Spiritual Gems: 10 Hidden Temples in Delhi worth exploring

May 25, 2025

Delhi is a city that wears history like a second skin. From the towering minarets of the Qutub Complex to the Mughal grandeur of Humayun’s Tomb, every stone tells a story. But for every monument that gets tourist traffic, there are spiritual spaces quietly holding centuries of stories — spaces the locals know but rarely speak about.

This is a journey into the hidden temples in Delhi — places where faith, folklore, and stillness live on quietly, tucked into lanes, behind markets, or inside forests. These aren’t the flashy ones with big banners and parking lots. These are the kind that surprise you — where you walk in and feel… peace.

Let’s begin.

🕉️ 1. Yogmaya Temple – The Last Whisper of the Mahabharata

Right next to the famous Qutub Minar stands one of Delhi’s oldest surviving temples — the Yogmaya Temple. Most tourists don’t even know it exists. It’s dedicated to Goddess Yogmaya, the sister of Lord Krishna, and it’s said to be the only remaining shrine from the Mahabharata era.

Locals say the energy here is different. Calmer. More ancient. The temple isn’t grand, but there’s something powerful in its quiet simplicity.

📍 Where: Mehrauli
📜 Why Visit: One of the five surviving temples from Mahabharata’s Indraprastha
🌸 Vibe: Spiritual, serene, full of stories

🌳 2. Bhairav Mandir Near Purana Qila – The Fierce One’s Forgotten Shrine

Tucked in the shadow of Purana Qila, this temple to Bhairav (a fierce form of Lord Shiva) is raw and rustic. There are no marble floors, no digital donations — just faith in its most grounded form.

What makes it even more fascinating? Devotees offer liquor here as prasad — yes, you read that right. But don’t let that distract you. Step inside and you’ll feel the weight of hundreds of years of worship in the silence.

📍 Where: Near Pragati Maidan
🔥 Known For: Offering alcohol to Lord Bhairav
🌄 When to Go: Early mornings are surreal

🛕 3. Uttara Swami Malai Temple – A South Indian Soul in Delhi

Perched atop a small hill in RK Puram, this temple feels like a slice of Tamil Nadu transported to Delhi. From the carved gopuram to the priests chanting in Tamil, everything about it feels different from typical North Indian temples.

It’s not hidden in the literal sense, but it’s one of those temples that many Delhiites haven’t visited — unless someone tells them about it.

📍 Where: Sector 7, RK Puram
🌺 Known For: Traditional South Indian rituals and architecture
💡 Pro Tip: Visit during evening aarti — the vibe is magical

🌿 4. Kali Bari Mandir – A Bengali Heart in the City

Just a few minutes from the chaotic lanes of CP (Connaught Place) is the Kali Bari Temple. Blink and you’ll miss it — unless it’s Durga Puja season when the whole temple lights up with life, dhak beats, and steaming bhog.

The rest of the year, it’s peaceful. Quiet. Almost like Kolkata’s spiritual rhythm flowing through Delhi’s urban core.

📍 Where: Mandir Marg
🧘‍♀️ What to Expect: Authentic Bengali rituals, soulful silence
🥘 Bonus: If you’re lucky, get some home-style prasad

🕯️ 5. Neeli Chhatri Temple – The Forgotten Shiva Shrine on the Yamuna Banks

This one’s a real secret. Not many even know how to reach it. The Neeli Chhatri temple is said to have been established by Yudhishthira from the Mahabharata — making it one of Delhi’s oldest sacred sites.

Located near Nigambodh Ghat, it’s a small dome structure with fading blue paint, but the energy is something else. A spiritual place that feels frozen in time.

📍 Where: Near Yamuna Bazaar
🕉️ Who It Honors: Lord Shiva
📷 Hidden Gem Alert: Hardly anyone knows about this temple

What People Also Ask (FAQs)

Q: Are there really hidden temples in Delhi most people don’t know about?
Absolutely. Many temples in Delhi are centuries old but aren’t commercial or touristy, so they remain hidden in plain sight.

Q: Which hidden temple is the most historic?
Yogmaya Temple is considered the most ancient, possibly dating back to Mahabharata times.

Q: Are these temples safe to visit alone?
Yes, especially during daylight hours. They're located in accessible areas, though lesser-known.

Q: Do I need to follow any special customs?
Basic respect, modest clothing, and removing shoes before entry is standard. At Bhairav Mandir, be mindful of local traditions.

✨ Final Thought: Not Just Temples — Time Machines

These hidden temples in Delhi aren’t just places of worship. They’re pieces of living history. They’ve survived empires, invasions, and urban sprawl — quietly holding space for those who seek something deeper.

So next time Delhi feels too noisy, too fast, or too much — try one of these places. Step inside. Breathe. And listen to the silence. Sometimes, that’s where the real stories are hiding.