Winter is the best time to explore Delhi and even for me who is stayed in Delhi for more that 6 yrs, Delhi has many new charms to offer, be it interesting heritage, food or places of faith.
While traveling by metro I used to see that huge Hanuman idol and always think to visit it. I searched all the near by places which can visit along with Hanuman Temple of Jhandewalan.
So I came up with Plan to visit Jhandewalan Hanuman temple, Bhuli Bhatiyari Mahal and at last Karol bagh for some delicious chole bhature yummmm.
On a sunny winter morning, I started off on a most interesting walk to explore the neighbourhoods of Jhandewalan and Karol Bagh.
How to Reach Jhandewalan
You can take metro. Nearest metro station is Jhandewalan. You can also take auto rickshaw as per your convenience.
Walk around Jhandewalan and Karol Bagh
The walk began with a visit to the famous Hanuman Temple of Jhandewalan (located right next to Jhandewalan Metro station), which has this huge statue of god Hanuman and is on the most visually interesting & iconic landmarks of the Delhi Metro. There is very interesting feature of the statue; the statue was apparently being built for a period of 35 years and construction was stalled in between till lack of funds, so for a long time the statue was only built till lower torso level and then construction restarted, however, the temple committee realized that the metro line was also coming up adjacent and the direction Hanuman Ji would face would not look nice. So they decided to turn the upper torse sideways, giving it the iconic visual landmark it is today. However, if one stands at the foot of the temple and sees it from feet up, one realizes what an uncomfortable position Hanuman ji is standing in, with legs straight and upper torso sideways, like a very complex Yoga Posture!
Inside the Jhandewalan hanuman temple, which had many interesting features, such as a subterranean cave housing many forms of Shakti – Chhinamasta, Vaishno Devi and many more.
Then I headed to Bhuli Bhatiyari Mahal, which is not a palace but a hunting lodge of Muhammed Tuglaq of Tuglaq dynasty. What struck me immediately while walking from the temple to the monument was that the pathway leading to the hunting lodge was merely 500 meters away from the bustling temple, but a world apart, with trees lining the road, ridge on both side and a beautiful silence of nature all around.
The Bhuli Bhatiyari Mahal was a quaint structure, with basic embellishments at the main doorway and open space inside. It is rumoured to be haunted but I don’t think theres any truth to it as surrounded by ridge forest, it just has an air of mystery to it; I can imagine walking here in the dark or even in moonlight with the sounds of forest around and it can definitely seem haunting to any imaginative mind.
Then I headed towards the Jhandewalan Devi Temple you can walk or take rickshaw. I decided to walk to till Jhandewalan Devi Temple. It is 15-20 minutes walk to the temple.
Jhandewalan Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Maa Aadi Shakti (avatar of goddess Durga). The temple is located on Jhandewalan Road on the way to Karol Bagh, Delhi, India. The temple is another famous and respected shrine of the goddess. The temple receives a large number of devotees throughout the year. The name Jhandewalan was given during Shah Jahan's reign, due to the prayer flags or 'jhandas' being offered.
It is said that Jhandewalan was once located in a mountain region. When this place was excavated then sanctum of goddess was descended and on this place the temple was established. It is believed that Badri Bhagat, one of the great devotee of Matarani, dreamed of her and she told him about this idol. Thereafter the temple was constructed at the same place. The original idol of Jhandewali Mata Ji is present at ground level. The temple is one of the famous religious site for Hindu's. Here everyone can come and worship irrespective of the caste and status. The temple is echoed with day and night chanting of the goddess mantras. The devotees are blessed with happiness, peace and good health.
Many festivals are celebrated in Jhandewalan Temple. On the occasion of Durga Puja and Navratra, a special Puja is organized. The temple is decorated with flowers and light. The temple's spiritual environment give peace of mind and heart to the devotees.
I then took rickshaws to the heart of Karol Bagh market and for having famous Chhole Bhautre at Om Sunder Sweets. After the sumptuous meal, I walk around the Karol Bagh market.
I enjoyed the sights & smells, shoped the fresh vegetables and fruits before finally settling for Kulfi at the famous Roshan Ki Kulfi. It was an apt finale to the walk and awesome evening in Delhi.
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