It is not that Delhi's citizens are less religiously inclined than anywhere else; it is just that they tend to practise their faith privately rather than socially, tolerantly rather than fanatically. There are many sacred monuments in New Delhi that predate the construction of the Imperial capital and while these may not always rival the sacred monuments of the British Raj era in terms of their majestic or ceremonially aesthetic value, they certainly remain quite popular as sacred spaces.

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.

QUWWAT-UL-ISLAM MOSQUE

This 'Might of Islam' mosque was started near Qutab Minar by Qutab-ud-din Aibak in 1193 A.D., which was completed in 1197 A.D. Additions were made by Iltutmish in 1230 A.D. and Alauddin Khilji in 1315 A.D. Consisting of an inner an outer courtyard, the mosque is in ruins now. Hindu influence is evinced by the pillars, especially the inner one which was made from the spoils of twenty-seven Hindu temples. Additional made by Iltutmish, show Islamic character.

BUDDHA SHRINE / STATUE OF BUDDHA

Located in the Buddhist Colony, near Qutub 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.

AKSHARDHAM TEMPLE

The Akshardham mandir is situated in The Akshardham Temple Complex in East Delhi. If you want to explore the modern Hinduism is the largest faith Naqqashi traditions, then this is a place to be. The main structure has been embroider with 20, 000 statues, floral motifs, arches and exquisitely carved pillars. The Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism that is very popular in Gujarat has constructed the temple. It is estimated that, the temple has been built at the cost of nearly 100 million Dollars

ISKCON TEMPLE (SRI SRI RADHI PARTHASARATHI MANDIR)

Built on a hilly place the ISKCON Temple is a complex of temples. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this elegant temple is one of the largest temple complexes in India. It has a large number of Hare-Rama Hare-Krishna cult followers.

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.

KALI BARI MANDIR

A stone's throw from Birla Mandir to the right is the much smaller but quite popular temple devoted to the Goddess Kali. Especially dear to the Bengali community of Delhi, Kali Bari Mandir in Delhi is the centre of celebration during the festival of Durga Puja held every October.

Since Kali is believed to be the manifestation of Durga in her most terrifying, warlike avatar, liquor is offered to the goddess in this temple.
The Kali Bari Mandir is rather small and very simple in design. From within the temple grows a huge peepul tree that pierces through the ceiling to shade the temple. The peepul is considered sacred by Hindus and red threads are tied around its bark when beseeching a boon.

KALKAJI TEMPLE

Situated beyond the commercial complex of Nehru Place lies this temple dedicated to the goddess Kalka Devi. Its oldest section dates back to 1764 and in 1816, Mirza Raja Kedar Nath, the Peshkar of Akbar II made some more additions to the existing shrine. However most of the building is modern.

This temple with a lofty pyramidal dome attracts thousands of devotees during Navratras in October when a huge fair is held here and also after the harvest of wheat crop.

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 The temple represents the Bahai faith which is broad in its outlook, scientific in the influence it exerts on the hearts and minds of men.

It signifies the purity and the universality of the lord and equality of all religions. Visited by over four million people, annually, this gleaming lotus- like marble structure is located on Bahapur Hills (South Delhi) and it is the seventh and most recent Bahai houses of worship in the world. The temple is a must visit for every tourist who comes to Delhi. The view of the temple is very spectacular just before dusk when the temple is flood lit.

Anyone is free to visit the temple and pray or meditate silently according to his or her own religion. The temple is around 45 minutes from Domestic Airport.

CHATTARPUR MANDIR

is located beyond the Qutb Minar in Mehrauli. The temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, is built in South Indian style.

The temple complex is spread over a large area, over 60 acres of land, with beautiful lawns and gardens. Though devotees visit these temples throughout the year, the main attraction comes during the Navarathri festival, when devotees come from far and near. During this time, there are special bus services provided by Delhi Transport Corporation to the devotees.

MOTI MASJID

Situated in the Red Fort Complex. Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) was built by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in 1659 for his personal use. Made in marble, the outer walls of this small mosque are in perfect symmetry with the rest of the fort.

The inner walls give the mosque correct orientation to the Mecca.

JAMA MASJID

The largest mosque in India, with a seating capacity of more than 20,000 was built by the great Mughal emperor Shahjahan.

Begun in 1644 and completed finally in 1658 at a cost of ten lakhs of rupees, it has three gateways, four angle towers and two 40 m high minarets. Situated on a rocky eminence in Old Delhi on the other side of road to the Red Fort.
One of the finest Specimen of Mughal structure, its notable features are its bold treatment in red sandstone inlaid with black and white marble, spacious courts, massive pillars supporting engrailed arches, elegant bulbous domes - all well proportioned with decorative manipulation.

The bulbous domes and tapering minarets built with marble stand strong and beautiful even to this day. You can even go to the top of minarets and have a bird's eye view of Delhi.

This is the area that still retains the traditional charm of markets in Mughal times. Spend some time here for some serious travelmasti pleasures

BIRLA MANDIRR

Also known as the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, it is ideally located in central Delhi (Mandir Marg). This temple dedicated to the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi and Lord Narayana (Lord Vishnu) the preserver of universe.

