This rocky area was named as Jhandewala during the 18th century due to the presence of a large Prayer flags.[2]
Jhandewalan temple at night
Discovery of idol
During the 18th century, a famous cloth merchant named Badri Das often walked to the Delhi Ridge of Aravalli range, which was covered with flora and fauna. While digging near a waterfall, the idol of Jhandewali Mata and a stone lingam with carvings of nāga were found by him. Das built the temple on the spot. Since the hands of the idol were damaged during excavation, hands of silver were made and the original statue was consecrated in the cavern basement which came to be called "Maa Gufa Wali" (The Mother Goddess of Cave). A new replica of the idol was installed on the ground floor which came to be called "Maa Jhande Wali" (The Mother Goddess of Flag). Since a large prayer flag was installed by Badri Das, who came to be known as "Bhagat Badri", the place came to be known as "Jhandewala" ("the place of the flag"). Within the temple compound there are subsidiary temples of Shiva as well as Kali.[2] The temple is run by the nonprofit organizationtrust"Badri Bhagat Jhandewalan Mandir Society".[3]
Jhandewalan Temple complex and spire in New Delhi
Hindu Jat and Muslim riots of 1924
During the British Raj, Muslims had built a slaughterhouse close to the temple. In May 1924, on the day of Bakri Eid, the Muslims of Pahari Dhiraj slaughtered a cow - which is revered by the Hindus as sacred - in the slaughterhouse close to the Jhandewala temple. This angered the Hindu Jats of Sadar Bazaar, which led to riots among the Jats and Muslims between 11 July and 18 July, resulting in loss of life and property. Muhammad Ali Jinnah repeatedly requested Mahatma Gandhi and Indian National Congress (INC) to stop the Jats, but Gandhi and INC were unable to control the situation. Riots were eventually stopped by the police.[4]
Religious celebrations
Jhandewalan Temple illuminated at night during Navratri
Decorated entrance of Jhandewalan Temple during Navratri celebrations
The daily worship at the temple follows a regulated schedule of five Aartis, with timings adjusting between summer and winter seasons. The day begins with the Mangal Aarti at 5:30 AM (Summer) or 6:00 AM (Winter), where dry fruits are offered as bhog. This is followed by the Shringar Aarti at 9:00 AM, during which devotees offer cheele, chane, milk, and coconut. At noon, the Bhog Aarti takes place, featuring a meal of rice, dal, and roti. Evening rituals commence with the Sayam Aarti at 8:00 PM (Summer) or 7:30 PM (Winter), where chane is offered. The day concludes with the Shayan Aarti at 10:00 PM (Summer) or 9:30 PM (Winter), with an offering of milk before the temple closes. The temple premises open at 5:00 AM in the summer and 5:30 AM in the winter. The shrine remains closed for a break from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, although this closure is suspended on Sundays, Tuesdays, and during Ashtami. The temple hosts specific weekly and monthly events. A Havan and Kirtan are performed daily in the morning. On Tuesday evenings, a special Kirtan is held. A Jagaran is performed on the Ashtami of every Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) starting at 10:00 PM.[8]
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
