Navratri Delhi: All ‘Devi Maa’ Temples in the National Capital decked up for the Festival beginning tomorrow

New Delhi: A spiritual spirit has wafted across the National Capital to celebrate the 9-Day Festival which begins tomorrow on Monday 22 September. All the 'Devi Maa' Temples and 'Pandals' - especially set up with Durga Maa Idols - have been tastefully decorated to welcome the 'Maa Shakti', reports Dynamite News correspondent. All the Temples devoted to Goddess Durga have been adorned with flowers and lights with devotional ambience all around to welcome the 'Maa Shakti'. However there are five renowned Devi Maa Temples here in Delhi that attract a sea of devotees who pay obeisance to Goddess Durga to seek her blessings. 'Darshan' of these Temples: 1. Adya Katyayani Shakti Peeth Popularly known as Chhattarpur Temple is dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, one of the incarnations of Goddess Durga. It is one of the largest temple complexes in the country with exceptional grandeur. [caption id="attachment_158803" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Adya Katyayani Shakti Peeth[/caption] The Temple complex is famous for its excellent architecture with beautifully carved pillars and expansive courtyards. The main temple is a grand structure with Idol of Devi Katyayani. It is surrounded by a number of other shrines dedicated to various deities. Navratri celebrations at Chhattarpur Temple are hosted extensively. The temple is elaborately decorated for the occasion. Many rituals and cultural programs are also organized. 2. Jhandewalan Temple Jhandewalan Temple is dedicated to Maa Aadi Shakti. This temple is considered one of the most revered ones in the Capital. The Temple dates back to the Mughal era when it was known for the practice of offering Prayer Flags (Jhandas). The Temple draws its name Jhandewalan Temple from this tradition. [caption id="attachment_158804" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Jhandewalan Temple[/caption] During Navratri, the Temple is decorated with thousands of flowers and lights which give the temple a vibrant look. The Temple is devoted to Maa Aadi Shakti. Special pujas, various cultural programs, and devotional songs commemorate the festival. A large number of devotees flocked to the Temple to offer their prayers and seek blessings of Maa Aadi Shakti. 3. Kalkaji Temple Kalkaji Temple is dedicated to the Kali avatar of Goddess Durga. It was built in 1764 AD and holds historical significance. According to the legends the temple has a connection to the Pandavas during the Mahabharata era. [caption id="attachment_158809" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Kalkaji Temple[/caption] The Temple is built in a traditional Indian architecture with intricate carvings and a large courtyard. Goddess Kali is the main deity and is enshrined in a dynamic and powerful form, reflecting her fierce and protective nature. The Temple is decorated with elaborate lights and floral arrangements. Kalkaji Temple turns into a bustling centre of various devotional activities during Navratri. Exclusive rituals and singing of bhajans add to the festive ambience drawing large number of devotees seeking blessings. 4. Yogmaya Temple Yogmaya Temple is dedicated to Goddess Yogmaya (sister of Lord Krishna) and is located in Mehrauli. It is one of the five surviving Temples of the Mahabharata period and therefore holds historical and spiritual significance. [caption id="attachment_158812" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Yogmaya Temple[/caption] The Temple reflects traditional Indian styles in architecture which is quite simple but elegant in design. Goddess Yogmaya is enshrined in a tastefully decorated sanctum. There are several smaller shrines with a spacious courtyard. The Temple is decorated with colorful flowers and vibrant lights during Navratri. The occasion marks special rituals and devotional activities in the Temple. A large number of devotees go to the Temple to offer their prayers to Maa Yogmaya to seek her divine blessings. 5. Gufa Temple Gufa Temple is situated in Preet Vihar and is dedicated to Mata Vaishno Devi. This Temple is known for its cave-like structure like the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir. It is always a rich spiritual experience to pay obeisance in this temple. [caption id="attachment_158816" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Gufa Temple Preet Vihar[/caption] There is a large cave with idols of several deities, including Goddesses Katyayani, Chintpurni, and Jwala Devi in this Temple. The cave adds to the mystical and serene atmosphere of the Temple. A large number of devotees go to this Temple during Navratri to seek blessings of Goddess Vaishno Devi. The Temple is beautifully decorated with lights, flowers and colorful buntings which provide a spiritual experience.