24 feet across, with a doorway in each side, is paved with marble and is surrounded by a verandah 8'9" wide and contains 36 arched openings or exterior doorways. This verandah encloses the central chamber from all sides. In the middle of this arcade, opposite the eastern doorway, are two red sandstone tigers sitting on a marble pedestal. Both the pedestal, as well as the marble railings, contain Nastaʿlīq inscriptions of recent origin. Between the tigers, there is a stone image of Kali Devi with her name engraved in Hindi, and a trident of stone standing before it. The temple complex is situated on the Delhi Metro between the Nehru Place bus terminus and business center and Okhla railway station and industrial area, and next to the Baháʼí Faith's Lotus Temple. Close to the temple, on a hill in the east of Kailash Colony and near the ISKCON temple, lies an edict of Ashoka, dating from the 3rd century BC. Rituals The temple is visited by worshippers all year round, but the culmination point of their prayers and celebration is during the twice-yearly festival of Navratri, a nine-day Hindu festival, in spring and autumn, during which a large fair is organised. Devotees gather and sing hymns and songs praising the Goddess Durga. During these nine days, many tradesmen selling various handicrafts come to the temple to boost their business. Devotees stand outside in serpentine queues for their turn to get a glimpse of the goddess. The major ritual consists of offering and bathing the idol (Mata Snanam) with milk followed by an aarti every morning (6 am) and evening (7.30 pm). This, in turn, is followed by hymn recitation. Offerings can be purchased just before the entrance of the temple. The Puja Archana and other rituals are performed turn by turn (Monthly Basis) by Pujaris consisting of more than 1,000 Nai families who are the descendants of four main clans (thules) of Brahmin pujaris and one clan of Jogis/Mahants. The atmosphere around the temple is airy and bright with lights all night. Devotees also try to meditate there and an aarti is held in the evening. See also Kalka Cave Temple References External links Official website Kalka Devi Temple Kalka Mandir, Delhi Google Maps Hindu temples in Delhi Kali temples South Delhi district