Shri Gauri Shankar Temple — Attraction in Delhi

🕉️ Gauri Shankar Temple – Essential Insights 📍 Location & Accessibility Tucked away on the bustling Chandni Chowk Road in Old Delhi, the Gauri Shankar Temple is a serene spiritual enclave just a 5–10 minute walk from Chandni Chowk Metro Station. Despite its central location in one of Delhi’s liveliest areas, it offers a surprising calm—welcoming both devotees and wanderers, free of charge, every day of the week.

🕰️ Temple Hours Morning Darshan: 5:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Evening Darshan: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM Open daily, the temple follows a peaceful rhythm of aarti, offerings, and meditative silence.

🏛️ History & Architecture – A Legacy Carved in Faith Origins: The temple traces its roots back to the 13th century, originally constructed by a Maratha soldier named Apa Ganga Dhar, who made a vow during wartime. It was later restored and restructured in 1959 by Seth Jaipura—blending centuries of reverence with renewed devotion.

Design & Deity Highlights: The temple’s charm lies in its understated elegance—white marble steps, a peaceful courtyard, and the centerpiece: an ancient Shiva Linga believed to be over 800 years old. Inside, you’ll also find divine idols of Goddess Gauri (Parvati), Lord Kartikeya, and Lord Ganesha, some adorned in gold ornaments—adding a sacred glow to the sanctum.

🙏 Spiritual Rituals & Devotee Experience Daily Worship: Visitors often witness the abhishek of the Shiva Linga—a ceremonial bath with milk, flowers, and chants that bring the temple to life during morning and evening aartis.

Atmosphere: Despite being in the heart of a chaotic marketplace, the temple retains an air of tranquility and spiritual warmth. A chair preserved in the inner courtyard honors Bhagat Swaroup Brahmachari, a revered saint who once resided here.

📅 Best Time to Visit 🕉️ Maha Shivaratri (Feb–Mar) transforms the temple with vibrant decorations, deep devotion, and thousands of visitors.

🌙 Mondays are considered especially holy for Shiva worship and often see a steady stream of pilgrims.

📸 Note: Photography inside the sanctum is generally discouraged—visitors are expected to respect the spiritual sanctity.

🚶 How to Reach & What’s Nearby Metro: Get off at Chandni Chowk Station, and you’re a short walk away.

By Road: Cabs, autos, and e-rickshaws are widely available. From Delhi Airport, it’s about 14–15 km (~45–60 minutes by car).

Nearby Sights:

🕌 Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib

🛕 Digambar Jain Temple These neighboring spiritual sites make for a culturally rich walking circuit in Old Delhi.

✨ Final Word Gauri Shankar Temple isn’t just a place of worship—it’s a living relic of devotion, echoing eight centuries of spiritual continuity. Whether you're a believer, a history enthusiast, or a curious traveler seeking peace amid Delhi’s pulse, this temple offers a soulful pause that lingers long...

I recently had the opportunity to visit the Gauri Shankar Mandir, one of the oldest temples in India, and it was truly a memorable experience. From the moment I entered the temple grounds, I could feel a sense of peace and tranquility washing over me.

The Gauri Shankar Mandir, located in the Chandni Chowk area of Delhi, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati. It was built in the 11th century and holds great historical and religious significance. As I walked around the temple, I was in awe of its grand architecture and intricate carvings, which are a testament to the incredible craftsmanship of ancient India.

The temple is not only a place of worship, but also a cultural and spiritual hub for the community. The atmosphere inside was filled with the sound of bells, devotional prayers and the sweet smell of incense. It was heartwarming to see people from all walks of life come together in prayer and devotion.

I was lucky enough to witness the Aarti, a Hindu ritual of worship, and it was a truly divine experience. The priests chanted mantras and performed the Aarti, while devotees offered their prayers and lit candles. The energy and faith in the air were palpable, and I couldn't help but feel blessed and grateful.

Apart from its religious significance, the Gauri Shankar Mandir also holds a special place in history. It is said that the temple was visited by the famous Maratha warrior, Chhatrapati Shivaji, who sought the blessings of Lord Shiva before embarking on his military conquests. This adds to the temple's aura of divinity and makes it a must-visit for history buffs as well.

My visit to the Gauri Shankar Mandir left me feeling happy and at peace. The positive energy of the temple and the devotion of its devotees had a profound effect on me. It was a humbling experience to be in the presence of such ancient and powerful deities.

I would highly recommend a visit to the Gauri Shankar Mandir to anyone looking for a spiritual and cultural experience. It is a place where one can feel connected to a higher power and leave with a sense of inner peace. I am grateful for the opportunity to have visited this blessed and sacred temple, and I will cherish the...

I recently visited the Shree Gauri Shankar Temple, nestled in the bustling lane of Chandni Chowk near Red Fort and beside the Digambar Jain Lal Mandir. Despite being located in the heart of Old Delhi, the atmosphere inside is surprisingly calm and spiritual .

Historical Significance & Architecture This ancient temple, believed to be over 800 years old, was originally built by Apa Gangadhar—a Maratha soldier—who vowed to Lord Shiva during a life-threatening battle. The structure was renovated later in 1959 by Seth Jaipura . The architecture is simple yet elegant: marble steps and carved pillars at the entrance lead into the serene courtyard, adorned with devotional items and a marble seat honoring Bhagat Swaroup Brahmachari, a saint who spent decades at the temple .

Divine Core The center houses an ancient brown Shiva Lingam—about 800 years old—similarly encased in a marble representation symbolic of cosmic energy. Silver serpents surround it. Behind the Lingam are idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, embellished with real gold jewelry and a silver water vessel that keeps dripping gently upon the Lingam .

Ambience & Experience The energy in the temple offers a tranquil contrast to the crowded streets outside. Devotees come here throughout the day, especially on Mondays, Shivratri, and festival days when the temple is beautifully decorated with flowers and lights .

Visitor Information

Timings: 5 AM–10 AM and 5 PM–10 PM daily, with free entry and no charges .

Photography: Not allowed inside the temple .

✅ Highlights

A peaceful spiritual retreat in the middle of Chandni Chowk's bustle

Rich heritage and divine symbolism with its 800-year-old Lingam

Simple yet significant architectural features and devotional atmosphere

Great for devotees and tourists exploring the Red Fort–Lal Mandir–Gurudwara Sis Ganj route

✨ Overall, Shree Gauri Shankar Temple delivers a deeply spiritual experience rooted in history and devotion—definitely a must-visit while exploring Old Delhi. Har...