. high
minarets. You can even go to the top of minarets and have
a bird's eye view of Delhi.
Birla Mandir
Also known as the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, it is ideally
located in central Delhi (Mandir Marg). This temple dedicated
to 'Lakshmi' (goddess of wealth) and 'Lord Narayana' (the
preserver) was built in 1938 by the prominent Indian industrialist
Raja Baldev Das Birla and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi.
The temple, built in Orissan style,
has a large number of idols representing various hindu
deities. It welcomes people of all faiths.
The temple is also known for its excellent
sculptured panels, wall paintings and frescoes done
by master artists from Jaipur, Rajasthan.Adjacent to
the temple is 'Geeta Bhavan' where a magnificent statue
of Lord Krishna and beautiful paintings depicting the
epic of Mahabharata are seen. A temple dedicated to
Lord Buddha and wall paintings depicting his life and
teachings is also located around the central structure
of Birla Mandir. A guest house, a library and a reading
room also form a part of the temple.
Nizam-ud-din Shrine
This is the tomb of the famous Sufi saint, Nizam-ud-din
Auliya and after his burial it became the coveted cemetry
of Muslim nobility. The tomb of Jahanara, daughter of
Emperor Shah Jehan and well known poets, Mirza Ghalib
and Amir Khusru are located here.
This shrine is now an important Muslim
pilgrim centre. After sunset, every Thursday, qawawals
sing the melodious lyrics of Amir Khusro. It is also
the venue for Urs festival.
Location: West of Mathura Road
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 Mandir
It is located beyond the Qutb Minar in Mehrauli. This
temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, is built in the South
Indian style.
The temple complex is spread over
a large area with beautiful lawns and gardens. Though
devotees visit this temples throughout the year, the
main festival is celebrated during Navarathri. Special
bus service is provided to the devotees during the festival.
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.
St. James Church
Located very close to Kashmere Gate in north Delhi,
St. James Church is the oldest church in the capital.
It was built by James Skinner and consecrated in 1836.
It is built in the Western classical
design with a Greek cross plan. Three of the arms of
the cross have porticoes, while the eastern arm contains
the altar. The central areas is covered by a magnificent
dome. This church is open only on Sundays.
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
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