Built
completely in white marble, the Chhattarpur Mandir in Delhi has an aura
of holiness and purity around it. Continuous prayer and discourses are
held so that everybody can participate as and when they want. Chattarpur
Mandir is also known as Shree Adya Katyayani Shaktipeeth Mandir and
Goddess Durga is known as Ma Katyayani (her sixth avatar) here. Other
than the resident deity, there are temples of the 'Trinity'- Brahma,
Vishnu and Mahesh; Lord Ganesha, Lord Ram, Sita and Lakshman and
Sankatmochan Hanuman.Location
Chattarpur Mandir is located in the main Gurgaon-Mehrauli road area of Delhi, four km from Qutub Minar. Gurgaon is just a half-hour drive from here.
Custom
According to Hindu customs it is mandatory to take off one's shoes and wash hands and feet before entering the temple.
Fact
It is said that tying a holy thread or a bangle on the Kalpavriksha tree (also called Baobab tree/ Adonsonia digitata) fulfills your wish. You must come after your wish fulfillment to untie the thread or the bangle.
People and Planning
The architecture of the Chattarpur Mandir is typically of the Chola and Chalukya style but without the Gopuram (or the decorated entrance door) but the Vimana or the pyramidical tower is richly adorned with naqqashi and jaali work all over the façade. Some of the sanctums like of Mahishasurmardini are opened only during special days like Purnima (full moon days) and Navratri. During Navratris the crowds throng here with great fervor and the daily footfall reaches up to 10 million and around 2 million are fed free of cost. There is a Satsang hall with a seating capacity of a 1000 people, a museum dedicated to the creator of the temple and lush green lawns.
Legend
The birth of Katyayani is the sixth form of incarnation of Ma Durga and has an interesting story behind it. At one Ma Durga was born to Sage Katyaya who worshipped her and underwent severe penance to be granted the boon of being her father for sometime. She was then sent to earth by the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh and in this avatar of Katyayani, daughter of Katyaya, that she destroyed the demon Mahishasur. After she killed him her fierce persona got another name of Mahishasurmardini or the one who killed Mahishasur. She is often depicted with flowing hair, fierce expressions and golden complexion in this form, used commonly in Durga Puja.