India is often known as the land of temples and its capital city is home to some of the most exquisite ones. Designed aesthetically, the Delhi temples not only offer a great spiritual experience, but also are an architectural delight. What fascinates Mumbai visitors is the sprawling lawns and spaciousness of the structures.
There are convenient Mumbai to Delhi flights throughout the yearwhich can transport you to the city of glorious temples. Here are some that should be a part of your itinerary:
1. Hanuman Mandir, Jhandewalan
One of the most visited Hindu temples,the Hanuman Mandir is believed to have been built during the Mahabharata era. If you are traveling by metro and pass Karol Bagh and Jhandewalan stations, you can view the 108 feet effigy of Lord Hanuman right from the train.
In 1724, an identical temple was built in Connaught Place, which has secured a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for ‘Shri Ram, Jai Ram’being chanted nonstop since August 1964!While the temple is open on all days of the week, Tuesdays are the most crowded. Some devotees take flights between Mumbai to Delhi just to visit this temple on Tuesdays.
2. Swaminarayan Akshardham, Pandav Nagar
Akshardham is known worldwide for its architectural grandeur. In fact, it is the world’s largest Hindu temple, as mentioned in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Inaugurated in 2005, Akshardham is the finest example of Indian cultures and traditions. Maintained with tight security, it is one of the most visited temples of the country. One unique feature is that the entire structure is built of stones and marbles. No metals have been used in the construction. The temple is 141 foot high and 316 foot wide. Inside the temple complex, there are sprawling gardens, theatres, halls and food courts.
When visiting this temple, there are boat rides, musical fountain shows, exhibitions and sound and light shows. You can buy tickets for these online, while searching for Mumbai to Delhi flights.
3. Lotus Temple, Kalkaji
This is a popular tourist destination. It is a Bahai temple and looks like a gigantic lotus with 72 petals made entirely of white marble. What makes the temple unique is that there are no idols or religious artifacts inside.There is a huge prayer hall where people from all religions can sit and pray. The hall can accommodate 2,500 people and sermonizing, chanting and gathering is allowed all year round.
4. Laxminarayan Temple, Connaught Place
Popularly known as Birla Mandir,this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi. Established in 1938, it is built of white marble and red sandstone and spreads across seven acres. You can enjoy several fountains, shrines and gardens inside the temple complex. There is a huge hall that is used for religious ceremonies during Diwali and Janmashtami. It is home to many idols and an enormous marble horse-drawn chariot adds to the beauty of the temple.
The temples depict the historical past of the country. You’re sure to board your flight from Delhi to Mumbai with many memories and loads of photographs.