Gauri Shankar Temple



Gauri Shankar Temple, New Delhi

Information of Gauri Shankar Temple, New Delhi


Gauri Shankar temple which is just opposite to the Digambar Jain temple is 800 years old. Being dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is considered as significant temples of Shaivism. The center of attraction for the tourist is the 800 years old brown Shiv Lingam that has been covered in a marble representation of a female organ. Snakes made up of silver tend to surround the Lingam which demonstrates a cosmic pillar. One can visit the temple during the auspicious occasion of the Hindu festival Shivratri, when the temple tends to be decorated magnificently and all the devotional activities are held during that time. Devotees tend to visit the temple basically on Monday as it is the day of Lord Shiva.

Gauri Shankar Temple Religious Importance

Temple is considered as a place where a person tends to attain peace of mind and soul. Hence, Gauri Shankar is a place of worship where a person offers his prayers in order to attain blessings from God and to be free from the cycle of birth and death in their next birth. This temple tends to offer an unforgettable experience to the devotees. By combining mysticism and devotion with modernity as well as inspirational heritage, this temple promises to leave the devotees truly fascinated. The temple has been constructed so beautifully that makes this place an ultimate destination for the devotion and spirituality.

Gauri Shankar Temple Mythology & History

As per the legend it is said that the temple was constructed by a Maratha soldier named Apa Ganga Dhar who was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. It is believed that he was severely injured in a battle and the chances of his survival were almost dreary. He then prayed God Shiva to save his life and vowed to build a temple if he stayed alive. By the grace of God Shiva, he survived and as per the promise he constructed a beautiful temple. The name of this soldier has been engraved in Hindi in the lower part of the pointed pyramidal roof which is near the main doorway of the temple. It is said that the temple was renovated again in the year 1959 by Seth Jaipura whose name has been emblazoned in the windows of the temple. One can attain darshan of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati along with their sons, Ganesh as well as Kartik. Just behind the Shiva Lingum, you can see the idol of Lord Shiva along with his consort Parvati wearing gold jewelry. Devotees tend to offer water to Lord Shiva that passes through a silver vessel that has been installed just above the lingum. As per another legend, it is said that one day, the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb planned that the temple bell would not be rung by the devotees. For three consecutive days, he kept on hearing the sound of the bell in the ears. Finally, he changed his mind and took back his orders.

Gauri Shankar Temple Architectural Importance

The main entrance of the temple has numerous steps made up of marble and flanking pillars that has been decorated with chains and bells takes you directly to the courtyard. Since the place is always crowded with the activities of the devotees, this courtyard comprises of all the necessary items that is required for worshipping such as sandalwood paste, bilva leaves, flowers and rice that can be purchased by the devotees. One of the central points of focus is the marble chair of Bhagat Swaroup Bramachari, a saint dedicating 50 years in the temple.