Shri Kalkaji temple, situated in New Delhi, is dedicated to the goddess Kali, which is another form of Maa Aadi Shakti. It is believed to be one of the oldest maa kali temples in India and also a major tourist attraction. The temple also has a number of Dharamshalas around its construction. Shri Kalkaji temple is also known as Jayanti Peetha or Manokamna Siddha Peetha ( manokamna means desire, Siddha means achievement, and Peetha refers to a temple ). So it is said that the goddess Kali grants the wishes and desires of the devotees who come here to offer their prayers with pure hearts and true souls. Throughout the year, there’s a large gathering of devotees ( especially on Saturdays ). During the festival of Navratri, a large fair is organized at the temple which is thronged with devotees.  Various religious activities like marriages and offering of hair are performed at the temple and the temple is considered as one of the highly revered shrines in Delhi.

History and Legend:-

The temple is believed to be 3000 years old and traces its history from Satya Yuga. The first construction of the temple was held in 1764. In the nineteenth century, progressions were made in the temple’s development by Raja Kedarnath. But later in the twentieth century, the current construction of Sri Kalkaji Mandir was worked by the commitments of devotees. According to a Hindu legend, Kalika Devi was born at the site where the temple is situated. It is believed that the goddess Kalkaji, satisfied with the prayers and
rituals performed by the gods under the advice of Brahma, appeared at the temple site, blessed them, and settled there. During the Mahabharata period, it is said that Bhagwan  Krishna and Pandavas worshiped Kali in this temple during the reign of Yudhisthira. The temple itself is believed to have been built by Thok Brahmins and Thok Jogians on the orders of Kali. It is also said that Maa Kali manifested herself and was commemorated as the chief divinity of the place.