Malai Mandir, Delhi

Introduction:
Uttara Swami Malai Temple, also known as Malai Mandir, is a Hindu temple located in the city of New Delhi, India. The temple is primarily dedicated to Lord Swaminatha, also known as Lord Murugan, who is highly revered by the religious Hindus of Tamil and other South Indian communities in the city. The temple complex is situated on Palam Marg, an affluent area of the city, and is easily accessible by metro, with the nearest station being Vasant Vihar, located around 2 km away.

About the Place:
The main temple within the complex, Sree Swaminatha Swami Temple, houses the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Swaminatha. The temple is built entirely of granite and is situated atop a small hillock in Sector-7 R.K. Puram, overlooking Vasant Vihar in South West Delhi. The temple complex also contains temples dedicated to Sree Karpaga Vinayagar, Sree Sundareswarar, and Devi Meenakshi. The architecture of these temples draws inspiration from the Pandya style of Tamil Architecture, as seen at the historic Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.

History:
The foundation stone for the temple was laid on September 8, 1965, by M. Bhakthavatsalam, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, at a function held under the presidency of Sri Lal Bahadur Shastri, then Prime Minister of India. On June 7, 1973, the main temple for Lord Swaminatha was consecrated, and a Mahakumbhabhishekham was performed. The temples for Sree Karpaga Vinayakar, Sree Sundareswarar, and Devi Meenakshi were consecrated on June 13, 1990, and Mahakumbhabhishekhams were performed. The Navagraha temple, along with a small temple for Idumban Swami, was consecrated, and Kumbhabhishekham was performed on July 7, 1995. The Adi Sankara Hall was inaugurated on November 9, 1997. On June 27, 2001, the third Punaruddharana, Ashtabandhana, and Swarna-Rajatha Bandhana Mahakumbhabhishekham of the temples were performed by H.H. Kanchi Kamakoti Peethadhipati Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal.

Facts about the Place:
The temple complex is built entirely of granite and is reminiscent of the Chola style of Tamil Architecture. In the Hindu religion, the peacock is considered Lord Swaminatha’s mount or vahana, and the temple has adopted a peacock as its pet. Visitors can spot and hear the peacock among the trees and foliage within the temple compound.

Entry Fees:
There is no entry fee to visit the temple.

Timings and Closed Day:
The temple is open every day of the week from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

How Much Time It Will Take to See this Place?
Visitors can spend around 1-2 hours at the temple.

Where to Park Your Vehicle When Visiting this Place?
There is parking available near the temple complex.

Nearest Metro Stations:
The nearest metro station is Vasant Vihar, located around 2 km away from the temple.

Activities to Do at this Place:
Visitors can attend the daily pooja and arati performed at the temple. The temple also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including Thaipusam, Skanda Shasti, and Panguni Uttiram.

The temple complex is also home to a library that contains a large collection of books, audio and video tapes, and CDs on Hinduism, philosophy, and culture. The library is open to the public and provides a peaceful atmosphere for reading and studying.

FAQs:

Is there a dress code for visiting the Malai Mandir?
Visitors are expected to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering the temple.
Are there any food options available at the temple?
There is a canteen within the temple complex that serves vegetarian food and refreshments.
Is photography allowed inside the temple?
No, photography is not allowed inside the temple. However, visitors can take pictures of the exterior and the surrounding gardens.
What is the significance of the peacock at the temple?
In Hindu mythology, the peacock is considered the mount or vahana of Lord Swaminatha. Therefore, the temple has adopted a peacock as its pet and it can be seen and heard in the temple compound.
Are there any specific rituals or prayers performed at the temple?
The temple conducts daily puja and aarti rituals, and special festivals and ceremonies are also celebrated throughout the year.
Amenities:

Shoe rack for visitors to deposit their footwear
Washroom facilities
Library with a collection of books, tapes, and CDs on Hinduism and philosophy
Canteen serving vegetarian food and refreshments
Spacious parking area for visitors