Jhandewala Devi Temple, Delhi

Address

Desh Bandhu Gupta Rd, Block E,

Jhandewalan Extension, Paharganj,

New Delhi, Delhi 110055

Amman

Aadi Shakti

Introduction

The Jhandewalan Temple is located near Karol Bagh in Delhi, India dedicated to the goddess Aadi Shakti. It is among the oldest temple in Delhi and located on Jhandewala road.

Puranic Significance

Discovery of idol

During the 18th century, a famous cloth merchant named Badri Das often walked to the Delhi Ridge of Aravalli range, which was covered with flora and fauna. While digging near a waterfall, the idol of Jhandewali Mata and a stone lingam with carvings of nāga were found by him. Das built the temple on the spot. Since the hands of the idol were damaged during excavation, hands of silver were made and the original statue was consecrated in the cavern basement which came to be called “Maa Gufa Wali” (The Mother Goddess of Cave). A new replica of the idol was installed on the ground floor which came to be called “Maa Jhande Wali” (The Mother Goddess of Flag). Since a large prayer flag was installed by Badri Das, who came to be known as “Bhagat Badri”, the place came to be known as “Jhandewala” (“the place of the flag”). Within the temple compound there are subsidiary temples of Shiva as well as Kali. The temple is run by the non-profit organization trust “Badri Bhagat Jhandewalan Mandir Society”

Special Features

Jhandewalan Mandir is one of the most famous religious sites. Here everyone can come and worship irrespective of their caste and status. The temple is echoed with day and night chanting of the Maa Durga mantras. The devotees are blessed with happiness, peace and good health.

Festivals

The lower level of the temple is where people perform Puja. The upper level of the temple has the idol of Mata Jhandewali with the idol of Saraswati and Kali. There are also idols of other deities on the upper level. The festival of Navaratri is held twice a year at the temple. Jhandewalimata’s aarti is done 4 times in a day