About Yogmaya Temple
The Yogmaya temple in Delhi is dedicated to Goddess Yogmaya, sister of Lord Krishna. It is also known as the Jogmaya temple and is one of the most ancient Hindu temples in Delhi.
This temple is thought to be one of the five surviving temples from the Mahabharata period in Delhi as Mehrauli, where the temple is located, was the first capital of the post-Rajput era where all the rulers ruled.
The Yogmaya temple is one of the five temples dedicated to Yogmaya, the other four being in Barmer, Jodhpur, Vrindavan, and Multan. The Goddess Yogmaya is worshipped as the mother of all beings and is considered to be one of the personal powers of the divine. This temple having been built in the early 19th century is regarded as an aspect of Maya, the illusionary power of God.
Information: Yogmaya Temple in Delhi
Location
The address for Yogmaya Temple is Yogmaya, 10/33B, Kali Mata Mandir Rd, Seth Sarai, Mehrauli, New Delhi.
Entry and Timings
- Opening Time: 4:30 AM – 8:30 PM
- Entry: Free for all
- Aarti Timings: 5:30 AM and 8:00 PM
How to Reach Yogmaya Temple in Delhi
Qutub Minar Metro Station (Yellow Line)
1. Leave the station and hail an auto/rickshaw.
First metro timing: 5:25 am
Last metro timing: 11:25 pm
By Air: Indira Gandhi International Airport (24 km)
1. Reach the New Delhi Metro Station
2. Interchange to the Yellow Line at the station.
3. Use the Yellow Line to travel to the HUDA City Centre.
4. Arrive at Qutab Minar Metro Station and exit.
Delhi Railway Station (10 km)
1. Walk 100 meters towards New Delhi Metro station (yellow line).
2. Use the Yellow Line to travel to the HUDA City Centre.
3. Arrive at Qutab Minar Metro Station and exit.
By Road:
1)DTC (Delhi Transportation Buses)
2) Autos
(NOTE: Traffic conditions in Delhi can vary, so it’s recommended to plan your journey accordingly, considering factors such as peak hours and potential delays.)
Explore
1. Joining Aarti: Every morning and evening, an Aarti is performed after milk is offered to and used to bathe the idol (Mata Snanam).
2. Enjoy the beauty of the temple: The Yogmaya Temple is a beautiful example of ancient Hindu temple architecture and a wonder for the eyes.
3. Participate in Hymn Recitation: Sing along with the other devotees and relish in the holy atmosphere that will purify all worldly matters away.
History of Yogmaya Temple
The history of Goddess Yogmaya dates back to the night of Krishna’s birth as the eighth son of Vasudeva and Devaki, who was then replaced by a baby girl, who was born at the same time to Nand and Yashoda in the village of Gokul across the Yamuna.
On hearing of the birth of the child Krishna, Kansa arrived at the prison to kill the infant. The girl child slipped out of the hands of Kansa, as he was about to bang her head against the prison wall, and went up in the sky. This was followed by an Akashvani (celestial broadcast), which said, ‘O foolish Kansa! Your slayer has been born and is safe in Gokul.’
According to Shvetashvatar Upnishad, the baby girl was goddess Yogmaya. Since the gods derive their power from their female counterparts, Krishna is incomplete without Yogmaya.
Historical sources proclaim that Yogmaya Temple had been built by the Pandavas, at the end of Mahabharata, the world’s longest epic. It also alleged that Krishna and Arjun came to pray at the Yogmaya Temple during the Mahabharata war after Abhimanyu was killed by Jayadrath where Arjun vowed to kill Jayadrath by the next evening. Both of them had asked for the Goddess Yogmaya’s blessing and with her powers she created an illusionary eclipse that gave Arjuna the opportunity to kill Jayadrath.
The Yogmaya temple was first renovated during the rule of Mughal Emperor Akbar II (1806–37) by Lala Sethmal. And was said to be destroyed by Ghazni, ruler of the Ghaznavid Empire. The temple was then renovated and reconstructed by Hemu, the Rajput king, and currently stands untouched till date.
It is held that there had been one common ancestor hundreds of years ago who started the practice of taking care of the temple by offering prayers to the Goddess Yogmaya, making and distributing the prasad, cleaning the temple, and performing the shingar twice a day. Currently, around 200 people take care of the Yogmaya temple voluntarily and amicably.
