Delhi दिल्ली

Delhi has been a seat of power for many centuries, and its religious landscape reflects layers of that past. The older tradition places it near ancient Indraprastha, the capital of the Pandavas in the Mahabharata, and the Yogmaya Mandir in Mehrauli is linked in local belief with the goddess who is a sister of Krishna. Alongside these older shrines, the twentieth century added grand new temples built by industrial families and devotional movements, giving the city a mix of old village shrines and monumental modern complexes.

Akshardham, built by the Swaminarayan sect, is known for its carved stone architecture. The Birla Mandir, dedicated to Lakshmi and Narayana, is a landmark that opened in the early twentieth century and welcomed people from all communities. Kalkaji is a goddess temple that gets especially busy during Navratri. Chhatarpur is one of the largest temple complexes in the region, and the Hanuman Mandir near Connaught Place is a long-established stop for Tuesday devotees. ISKCON East of Kailash serves the Krishna bhakti community. Diwali, Janmashtami and Navratri fill the city's temples with lamps and visitors. Security at larger complexes can be strict, with phones, bags and cameras sometimes held at a cloakroom, so arrive prepared and dress in a way that suits a place of worship.