Jhandewalan Temple

Jhandewalan Temple is a Hindu temple in Karol Bagh in Delhi, India dedicated to the goddess Jhandewali Mata. It is among the oldest temple in Delhi and located on Jhandewala road.

History

Etymology

This rocky area was named as Jhandewala during the 18th century due to the presence of a large Prayer flags.

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 to stop the Jats, but Gandhi and INC were unable to control the situation. Riots were eventually stopped by the police.

Religious celebrations

The upper level of the temple has the idol of Mata Jhandewali
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 or 6:00 AM, 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 or 7:30 PM, where chane is offered. The day concludes with the Shayan Aarti at 10:00 PM or 9:30 PM, 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 starting at 10:00 PM.