Olivia's Art Work

Chattarpur Temples                                                                                           February 23, 2020
New Delhi

The Chattarpur Temple and surrounding temples was established in the late 1990's to honor the goddess Katyayani.  It is the second largest Hindu temple in the world, after another one in the Delhi area.  Indeed, there were many people there today in joyful homage and devotion.  Very much in contrast to the austere, even dour outward demeanor of Christian worshippers.


Here are some photos.

This kind fellow drove us through the winding maze of South Delhi to locate the temples.  He kindly waited to take us back, as well.  We liked his calmness and his mellow driving style.  

 Entering the temple complex.  Everyone removes their shoes.  The arcades at the left open into an area dedicated to a guru who seems to enjoy the lavish surroundings in which he lived.

 This holy banyan tree is covered with knotted bits of colorful, glittering cloth.

 Panorama of the open area in which visitors rest and enjoy a small snack provided free at the temple.

 The Guru

I don't understand the fascination with gurus in India.  More on that when I find out more....

 Carved silver wall panels

The guru's room looks pretty ornate, all in silver.  We don't know his story, however....

He did seem to favor Nivea skin products.

 People like having their photo taken with foreigners.

 Just two of who know how many selfies we each got...

 That's more like it....

 Realism

We had a little rest in the shade on the marble steps of one temple.  A handful of people wandered up to have a photo.  

The guardian of the area.  He would shout at kids who climbed on the sculptures.

A loud shouting match erupted when a man was told in no uncertain terms to get off the lion.  A crowd gathered and the shouting continued, but the guardian prevailed.