How to: Spend a Day Temple-Hopping in New Delhi, India

lisalove (47)in #travel • 6 years ago (edited)

First and foremost, I would like to warn you that New Delhi is not for the faint-hearted, especially for solo-woman travelers (i.e. me). I learned a lot. And by that I mean: it was a difficult trip, which always precedes such knowledge.

I arrived in New Delhi on DAY ONE of my first ever solo-trip. It’s an understatement to say that it was a lot to take in: the overwhelming sights, like cows lazily strolling on traffic riddled streets, the smells (of said cows and burning trash), and the endless array of friendly, yet overly pushy storeowners. But after an early morning of gathering and pep-talking myself to go and explore, I had the most wonderful day hopping from temple to temple and enjoying the rich ancient histories of India.

There are a four different transportation options in New Delhi: local busses, auto rickshaws, taxis, and local trains. The trains are a good option for traveling to and from nearby cities, but within the city limits, I would recommend a rickshaw or taxi. The busses are wonderfully cheap (like 6-15¢/ride), but the traffic can be horrendous, and finding the bus stops on a blazing summer day is not ideal. The main advantages of hiring a rickshaw driver is that your driver can act as a local guide and can cater to your sightseeing preferences, with the bonus of which riding a rickshaw in Delhi traffic is an extreme experience to be had. Alas as prices must be haggled, there is a high risk of getting ripped off. Further, your driver will most likely try to take you to certain tour guide companies or certain shops to which they have ties to or been paid from. I was completely ripped off, twice, but I like to think of it as my first travel lesson, so I don’t hold any grudges.

You can also take a taxi with the advantages of air conditioner, but the same risks apply. (A further example, when I took a taxi from the airport, they told me my hotel was in a bad area and took me to a different hotel, which was 3X the price {again, the price of learning}).

It is also possible to find pre-paid auto rickshaw and taxi drivers, which can be pre-planned, via your hotel or a reliable, local company.

Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir

Once you find your local rickshaw or taxi driver for the day, request to be taken to Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir, the oldest and historical Jain temple in New Delhi. This temple is closed from noon until five in the evening, so be sure to begin early!

In my research and readings on India and yoga, I found Jainism to be quite interesting. They follow similar principles to yoga, such as ahimsa (non-violence) and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness), but to a whole new level. For example, some Jains may practice nudity to show their commitment to austerity, as well as to show their lack of violence to plants (that are woven into our clothes). I find such a form of discipline and commitment admirable. This Jain temple is dedicated to several gods and deities, but mainly to Lord Mahavira and Lord Parshvanath. This red stoned temple is extremely peaceful, and its vibrations completely soothing, a perfect place to look deeper within yourself as you gaze outward at your new exquisite external world. I recommend visiting their bird hospital on the premise, which is free of charge.

The Red Fort

Just across from the temple, take a peak at the Red Fort, which was constructed in 1639 as the palace of the Mughal Empire, when the capital changed from Agra to Delhi. The architect, Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, who designed the Red Fort also fashioned the Taj Mahal; and the intricacies and beauty of the red stoned palace and tree-lined walls can be seen from a distance away.

The Lotus Temple

Your next destination shall be the majestic Lotus Temple, a Bahá'í house of worship, whose religion holds space for all people, religions, and identities. Surrounded by clear blue pools of water, the temple is comprised of 27 white marble petals, in the shape of the lotus flower (as the name suggests), which is a national and sacred religious symbol. I love the symbol of the lotus flower; it is rooted and grows in muddied waters, yet remains pure and beautiful, transcending the unclean desires and attachments of the world. Though the interior of the temple is simply one bare hall, without any pictures or idols or adornments (as it is determined in Bahá'í scriptures), I still suggest spending some time within the walls of this open-minded temple.

ISCON Temple

The ISCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) Temple, opened in 1998, is not only more modern than its next-door neighbor, but it is far more aesthetically delightful than the last, especially in regards to its bubbly colors. Within this temple, there are extravagant statues and bright exhibits, based on the texts of Bhagavad Gita (a classic Hindu scripture), as well as wonderful mazes of gardens and halls, abundant with awe-inspiring architecture and paintings.

Arkshardham Temple

After so many simply breathtaking religious sites, you will probably think, it can’t get any better. Then, your eyes will feast on the aesthetic buffet of the Arkshardham Temple, devoted to Swaminarayan Akshardham. I remember simply whispering ‘wow’ in complete awe, walking a few feet further, and repeating myself—wow. Though it is quite modern, built in 2005, this temple will act as a transport back in time and into the richness of India’s history through an extensive collection of complex displays and exhibits in the halls and theatre. The intricate architecture and grassy green gardens are absolutely sublime. Arkshardham temple happens to be the largest Hindu temple in the world, but whether you are a believer or not, this temple is a sight you have to see, and may never forget. At this point, my phone ran out of battery in the sweltering heat, so you will have to visit and see for yourself!

Keep it Sweet and Simple

This list contains some of my favorite sights in Delhi that interested me on some spiritual or emotional level, but by no means is it an exhaustive list. There are tons of temples and sights to choose from, and if you’re in India for somewhat of an emotional/spiritual journey, whichever temples you choose, you probably won’t regret it. However, in the sake of Aparigraha (and the sake of not getting ripped off), I suggest you limit your shopping until you feel quite confident in your haggling skills! There are tons of shops and markets that you should willingly choose from, rather than be forcibly persuaded to buy from (via your driver dropping you off at one shop for 30 minutes). If you let them know on the get-go that you are not interested, it will make it harder for your driver to distract you with India’s cheap goodies.

Further, I did not have any problem in the first couple of days with Delhi’s food, but I was only eating freshly made vegetarian food, as it is the way of the locals. When in Rome, right? Especially in India, follow the local’s logic: do as they do. The sanitation levels in cooking and storing meat are not going to be what you’re used to, ESPECIALLY for cow meat, which most Indians view as sacred (and thus never eat).

Though I provide many warnings, India has a special place in my heart. Take precautions, yes; but also, risk it for the biscuit. Delhi is the point where chaos and the eye of the hurricane meet and make . The smell of fresh manure and burning plastic and symphony of unswerving honking will overwhelm you; but it won’t compare to the overwhelming peace you will feel in places of open worship. You don’t have to be a believer to believe in the beauty of life and feel the spirituality of a sacred place.