DN Darshan: Yogmaya Temple, Mehrauli, Delhi

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New Delhi/ 23 Jan 2016. Dedicated to Goddess Yogmaya, the sister of lord Krishna, Yogmaya or Jogmaya temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated in Mehrauli, New Delhi. Yogmaya is considered an aspect of Maya, the illusionary power of God. The temple is also an integral part of an important inter-faith festival of Delhi, the annual Phool Walon Ki Sair.

Architecture

The temple has a contemporary structure with an entrance hall and a sanctum sanctorum that houses the main Idol of Yogmaya. The idol is made of black stone placed in a marble well of 2 feet width and 1 feet depth. The sanctum is 17 feet square with a flat roof over which a truncated tower is built. The idol is covered in sequins and cloth. Two small fans of the same materials are seen suspended over the Idol from the roof. Twenty two towers were built within the areas of the temple at the orders of the Sood Mal, the builder. The floor of the temple was originally made of red stone but since then has been replaced by marble. The main tower above the sanctum is 42 feet high and has copper plated shikara or pinnacle.

History

It is believed that the temple was built by the Pandavas, at the end of Mahabharata war. Mehrauli is one of the seven ancient cities that make up the present state of Delhi. The temple was first renovated during the rule of Mughal Emperor Akbar II (1806–37) by Lala Sethmal. During Aurangzeb's rule a rectangular hall was added to the temple which is a witness of a failed attempt by Mughals to convert this ancient temple into a mosque which was later turned into a store room for Devi's vastra. Though its original (200-300B.C.) architecture could never be reformed after its deconstruction but its reconstruction had been carried out repetitively by the locals.

The temple lies 260 yards from the Iron Pillar in the Qutub complex, and within the Lal Kot walls, the first fortress citadel of Delhi.

Legends

It is believed goddess Yogmaya is one of the sisters of lord Krishna (according to Bhagavata Purana).  Kansa (uncle of lord Krishna) attempted to kill Yogmaya on Krishna Janmashtami day when Krishna was born. But Yogmaya slipped out of hands of Kansa and vanished after predicting Kansa’s death at the hands of her brother Krishna. Yogmaya then struck at a hillock near Delhi and left her Pindi there. Since then the Pindi is worshipped.

Another folk legend is that of Mughal Emperor Akbar II's association with the temple. His wife was distraught at the incarceration and exile of her son Mirza Jehangir who had fired from a Red Fort window at the then British Resident that had resulted in killing of the resident’s bodyguard. Yogmaya had appeared in her dream and after that the Queen praying for her son’s safe return had vowed to place pankhas (fan) made of flowers at the Yogmaya temple and in the nearby Muslim shrine of Qutbuddin Bhaktiar Khaki. This practice set since then is continued to this day in the name of Phool Walon Ki Sair, a festival held for three days during October every year.

Phool walon ki sair

The annual ‘Phoolwalon ki sair’ Festival commences from the dargah of Sufi saint to Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki (in Mehrauli), every autumn (Oct-Nov). First started in 1812, the festival has today, become an important inter-faith festival of Delhi, and includes offering a floral punkah to the deity at the Yogmaya temple.

How to reach 

Metro station
Qutub Minar is the nearest metro station to the temple. 

By rail
The nearest railway station to Yogmaya temple is New Delhi Railway Station which is 15 km away from Yogmaya Temple. 

By air
The nearest airport to Yogmaya Temple is Indira Gandhi international airport, New Delhi which is 24 km away from Yogmaya Temple.