With its roof of white domes and beautifully carved exteriors, this Hindu temple—also known as the Jogmaya Temple—is worth a visit for its beautiful architecture alone. Devotees regularly offer flowers and other gifts to the main idol, particularly during the twice-annual Navratri celebrations, dedicated to the goddess Devi in her many forms.
While devout Indian Hindus often come to this part of town specifically for the temple, most international visitors stop by as part of a larger tour of Mehrauli’s temples, or tick it off after a visit to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site of Qutub Minar.
Make sure to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees out of respect for local tradition.
It’s customary, but not required, to leave a small donation at temples, so bring some change.
Be prepared to remove your footwear before entering the temple.
The Yogmaya Mandir is located in the South Delhi village of Mehrauli, due east of the Qutub Minar. The nearest metro station is at Saket, but it's still around a half-hour walk away, and it's generally easier to visit this temple by taxi or as part of an organized tour.
The Yogmaya Temple is open throughout the year, though it’s always more pleasant to visit New Delhi attractions during the cooler winter months. If you happen to be in town during the hottest months of May and June, you may wish to visit early in the day or around sunset, just before the temple closes for daily aarti prayer ceremonies.
Held every autumn since 1812, Phool Walon Ki Sair is a secular festival in which flower sellers (Hindus and Muslims alike) join together in a procession from Yogmaya Temple, through Mehrauli, to the shrine of Sufi saint Khwaja Bakhtiyar Kaki. The incumbent prime minister usually joins in the festivities, and the government has taken an active role in its promotion, inviting musicians and performers from across India to showcase their regional traditions.
