Gauri Shankar Mandir Delhi- Aarti & Darshan Timings, Famous Attractions, and Many More

Ever since I was young, my mom used to tell me to visit a temple and seek blessings before beginning something new. So, prior to commencing this year, I decided to visit the archaic Gauri Shankar Mandir Delhi. Known as one of India’s most divinely vibrant temples, this pristine ancient shrine houses a self-originating Shiva Lingam. 

Situated in the bustling heart of Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk draws massive crowds throughout the year, with the crowd peaking during the Maha Shivaratri festivities.

Let me take you on a tour of the famous Gauri Shankar Mandir Chandni Chowk Delhi.

A Synopsis of Gauri Shankar Mandir

Gauri Shankar temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated in Delhi’s Chandni Chowk. As the name suggests, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Shankar and Goddess Parvati as Gauri. It features a unique self-manifested Shiva Lingam surrounded by silver snakes, attracting devotees for health and prosperity blessings. 

Historical Significance of Gauri Shankar Mandir Delhi

Like every place, the Gauri Shankar mandir Delhi holds a significant history. Legend says a Maratha soldier, Apa Ganga Dhar, prayed to Lord Shiva to survive a battle; upon surviving, he built this famous Shiva temple around 800 years ago. 

It’s a significant pilgrimage spot in Old Delhi, featuring a sacred, naturally formed Shiva Lingam. The temple has seen renovations, notably by Seth Jaipura. Devotees visit for blessings of marital bliss, children, prosperity, and to overcome obstacles.

Let me help you navigate this deeply significant, historic shrine.

Routes to Gauri Shankar Temple

The Gauri Shankar Temple is located on the main Chandni Chowk Road in Old Delhi, near the Red Fort and the Digambar Jain Lal Mandir. The most convenient way to get there is by the Delhi Metro. Check out the transportation options: 

A. By Metro

As the area is generally busy, public transport is recommended, making the Delhi Metro the most popular choice. There are two significant metro stations:

• Chandni Chowk (🟡 Yellow Line) is the closest metro station to the temple as per the Delhi metro map. From the exit, the temple is approximately 1.2 km, which amounts to a 5-10 minute walk or a short rickshaw ride away.

• Lal Quila (🟣Violet Line) is also nearby and within walking distance of the temple.

B. By Road

The Gauri Shankar temple is easily accessible by cabs, autos, and rickshaws. The temple is easily accessible by bus, with stops near Chandni Chowk. It is just a short walk from the main road in Manohar Market. 

C. By Train

The Old Delhi Railway Station is the nearest major railway station. From there, you can take an auto-rickshaw or the metro (from Chandni Chowk metro station) to reach the temple.

Follow along to know the Gauri Shankar Mandir timings for aarti and darshan.

Aarti and Darshan Timings of Gauri Shankar Mandir Chandni Chowk Delhi

The Gauri Shankar Mandir Chandni Chowk timing may vary daily, so for a truly peaceful experience, it’s best to check ahead and arrive early. It opens daily in two shifts:

For Daily Darshan
In the morning: 5:00 AM – 10:00 AM	In the evening: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

The Gauri Shankar Mandir timings for aarti are:

Aarti Timings
Morning Aarti: 5:00 AM	Evening Aarti: 7:00 PM

Apart from the usual aarti of the main shrines, there are other special aarti scheduled:

• Monday (Shiv Aarti): 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM. 
• Tuesday (Devi Aarti): Dedicated to the Goddess. 
• Saturday (Navgraha Pooja): Special prayers for planetary deities.

Consider these additional points before planning a visit to Gauri Shankar Mandir Delhi:

• Entry Fee:  There is no entry fee to enter this historic temple.
• Prasad Offering: The temple often distributes free prasad to the devotees; however, you can buy prasad offerings and flowers to donate.
• Dressing: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees; avoid shorts, short skirts, and sleeveless tops. A traditional outfit like a saree or a suit is considered ideal.

In addition to the Gauri Shankar Mandir Delhi, be sure to consider visiting the other spots.

Top 5 Must-See Spots Near Gauri Shankar Mandir

The Gauri Shankar Mandir is the central point, covered by many other iconic sites you must visit. The top must-see spots are the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and many more. 