Architecture
- The temple has an entry hall and a sanctum sanctorum. It is a straightforward but contemporary building.
- The sanctum is 17 ft (5.2 m) square with a flat roof over which a truncated shikara (tower) is built.
- Twenty-two towers were built within the grounds of the temple at the orders of the Sood Mal, the builder.
- The floor of the temple was originally made of red stone but since then has been replaced by marble.
- The Deity of the Yogmaya temple is called the “Pure Goddess” and is made of black stone and was placed in a well, made of marble.
- A table is placed in front of the idol on the sanctum floor where the devotees offer flowers and their donations.
- Two small fans (pankhas) are seen suspended over the idol from the roof.
- In the past, there was an iron cage where two stone tigers were displayed. Now the cage is placed in an open wall panel.
Nearby Hotels
Here is a list of different hotels near Yogmaya Temple:
1. Hotel Palm Greens
The hotel is just 3.22km away from Yogmaya Temple which is extremely popular with tourists equipped with 24-hour room service and an exclusive hair salon as well.
2)Orania B&B
a)The hotel is a mere 3.83km away from Yogmaya Temple with its own personal airport shuttle
b)The hotel consists of a café, an ATM service, and an outdoor barbecue for maximized enjoyment.
3)Thikana
a)The hotel is 4.73km away from Yogmaya Temple and is at a premium location as it is right next to Lodhi Garden and Lotus Temple.
b)With outstanding reviews and helpful staff, this hotel is highly recommended by many tourists.
4)Roseate House
a) The hotel is 6.72km away from the Yogmaya temple and is just minutes away from DLF Cyber City, Ambience Mall making it a premium location.
b) Spoiled for choice with plenty of options for rooms and suites, the hotel is ideal for a luxurious stay.
5)Zone Connect Saket Delhi
a) The hotel is 3.73km away from the Yogmaya Temple and is within walking distance away from Select Citywalk Mall and other happening places.
b)With the choice of Connect, Premium, and Luxe rooms, Zone Konnect Saket offers special amenities at budget-friendly prices.
Nearby Places
The Yogmaya Temple is surrounded by rich history all around, so it is recommended to visit these nearby places for an enriching experience:
1. Shri Adhya Katyayani Shaktipeeth Mandir
The mandir is dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, an incarnation of Goddess Durga, and is known to be the second-largest temple complex in India, with over 60 acres of land. The mandir is constructed from marble and consists of Dravidian and Nagara styles of architecture.
Entry: Free for all
Timing: 7 am – 11 am
5.30 pm- to pm
2. Lotus Temple
The Lotus Temple was built as a place of worship for the Bahia faith; which preaches oneness and equality among all religions. It is famous for its lotus structure and is one of the main attractions in Delhi.
Entry: Free for all
Timings: 8:30 am-6 pm (Closed on Sundays)
3. Lodhi Garden
Lodi Gardens is a city park that is spread over 90 acres. It is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as it contains Mohammed Shah’s Tomb, the Tomb of Sikandar Lodi, the Shisha Gumbad and the Bara Gumbad and architectural works of the 15th century by Lodis.
Entry: Free for all
Timings: 6 am-8 pm
4. Humayun’s Tomb
The tomb is of extreme cultural significance as it was the first garden tomb to be built on the Indian subcontinent which inspired several monuments such as the Taj Mahal.
Timings: 6 am-6 pm
Entry Ticket Prices:
Indians: Rs 35
BIMSTEC and SAARC nations: Rs 35
Foreigners: Rs 550
Children under the age of 15: Free
5. Garden of Five Senses
The garden is designed to rouse the five human senses with its beauty and attractions giving ample opportunities to touch, smell, hear, and see the natural surroundings. It is an important cultural venue with programs organized throughout the year.
Timing: 9 am-6 pm
Entry Fees:
Adults: Rs. 35
Children (Upto 12 yrs ): Rs. 15
Senior Citizens: Rs. 15
Handicapped: Free entry
FAQs
1. Is photography allowed?
A. Photography is allowed outside of the temple but not in the prayer hall
2. What is not allowed to be offered at the temple?
A. Wine and meat are forbidden to be offered at the temple.
3. Can offerings be purchased?
A. Right before the temple’s entrance, offerings can be bought. Due to the high volume of people in the area, visitors should exercise caution.
