It is considered the oldest temple in Delhi that has been in continuous worship since its original construction.
The temple was historically known as the Jogmaya Temple and was a site of pilgrimage long before the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate.
During the Mughal rule, particularly in the 19th century, the temple received significant patronage despite the prevailing political climate.
The annual Phoolwalon Ki Sair festival involves the offering of floral 'pankhas' (fans) at this temple and the nearby Dargah of Khwaja Qutubuddin Bakhtiar Kaki.
The current idol of the deity is crafted from black stone and is traditionally dressed in elaborate silks and jewelry.
Shri Yogmaya Temple is one of the oldest temples in Delhi, believed to date back to the Mahabharata era. It is dedicated to Yogmaya, the sister of Lord Krishna, and is central to the history of the Mehrauli settlement. The present structure was reconstructed in the 19th century by Lala Sethmal during the Mughal period, replacing older historical iterations. The temple serves as the focal point for the annual Phoolwalon Ki Sair festival, a unique secular celebration involving both Hindu and Muslim communities. It is one of the five ancient temples in Delhi that survive from the period of the Mahabharata. The temple complex is built with a combination of brick and marble, featuring a prominent shikhara. It sits within the historical landscape of Mehrauli, near the Qutub Minar complex.
From the temple courtyard looking up at the white marble shikhara against the clear sky.
Visit during the Phoolwalon Ki Sair festival period for the most vibrant cultural experience.
Plan your visit to coincide with early morning or evening 'aarti' ceremonies to witness the temple's most active devotional rituals.
The narrow lanes surrounding the temple are historic; walk carefully as they are often crowded with pedestrians and vendors.
Avoid driving a personal vehicle directly to the temple gates as the approach roads are extremely narrow and prone to severe traffic bottlenecks.
The temple remains open daily throughout the year, with special crowds observed during the Phoolwalon Ki Sair festival in autumn.
Remove footwear before entering the sanctum; dress modestly covering shoulders and knees; refrain from photography inside the main inner sanctum.