Let us look into the comprehensive overview:

1. Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir

Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir is located right next to the Gauri Shankar Mandir. This is the oldest Jain temple in Delhi. 

Here are the details:

• Location: Netaji Subhash Marg, opposite Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, Delhi, 110006

  Lal Mandir Shri Digambar Jain Atishay Kshetra

• Distance from Gauri Shankar Temple: It is a 2-minute walk from Gauri Shankar Mandir Delhi.

• Timings: 
  • Morning: Around 5:30 AM or 6:00 AM to 11:30 AM or 12:00 PM. 
  • Evening: Around 6:00 PM or 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM or 9:00 PM.

• Entry Fee (If Any): There is no entry fee.

2. Red Fort (Lal Qila)

You can explore the Red Fort’s massive red sandstone walls, various palaces like Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas, museums, and beautiful gardens. 

Here’s all you need to know:

• Location: Netaji Subhash Marg, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi 110006, India

  Red Fort

• Distance from Gauri Shankar Temple: It is a 5-minute walk from the temple premises to the fort. 

• Timings: The Red Fort (Lal Qila) in Delhi is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (closed Mondays).

• Entry Fee (If Any): 
  • Indian Citizens: ₹ 35. 
  • Foreign Tourists: ₹ 500. 
  • Children (under 15): Free. 
  • Video Camera: Extra ₹ 25

3. Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid is one of India’s largest mosques and an architectural masterpiece in red sandstone and white marble. 

Here’s all you need to know:

• Location: Jama Masjid, Old Delhi, Delhi, 110006

  Jama Masjid

• Distance from Gauri Shankar Temple: It is a 10-minute walk and a 4-minute drive, covering a distance of 750 meters.

• Timings: It is generally open for visitors from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM and then from 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

• Entry Fee (If Any): It is free for Indians to enter; however, foreigners face a fee of INR 400. There are separate charges for photography (₹300) and climbing the minarets (₹100).

4. Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib

Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib is a sacred Sikh place of worship that honors the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur. The gurdwara offers a serene and spiritual experience, open to people of all faiths. Here’s all you need to know:

• Location: M64M+92V, Chandni Chowk Rd, Maliwara, Chatta Pratap, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi, 110006

  Gurudwara Sisganj Sahib

• Distance from Gauri Shankar Temple: It is a 4-minute-walk from the Gurudwara, having a distance of 300 metres. 

• Timings: It is open 24/7. 

• Entry Fee (If Any): No entry fee

5. Raj Ghat Memorial

Located on the west bank of the Yamuna River, Raj Ghat marks the exact spot where Gandhi was cremated on January 31, 1948, following his assassination. Here are the details to refer to:

• Location: J6RX+6RR, behind Red Fort, Gandhi Smriti, Raj Ghat, New Delhi, Delhi, 110002

  Raj Ghat Memorial New Delhi

• Distance from Gauri Shankar Temple: It is a 10-minute ride from Gauri Shankar Mandir Delhi.

• Timings: It is open from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM.

• Entry Fee (If Any): No entry fee.

Popular Food Spots Near Gauri Shankar Mandir Chandni Chowk

Chandni Chowk is also known as the “Street Food Capital of India”, highlighting its historical, long-standing food joints like Paranthe Wali Gali and Natraj Dahi Bhalla.

Let’s find out the top 5 places to eat that I visited and absolutely fell in love with, near Gauri Shankar mandir Delhi.

1. Mirchi Ram

It is located right opposite the temple, offering vegetarian North Indian street food. Here are the details to refer to:

• Location: 1464, Main Chowk, Guru Dawar Sis Ganj, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi 110006

  Mirchi Ram

• Distance from Gauri Shankar Mandir Delhi: A 3-minute-walk from the Gauri Shankar Mandir Delhi.

• Famous Food Items : 
  • Chole Bhature
  • Kadhi Chawal
  • Rajma Chawal
  • Gulaab Jamun

• Average Price: INR 150 per person.

