About Gauri Shankar Temple:
One of Delhi’s oldest temples, Gauri Shankar Temple offers a tranquil setting for anyone seeking to surround oneself with positive energy from the inside out. It is an 800-year-old temple with Lord Shiva as its main focus. Even from a distance, one can perceive the size and might of the enormous statue of Lord Shiva that serves as the temple’s presiding deity. The premises also contain other idols, including those of Goddess Parvati, Lord Kartik, Lord Ganesha, and other Hindu deities.
Centrally located in Old Delhi, Due to its importance, Gauri Shankar Temple attracts hundreds of people each year. Visitors to this site should also make a point of visiting the neighboring holy and divine locations, such as the Gurudwara Sis Ganj and the Digambar Jain Lal Temple since all three provide an experience that cannot be adequately described.
The Gauri Shankar Temple in Delhi has an interesting history. The temple was allegedly constructed by Maratha soldier Apa Ganga Dhar, a devoted follower of Lord Shiva. After suffering serious wounds during a battle, Apa Ganga Dhar begged Lord Shiva to spare his life. He vowed to construct a stunning temple in Lord Shiva’s honor if he lived. Against all chances, he miraculously survived, and as promised, he constructed Delhi’s, Gauri Shankar Temple.
Information:
Location:
The Gauri Shankar Temple is situated in Delhi, India, at 1, Chandni Chowk Road, Old Delhi, New Delhi. It is located in the Chandni Chowk neighborhood on the main Old Delhi route.
Entry and Timings:
Entry: Free and open for all
Timings: 5:00 am to 10:00 am and 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Aarti: Morning: 6:30 am, Evening: 7:30 pm
Time to See: Anytime between the opening hours mentioned above.
How to Reach Gauri Shankar Temple:
Gauri Shankar Metro Station
- Leave the station and make a right.
- Take a taxi or auto-rickshaw and reach Swami Narayan Marg.
- Now walk for 2 – 3 min you will reach the temple.
From Airport ( 1- 1.5hr)
- Exit the airport and reach Delhi Metro Station.
- Get off at New Delhi Metro Station and Reach the Yellow Line.
- Change the Yellow Line towards the HUDA city center and board the metro.
- Remain on the Yellow Line and get off at Chandni Chowk Metro Station.
- Exit the metro station, you can either walk or take an auto-rickshaw to reach Gauri Shankar Temple.
Old Delhi Railway Station
- Exit the Railway Station and reach Chandani Chowk Metro Station.
- Board the Yellow Line towards the HUDA city center.
- Get off the station and reach Chawri Bazar Metro Station.
- Now either you can walk or take a taxi to reach Gauri Shankar temple.
Explore:
Main Shrine: The main shrine of Gauri Shankar Temple is the primary attraction where the deities of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are present. Lingam is the symbolic representation of the idol of Lord Shiva’s energy. The main shrine of Gauri Shankar Temple is adorned with beautiful decorations and carvings.
Mandapam: The mandapam is in front of the main shrine. This area is used for various purposes such as spiritual ceremonies, gatherings, rituals, and marriages. Followers can sit and pray for themselves and the whole world in beautiful, peaceful, and spiritual surroundings.
Gopuram: The entrance of the Gauri Shankar Temple is made by a towering and beautiful gateway. Gopuram is also known as Gateway. This beautifully carved structure is a hallmark of the South Indian Temple architecture and brings peace to the atmosphere of the Temple.
Nandi Bull: You can know by the name Gauri Shankar Temple means the temple of Shiv. Like most of the temples of Shiv, Gauri Shankar Temple also has a statue of a bull at the entrance and that bull is known as Nandi Bull. Nandi is a vehicle and follower of Lord Shiva. Nandi is like a gatekeeper and a symbol of loyalty and devotion.
Prayer Halls and Facilities: The surrounding temple includes prayer halls and facilities where followers can sit and pray. There are also so many facilities like for marriage etc.
History
According to the history of the temple, it was built by Apa Ganga Dhar, a Maratha soldier who was a follower of Lord Shiva. He was once badly injured in a battle and chances of his survival were very low. So, he prayed to Lord Shiva requesting for his life and promised to build a beautiful temple if he survived He survived all the bad and built the temple.
His name is written in Hindi at the lower part of a pointed roof-like construction near the main entrance of the temple. In 1959, Seth Jaipura renovated the temple and his name is written over the windows of the temple. Inside the temple, idols of lord Shiva and his wife Parvati (Gauri-Shankar) and their two sons, Ganesh and Kartik are present.
Architecture
Structure: The temple is a three-story wooden structure built on a raised platform. It has a pagoda-style design with multiple tiers, narrowing towards the top.
Materials: The temple is primarily constructed using wood, which is intricately carved and decorated. The woodwork showcases the fine craftsmanship of the Newar artisans.
Roof: The temple has a multi-tiered roof made of copper and gold. Each tier of the roof is embellished with ornate carvings and motifs. The topmost tier is adorned with a pinnacle (kalasha) made of gold.
Carvings: The entire exterior and interior of the temple are covered with exquisite wood carvings depicting various deities, mythical creatures, and intricate patterns. The carvings showcase the mastery of Newar artisans in woodwork.
Entrance: The temple features a beautifully carved entrance known as the Torana. The Torana typically consists of intricate wooden arches and doorways adorned with mythical creatures and divine figures.
Garbhagriha: The main sanctum of the temple houses the sacred lingam (symbol of Lord Shiva) and is called the garbhagriha. It is a small, dimly lit chamber where devotees offer prayers and perform rituals.
Nearby Hotels
- The Lalit New Delhi: This luxury hotel is located in Connaught Place, which is not too far from Gauri Shankar Temple. It offers comfortable rooms, excellent amenities, and multiple dining options.
- The Imperial: Situated in Janpath, this heritage hotel is known for its colonial-era charm and luxurious accommodations. It’s a short distance away from Gauri Shankar Temple and provides a memorable experience.
- Hotel Broadway: This boutique hotel is located on Asaf Ali Road, near Chandni Chowk. It offers comfortable rooms and easy access to popular attractions, including Gauri Shankar Temple.
- Hotel Tara Palace: Situated in Chandni Chowk, this budget-friendly hotel is within walking distance of Gauri Shankar Temple. It provides basic amenities and a convenient location for exploring Old Delhi.
- Haveli Dharampura: This heritage hotel is located in Chandni Chowk and offers a blend of traditional architecture and modern comforts. It’s a short distance away from Gauri Shankar Temple and provides a unique cultural experience.
Also, read: About Akshardham Temple in Delhi.
FAQ’s
Q1. How old is Gauri Shankar Mandir Temple Delhi?
A: Gauri Shankar Temple is 800 years old. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his wife Parwati that’s why the name of this temple is Gauri Shankar.
Q2. What is the architecture of Gauri Shankar Temple?
A: The architecture of the temple has a dome-shaped top with a square-shaped base.
Q3. Which metro station is closest to the Gauri Shankar temple?
A: The closest metro station to Gauri Shankar Temple is Chandni Chowk Metro Station.
