DELHI - YOGAMAYA TEMPLE

The antiquity of this shrine dates back to Dwapara yuga, precisely to the auspicious hour of Krishna's birth. Necessitated by the exigency of situation, Sri Mahavishnu advised Yogamaya to effect the exchange of embryo of Devaki to Rohini. When accomplished, he again requested her to be born as child to Yasoda on the same day of his birth to Devaki. The rest of the story well known-when Kamsa tried to kill the new born babe, she flew into sky and predicted his impending death. This Sakti with Ashtabhuja was later adored at several places installing her magnificent icons. Even at the time of Kurukshetra war Sri Krishna advised Yudhishtara to install her icon and worship her for sure success in the war. Krishna's direction was adhered to then and there and so victory. The icon, of course, disappeared due to ravages of times.

In 1827, a great devotee by name Lala Sethmal built a magnificent temple in memory of that great Sakti. The oddity that greets the visitors is the absence of any idol; but artistic decoration resembling Devi is worshipped with unusual religious fervour. It draws devotees throughout the year. The temple has huge property and has built several rooms for pilgrims comfort.

It lies near Kutubminar, about 2260 yards off lohasthamba and accessible by four wheelers.

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