2. Natraj Dahi Bhalla Corner

Established in 1940, Natraj Dahi Bhalla Corner is one of Old Delhi’s most legendary street food institutions. Here’s all you need to know:

• Location: 1396, Main Road, beside Central Bank, Kucha Mahajani, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi 110006

  Natraj Dahi Bhalla

• Distance from Gauri Shankar Mandir Delhi: It is a short 6 to 7-minute walk from the Gauri Shankar Mandir Delhi

• Famous Food Items :
  • Dahi Bhalla
  • Aloo Tikki
  • Chole Bhature 
  • Pav Bhaji

• Average Price: Around INR 150 to 200.

3. Paranthe Wali Gali

An iconic narrow street in Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk is famous for its legendary, deep-fried stuffed flatbreads (known as Paranthe). Here’s all you need to know:

• Location: Chandni Chowk, Delhi, 110006

  Paranthe Wali Gali

• Distance from Gauri Shankar Mandir Delhi: Roughly a 7-10-minute walk from the Gauri Shankar Mandir.

• Famous Food Items :
  • Aloo, Matar, Gobhi, and Paneer Parantha
  • Aloo matar
  • Imli Chutney
  • Kulhad Lassi

• Average Price: Average INR 300 – INR 500

4. Giani’s di Hatti

It is a landmark eatery in Old Delhi, best known for its legendary Rabri Falooda and rich North Indian street food. Here’s all you need to know:

• Location: Bagh Deewar, Katra Ghel, Fatehpuri, Chandni Chowk, Delhi, 110006

  Giani’s Di Hatti

• Distance from Gauri Shankar Mandir Delhi: It is a 10-15 minute walk from the Gauri Shankar Mandir.

• Famous Food Items :
  • Rabri Falooda
  • Gajar ka Halwa
  • Moong Dal Halwa
  • Fruit Cream

• Average Price: Around INR 300 – INR 500

5. Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wale

It is a legendary dessert destination in Old Delhi, established in 1906. Here’s all you need to know:

• Location: Shop No. 526 Kucha Pati Ram, Sitaram Bazar Rd, Chawri Bazar, New Delhi, Delhi 110006

  Kuremal’s Mohanlal Kulfi

• Distance from Gauri Shankar Mandir Delhi: A rickshaw ride typically takes about 10-15 minutes from Gauri Shankar Mandir.

• Famous Food Items :
  • Stuffed Mango Kulfi
  • Stuffed Orange Kulfi
  • Stuffed Pomegranate Kulfi
  • Stuffed Apple and Guava Kulfi, and many more.

• Average Price: Around INR 200-INR 400

6. Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala

It is a legendary street food stall in Chandni Chowk, renowned for its extra spicy and crispy khasta kachoris. Here’s all you need to know:

• Location: 5488, Nai Sarak, Katra Rathi, Chandni Chowk, Delhi, 110006

  Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala

• Distance from Gauri Shankar Mandir Delhi: Approximately 8 to 10 minutes walk from Gauri Shankar Mandir.

• Famous Food Items :
  • Dal Kachori with Aloo Sabzi
  • Kachalu Chutney
  • Pyaaz Kachori
  • Matar Kachori, and much more.

• Average Price: INR 100 – INR 200 for two people.

Archive of Snapshots of Gauri Shankar Mandir Chandni Chowk Delhi

The 800-year-old Gauri Shankar Mandir in Chandni Chowk is documented in considerable historical and cultural archives through snapshots and records. Here are some snaps for your reference:

Dos and Don’ts to Consider in Gauri Shankar Mandir

Before you plan your visit to the Gauri Shankar Mandir, ensure following the dos and don’ts as written below:

There are certain additional tips to make your journey remarkable:

• Perform Abhishek (offering water or milk) on the Shiva Lingam for spiritual experience.

• Do not forget to check out the basement level with sculptures of the twelve Jyotirlingas and other deities. 

Wrap Up

This blog breaks down all the information you need to have before planning a trip to the Gauri Shankar temple. If you are a Shaivite (devotee of Shiva), this place holds peace and sanctity for you. 

You can perform Abhishekam or Rudra Abhishekam, darshan the 12 jyotirlingas, the Lord Shiva statue, and also visit many other places near the temple.