“Who keeps track of all our deeds?” I ask. Welcome to Shri Chitragupta Mandir. This temple is not just another place of worship. It is a unique monument dedicated to the Hindu deity Chitragupta. Chitragupta is the keeper of records. He notes the good and bad deeds of every human being.
Shri Chitragupta Mandir stands at the western end of Main Bazaar Road in Paharganj. It is about 400 meters from the R.K. Ashram metro station. The temple’s story dates back to the early 20th century. Mr. Radha Kishan Saxena of Sahsawan supervised its design and construction. That was between 1916 and 1917 C.E.
The temple’s architecture is a unique blend. It combines Hindu, Persian, and European styles. The gateway is impressive. It features a huge double-story structure. Three domes top the arched gateway. The central dome is larger than the other two. This gateway opens into a large courtyard.
At the courtyard’s corner, you will see the main shrine. It houses the idol of Chitragupta. The shrine is rectangular. An arched dalan leads to the sanctum sanctorum. Here, the main idol of Chitragupta resides. The temple also houses idols of other Hindu deities.
Look at the parapet of the main temple. It is adorned with trellis designs. At the roof’s center, there is a European-style oblong panel. The walls are made of bricks. They are plastered with lime mortar and cement. The floor is marble. Red sandstone embellishes the wall decorations.
Shri Chitragupta Mandir is more than a century old. It was constructed in the early twentieth century. The temple lies in an area between the Yamuna flood plains and the Delhi Ridge. The Delhi Ridge is an extension of the Aravali range.
Consider what Chitragupta represents. He is the divine accountant. He tallies our actions. He presents them to Yama, the god of death. Yama then decides our fate based on these records. It is believed that Chitragupta emerged from a painting. Brahma assigned him the task of recording human deeds. This makes Shri Chitragupta Mandir a significant spiritual site.
Shri Chitragupta is often referred to as the Hindu God of Data. He sprang from Brahma’s soul and mind. Thus, he has the right to write Vedas. He also has the duty of a Kshatriya. The Garuda Purana describes Chitragupta’s imperial throne in Yamaloka. He dispenses justice based on people’s deeds.
Remember the importance of our actions. Every deed is recorded. As you leave Shri Chitragupta Mandir, consider the legacy you are creating. Make it a good one.