Religion is an integral part of Indian existence. The subcontinent's greatest religion, i.e., the Hinduism and the two born in revolt against it, namely Buddhism and Jainism, along with a score of others make India 'a museum of religions'. Christianity and Islam were borrowed, however, Sikhism and countless minor cults and religious sects developed in India. Not surprisingly, the length and breadth of the country is flooded with religious structures.
Gurudwara Rakabganj
When the ninth Guru of the sikhs, Guru Teg Bahadur, was beheaded under the orders of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in 1675 A.D. his headless body was cremated here. Also on the exhibits are his personal weapons.
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.
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.
Kalka ji Temple
Dedicated to the Goddess Kali, this temple is located in Kalkaji near Nehru Place Bus Terminal. The oldest part of this temple was built in 1764. In 1816, Mirza Raja Kedar Nath, the Peshkar of Akbar II made some more additions to the existing shrine. This temple with a lofty pyramidal dome attracts thousands of devotees during Navratras and also after the harvest of wheat crop.
Birla Mandir
This temple is dedicated to the Goddess Laxmi (the Goddess of prosperity) and her spouse Narayan (Vishnu), the preserver of universe. Built by G D Birla in 1938, the main temple is flanked by Gita Bhavan on one side and a Buddhist temple on the other. Built in the old Orissa style, the complex has a park with fountains and artificial caves, in its backyard. Gift Bhavan, housing the shrine of Lord Krishna, attracts thousands of devotees on Janmashtmi - Lord Krishna's birthday.
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.
Statue of Buddha
Located in the Buddhist Colony, near Qutab Minar, the high alter enshrines the images of Buddha brought from different countries: the Indian Buddha in meditation, the Thai image in great renunciation, the Cambodian with a begging bowl and others. The colony is an international centre of study in Buddhism.
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib :
Built in the honour of the eighth Sikhi Guru, Guru Harkishan, who had arrived in Delhi to meet the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb. It is located near the GPO, about a km from the Connaught Place (Jantar Mantar)
ISCKON Temple
Located at Hari Krishna Hill, Sant Nagar Main Road, East of Kailash, this temple complex was completed in 1998. Built by Hare Rama Hare Krishna cult followers, this magnificent temple has shikharas at a height of 90 feet above the ground. The centrally air-cooled hall has a capacity to accommodate 1500 people. Main attractions include paintings of Radha Krishna, Sita, Ram, Hanuman and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, made by Russian artists and also the Robots who can act and preach the Gita.
Chhatarpur Temple
Located ahead of the Qutab Minar in Chhattarpur Village, this temple complex is spread over 60 acres of land. Dedicated to the Goddess Kali, complex is beautified by lawns and gardens. Special bus service is provided by Delhi Transport Corporation on Dusshera and other festivals.