W was built in 1938 by the prominent Indian industrialist Raja Baldev Das Birla and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. The main temple is flanked by Gita Bhavan on one side and a Buddhist temple on the other.

The temple, built in Orissan style, has a large number of idols representing various gods of Indian pantheon. The well-grafted gardens need a special mention.

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.

NIZAM-UD-DIN SHRINE

This is the tomb of the famous Sufi saint, Nizam-ud-din Auliya. Built on the way from Humayun's tomb, the premise of the shrine is a tank, which is surrounded by many other tombs.

It is said that there was an argument between the rulers of Tughlakabad and the saint over building this tank.
The saint had said that the city of Tughlakabad will never prosper and so did it happen. The tomb has been through several renovations ever since it was built. The present mausoleum dates back to 1562.

The complex of the shrine includes several other tombs, including that of the noted poet Mirza Ghalib (1786-1869), Amir Khusru and the grave of Jahanara, the daughter of Shah Jahan.
This shrine is now an important Muslim pilgrim centre. After sunset, every Thursday, qawawals sing the melodious lyrics of Amir Khusro after the evening prayers. It is also the venue for Urs festival.

Location: West of Mathura Road

BALA HANUMAN TEMPLE

This small but elegant temple located at Baba Kharak Singh Marg near Connaught Place was built in 1724. It is very popular among the devotees of Lord Hanuman.

This elegant temple stands on the southeastern side of Ranmal Lake. The 24-hour chanting of the mantra 'Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram', which has been going on in the temple since August 1, 1964, has earned a place in the Guinness Book of Records.

ST. JAMES CHURCH

Located very close to Kashmere Gate in North Delhi; St. James Church is the oldest church in the capital. It was built by James Skinner and consecrated in 1836.

It is designed in a cruciform plan with the entrance towards the west and the altar towards the east (the standard norm in most churches the world over).
The dome interestingly is very similar to the dome of Florence Cathedral in Italy that was the first renaissance structure built in the world.

St. James Church in New Delhi is built in the Western classical design with a Greek cross plan. Three of the arms of the cross have porticoes, while the eastern arm contains the altar. The central areas is covered by a magnificent dome. This church is open only on Sundays.

Porches on the north, south and the west provide the building with three entrances. The central portion of the church is an octagon with circular columns supporting the dome.

AUROBINDO ASHRAM

Again in the south of Delhi near the Indian Institute of Technology on the road to Meharauli it has literature on the life of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother and has an ashram where devotees can come to meditate. There is also some accommodation available for devotees of Sri Aurobindo.

CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF REDEMPTION

Cathedral Church of Redemption is located on Church Road that stands to the west of Parliament House. Moving away from Connaught place, the majestic red piece of the architecture falls to the left.

Henry Medd, a young architect par excellence, designed this majestic cathedral that was built between 1927 and 1935.
Like most of the European architects of that period, he too belonged to the Lutyens' school. He has left no stone unturned in reflecting the same in the design of this cathedral. He wanted to maintain the harmony and continuity in the design as the church stands in the Lutyens bungalow zone, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens himself.

CATHEDRAL OF THE SACRED HEART

Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is located at the Gol Dak Khana near the Connaught place in New Delhi. It is a landmark post office on the roundabout in Delhi.

The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is not only the most important Catholic Church in the capital but arguably one of the best in entire India.
Henry Medd who designed the Church of Redemption for the Anglicans designed this church to please the Catholics.

His plan was selected among the eight plans put for the consideration before the panel of judges that included the likes of Sir Edwin Lutyens and Father Luke who was the driving force behind the construction of this beautiful cathedral

ST. PETER'S CATHEDRAL

St. Peter's Cathedral is the spiritual center of Syrian Orthodox Christians in India's capital city, New Delhi.

The cathedral is situated in an exclusive and well-laid out site in the heart of the city hand picked by the late Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi.
On 28th May 1990, the Patriarch, H.H. MOR Ignatius Zakka I, designated the church as the "Eastern Cathedral of the Patriarch of Antioch."

Address
1 & 2 Bhai Veer Singh Marg New Delhi 110 001
Phone: + 91 11 336 474

UTTRA SWAMINATHA SWAMI KOVIL (MALAI MANDIR)

The Malai Mandir stands tall on a hillock on the Outer Ring Road facing Vasanth Vihar. A long flight of stairs leads up to it.

The temple complex actually consists of four temples, including the temple of Vinayaka or Ganesh, one dedicated to Sundareswarar or Shiva and one dedicated to Meenakshi or Parvati which are all at the bottom of the hillock.
The temple on the hillock is dedicated to Swaminatha or Karthik and mirrors to the Chola style of building. The temple is very important to the Tamil community in Delhi.

Location: RK Puram Sector 7
Outer Ring Road.
Tel: 26175104
Timings: 6.30 to 11 am and 5.30 to 9 pm in summers,
7 to 11.30 am and 5 to 8.30 pm in winters
There are many more Places Of Worship.