For those who know New Delhi as a historical city with an array of monuments, the city comes up with other surprises too. Known to be a global city, New Delhi is also home to several religious places. These sacred places of worship are related to all religions. Some of the most-visited religious places in New Delhi are dealt in this article.
Temples
The city has many temples belonging to different communities living in New Delhi. Out of many temples in Delhi some popular ones are mentioned as under.
Bahai Lotus Temple, Kalkaji, South Delhi
Located in Kalkaji area of South Delhi this Bahai Temple is shaped like a white lotus bud. The milky-blue ponds around the petals of this bud add more value to the beauty of this magnificent concrete structure. There is a huge hall inside the temple where you can meditate or just enjoy a walk around the lush green park outside.
Chhattarpur Mandir
Besides its famous iron pillar, Chhatterpur Mandir is another attraction of Mehrauli in South Delhi. This huge & beautiful temple complex with a big surrounding campus is worth seeing!
Lakshmi Narayan Temple
Also known as Birla Mandir, this Laxmi Narayan temple is a big impressive Hindu temple complex. Several people can be seen clicking pictures or taking a walk behind the temple. Faraway from the noisiness of New Delhi city life, this temple really acts as a balm. The temple is often visited by foreigners as its shrines and paintings have English explanations.
Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple
This huge and elaborate structure carved of red sandstone, Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple is the latest addition in New Delhi temples. Besides a huge statue of Bhagwan Swaminarayan; the founder of the Swaminarayan faith, there are idols of other gods and goddesses too. Before you enter the temple, ensure that you do not carry any electronic items, cameras, tobacco or leather items.
Sai Baba Temple
Amongst many Sai Baba temples in Delhi and its surroundings, the oldest one located at Lodhi Road holds the most importance.
ISKCON (Hare Krishna) temple,
Apart from its traditional temple structure, the ISKCON temple also holds robotic shows and several multimedia presentations at its premises. You are sure to be attracted by the lively atmosphere of this temple.
Gurudwaras
A large population of Delhi belongs to the Sikh community and gurudwara is the place where they go to worship. Although there are many gurudwaras in Delhi, two of them are most visited by people.
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
Most Sikhs of Delhi mainly visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib near Connaught Place. Remember to take off your shoes and cover your head before entering the premises.
Gurudwara Sis Ganj
Located in Chandni Chowk of Old Delhi, Gurudwara Sis Ganj is another important place of worship for Sikhs. This gurudwara holds much importance because the ninth guru of Sikhs, Guru Tegh Bahadur was beheaded at this spot only.
Mosque and Churches
Delhi has been ruled by several Muslim emperors in past. A large number of Delhi population consists of Muslim community, thus mosques are an integral part of Delhi culture.
Jama Masjid
Amongst many mosques in Delhi, Jama Masjid holds the utmost importance Located opposite the Red Fort; Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India and a must-see tourist spot in Delhi. If you can climb to the top of the minaret you’ll get to see great views over the complex and the city. Remember to cover up your head, shoulders and legs. If you are a non-Muslim visiting the mosque then you must make your visit short.
To serve the Christians, Delhi has several churches also. Sacred Heart Cathedral, in the vicinity of Connaught Place is the biggest church of Delhi in terms of structure. Visit this place to enjoy the beautiful architecture and pristine beauty.
Cathdral Church of Redemption and St. Peter’s Cathedral are the other famous churches of New Delhi that present good examples of Colonial architecture and Oriental architecture respectively.