Yogmaya, sister of Krishna, did you know she predicted Kansa’s death? Right here stands the Yogmaya Temple, dedicated to her. This temple is in Mehrauli, New Delhi close to the Qutb complex.
The Yogmaya Temple is not just any temple. It is believed to be one of the oldest. Legend says the Pandavas built it after the Mahabharata war. Mehrauli is even mentioned as Yoginipura in ancient Jain texts. This name comes from the Yogmaya Temple’s importance.
Imagine the temple in its early days. It may have been around since 300-200 BCE. It is said that Mamluks destroyed 27 temples in the area. The Yogmaya Temple is the only pre-sultanate temple still in use. Hindu king Samrat Vikramaditya Hemu rebuilt the temple from ruins. Later, during Aurangzeb’s rule, an Islamic-style hall was added. Locals have repeatedly reconstructed the temple. Its original architecture could never be fully restored.
Yogmaya is an aspect of Maya. Maya means the illusionary power of God. The Yogmaya Temple is a popular place during Navratri. Devotees gather in large numbers to celebrate. The current temple was restored in the early 19th century. It may be the descendant of an even older shrine.
Nearby, you will find Anangtal Baoli. This water body is named after King Anangpal Tomar. Trees surround it on all sides. The Yogmaya Temple also plays a key role in Delhi’s inter-faith festival. It is called the Phool Walon Ki Sair.
Let’s talk about Mughal Emperor Akbar II. His wife was very upset. Her son, Mirza Jehangir, was in jail and then exiled. He had shot at the British Resident from a Red Fort window. The resident’s bodyguard died. Yogmaya appeared in the Queen’s dream. The Queen prayed for her son’s safe return. She vowed to offer flower punkahs at the Yogmaya Temple. She also vowed to offer them at the Muslim shrine of Qutbuddin Bhaktiar Khaki. This tradition continues today as the Phool Walon Ki Sair festival. It lasts for three days each October.
Interestingly, for over 5000 years, local families have cared for the Yogmaya Temple. These families now number over 200 people. They believe they share a common ancestor. Hundreds of years ago, this ancestor began caring for the temple. They offer prayers. They perform the shringar of the goddess Yogmaya twice a day. They clean the temple. They make and distribute prasad to visitors. They do all of this voluntarily and with great care.
The temple you see today was rebuilt in 1827. It is a simple structure. It has an entrance hall and a sanctum sanctorum. Inside, you will find the idol of Yogmaya. It is made of black stone. It sits in a marble well that is 2 ft wide and 1 ft deep. The sanctum is 17 ft square. It has a flat roof with a truncated shikara on top. Besides the tower, there is also a dome. The idol is covered in sequins and cloth. Small punkahs hang above the idol.
The temple enclosure is 400 ft square. It has towers at each corner. Sood Mal, the builder, ordered the construction of twenty-two towers. Originally, the temple floor was red stone. Now, it is marble. The main tower is 42 ft high. It has a copper plated shikara or pinnacle.
Devotees offer flowers and sweets to the goddess. These are placed on a marble table in front of the idol. Bells are not rung during worship here. Wine and meat are not allowed. Yogmaya is considered austere and exacting.
The Yogmaya Temple stands as a testament. It reflects the enduring faith and syncretic traditions of Delhi. Its story connects ancient legends with historical events. It also shows the devotion of generations.