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| PLACES OF WORSHIP IN DELHI |
The
big city, which tends to recognize you by your calling, has a way of
leveling out religious identities—at least in its more public spaces.
This is even truer of a cosmopolitan metropolis like Delhi,
notwithstanding the many temples, mosques, churches, gurudwaras and
dargahs that have come at different points in its long and eventful
history.
It is not that Delhi’s citizens are less religiously
inclined than anywhere else; it is just that they tend to practise their
faith privately rather than socially, tolerantly rather than
fanatically. There are many sacred monuments in New Delhi that predate
the construction of the Imperial capital and while these may not always
rival the sacred monuments of the British Raj era in terms of their
majestic or ceremonially aesthetic value, they certainly remain quite
popular as sacred spaces. |
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JAMA MASJID
The largest mosque in India, with a seating capacity of more than 20,000 was built by the great Mughal emperor Shahjahan.
Begun in 1644 and completed finally in 1658 at a cost of ten lakhs of
rupees, it has three gateways, four angle towers and two 40 m high
minarets. Situated on a rocky eminence in Old Delhi on the other side of
road to the Red Fort.
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One of the
finest Specimen of Mughal structure, its notable features are its bold
treatment in red sandstone inlaid with black and white marble, spacious
courts, massive pillars supporting engrailed arches, elegant bulbous
domes - all well proportioned with decorative manipulation.
The bulbous domes and tapering minarets built with marble
stand strong and beautiful even to this day. You can even go to the top
of minarets and have a bird's eye view of Delhi.
This is the area that still retains the traditional charm of
markets in Mughal times. Spend some time here for some serious
travelmasti pleasures |
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GURUDWARA SISGANJ
Located in Chandni Chowk near the Red Fort in Old Delhi,
this is the place where Guru Teg Bahadur was beheaded under the trunk of
a Banyan tree. The tree is still there in the Gurudwara premises. The
Gurudwara building is an imposing structure with its interior depicting
scenes from the life of the Guru Teg Bahadur.
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DIGAMBER JAIN TEMPLE
One of the oldest and most impressive of the Jain temples in
India, this temple is located in Chandni Chowk, near Red Fort houses
the main shrine of Lord Paraswanath. Other than Chandraprabhu, the eight
manifestations of the Jain hierarchy, there are a number of other
shrines, too. A Birds hospital is attached to the temple.
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AKSHARDHAM TEMPLE
The Akshardham mandir is situated in The Akshardham Temple
Complex in East Delhi. If you want to explore the modern Hinduism is the
largest faith Naqqashi traditions, then this is a place to be. The main
structure has been embroider with 20, 000 statues, floral motifs,
arches and exquisitely carved pillars. The Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism
that is very popular in Gujarat has constructed the temple. It is
estimated that, the temple has been built at the cost of nearly 100
million Dollars |
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BAHAI TEMPLE / LOTUS TEMPLE
Lying to the east of Siri, just inside the outer Ring Road
near the Nehru Place, this Bahai house of worship is a marvel of modern
architecture.
Completed in 1986, it represents the Bahai faith, an
independent world religion, divine in origin and all embracing in scope. |
Set among
pools and gardens, adherents of any faith can visit, pray or meditate
The temple represents the Bahai faith which is broad in its outlook,
scientific in the influence it exerts on the hearts and minds of men.
It signifies the purity and the universality of the lord and
equality of all religions. Visited by over four million people,
annually, this gleaming lotus- like marble structure is located on
Bahapur Hills (South Delhi) and it is the seventh and most recent Bahai
houses of worship in the world. The temple is a must visit for every
tourist who comes to Delhi. The view of the temple is very spectacular
just before dusk when the temple is flood lit.
Anyone is free to visit the temple and pray or meditate
silently according to his or her own religion. The temple is around 45
minutes from Domestic Airport. |
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MOTI MASJID
Situated in the Red Fort Complex. Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque)
was built by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in 1659 for his personal use.
Made in marble, the outer walls of this small mosque are in perfect
symmetry with the rest of the fort.
The inner walls give the mosque correct orientation to the Mecca. |
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NIZAM-UD-DIN SHRINE
This is the tomb of the famous Sufi saint, Nizam-ud-din
Auliya. Built on the way from Humayun's tomb, the premise of the shrine
is a tank, which is surrounded by many other tombs.
It is said that there was an argument between the rulers of Tughlakabad and the saint over building this tank. |
The saint had
said that the city of Tughlakabad will never prosper and so did it
happen. The tomb has been through several renovations ever since it was
built. The present mausoleum dates back to 1562.
The complex of the shrine includes several other tombs,
including that of the noted poet Mirza Ghalib (1786-1869), Amir Khusru
and the grave of Jahanara, the daughter of Shah Jahan.
This shrine is now an important Muslim pilgrim centre. After
sunset, every Thursday, qawawals sing the melodious lyrics of Amir
Khusro after the evening prayers. It is also the venue for Urs festival.
Location: West of Mathura Road
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