Kalkaji Temple

Existent from past 3,000 years, Kalkaji mandir traces many legends regarding its origin. However, the oldest part of the shrine was built in 1764 A.D, as per the folklore. The temple Kalka Temple is said to have been constructed by the Maratha Rulers in the late 18th century. Kalkaji Mandir is believed to have been survived from the times of Mahabharata.

As per the folklore, the Pandavas and Kauravas had worshipped Kalka Devi during the reign of Yudhisthir. In the words of Laura Sykes, “Marathas plundered the fair at Kalka Devi, near Okhla” at some stage in the battle of 1738 with the Mughals at Talkatora. In 1816 A.D. , Raja Kedarnath (Peshkar of Emperor Akbar II) made some changes and additions to the original structure of Kalkaji Temple, and for the last 50 years a considerable number of dharamshalas have been erected in the vicinity by the Hindu bankers and merchants of Delhi

It is also believed that the Goddess Kalkaji, pleased with the prayers offered and rituals performed by the Gods on the advice of Lord Brahma, appeared on this mount, known as Surya Koota Parvata, and blessed them. Ever since, the Goddess took this holy place as her abode and has been fulfilling the wishes of her devotees.