spiritual journeys
India has a deeply spiritual side which manifests itself strongly in everyday life, whether in places of worship or simply on the sidewalk. Wherever you are in the city, the breeze will carry the hauntingly beautiful song of chanting devotees or the celebrant ring of bells. Religious rituals, both solemn and colourful, fill the calendar and are an integral part of city life. Temples abound, as active now as they have ever been.
The serenely peaceful Birla or Lakshmi Narayan Temple, situated in the heart of the city and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1938, is one of Delhi’s major pilgrimage destinations. The temple enshrines almost all the deities of the Hindu Pantheon, the presiding deity being Narayan (Vishnu) and his consort Lakshmi. Here you can see exquisite paintings from Indian mythology and learn their stories. Alternatively, sit in a quiet corner listening to the melodious kirtans and get a blessing from the resident priest.
The ultimate bangle and Mehndi destination for generations of women in the capital is The Hanuman Mandir. This temple is devoted to Lord Hanuman – the Monkey King – and is the oldest of its kind in India. Famous for its hypnotic 24-hour chanting, the temple is surrounded by religious-offering stalls selling everything from marigold garlands, auspicious beads and sweet-smelling prasad, to row after sparkling row of rainbow-coloured bangles. With the jingle of bangles on your wrist, adorn your hands with Mehndi, the delicate temporary Henna patterns typically employed for special occasions.
At Gurdwara Bangla Sahib you’ll experience the amazing hospitality and tranquility of the Sikh faith. Inside, devotees kneel facing a small pavilion in the centre that holds the Granth Sahib (Sikh scriptures). Hymns from the holy book are sung continuously from well before sunrise into the evening, and you are welcome to sit and listen. This ancient temple’s sanctified Holy water is believed to have a miraculous healing effect on the mind, body, and soul. The temple also offers a communal dining area, similar to all Sikh Gurdwaras: it is customary to serve food to all who enter, regardless of race, social status or religion.
Akshardham is a Hindu temple complex as renowned for its immense scale and intricate embellishment as it is for its lush landscaped gardens. Crafted entirely of stone, its permanent exhibitions will whisk you through 10,000 years of Indian culture, displaying the essence of India’s ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spiritual messages.