Hidden inside the crowded lanes of Katra Neel in Chandni Chowk, far from the usual tourist trail, stands Shri Ladli Ji Mandir — one of Old Delhi’s oldest and least-known temples dedicated to Shri Radha. Lovingly called “Ladli Ji” (the beloved, the darling daughter), the shrine belongs to the Radha-centred devotional tradition of Braj and carries a history that reaches back to the 18th century. This guide brings together what is documented about the temple, its deity and its setting.
The temple is located at 577, Katra Neel, Chandni Chowk, Delhi – 110006 (also described as Gali Ghanteshwar, Bagh Deewar, Katra Neel). Katra Neel is one of the historic lanes of Chandni Chowk that begins just past the Town Hall. The name comes from the Hindi word neel (indigo) — it was originally the katra, or walled commercial quarter, of the indigo dyers, and in the 19th century it was among the richest quarters of old Delhi. Today the same lane is a bustling wholesale market for sarees and suits, with the temple set quietly among its shops and havelis.
The presiding deity is Shri Radha, addressed affectionately as Ladli Ji — a word that means ‘beloved’ or ‘dearest daughter’, the same endearment by which Radha Rani is worshipped in her birthplace, Barsana. In the Radha-centred tradition to which this temple belongs, Radha is revered as the supreme object of devotion, worshipped together with Shri Krishna. For devotees, a darshan here is a chance to seek the blessings of Ladli Ji in the heart of the old city.
According to accounts of the Radhavallabh–Lalit tradition, this shrine was historically known as the Bada Mandir, or Ladili Ji Ka Mandir, and was built by the disciples of Shri Pradyumna Goswami, a revered figure of that lineage who served the deity Kishori Raman Ji at Lalit Kunj in Vrindavan. His son, Shri Vanshi Ali Ji (born 1707 CE), who is remembered as a promoter of the Lalit sect, is recorded as having celebrated Radha Ashtami grandly at this Delhi temple.
The temple is old enough to have witnessed one of Delhi’s darkest events: traditional accounts say its wealth was carried off during the massacre and plunder of Delhi in the time of Nadir Shah, whose army sacked the city in 1739 CE. That reference places the temple’s existence firmly before 1739, making it one of the oldest surviving Vaishnava shrines of Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi). Exact construction dates were not formally recorded, as was common for temples of that era.
The devotional stream behind the temple traces to the Radhavallabh Sampradaya, founded at Vrindavan in 1535 CE by the saint-poet Hita Harivansh Mahaprabhu (1502–1552). This tradition places Shri Radha at the very centre of worship and is known for its rich samaj gayan (devotional singing) and seva (loving service of the deity). The Lalit sect, associated with Pradyumna Goswami and Vanshi Ali Ji, is a lineage within this wider Radha-centred world of Braj — and the Ladli Ji Mandir is its old Delhi outpost.
Radha Ashtami — the appearance day of Shri Radha, which falls in Bhadrapada (August–September) — is the temple’s most important festival and is documented as having been celebrated here for centuries. In keeping with the Braj and Radha-Krishna tradition, devotees also observe Janmashtami, Holi, Hariyali Teej and Sharad Purnima with special jhankis (tableaux), bhajan and darshan. Festival days draw larger crowds, so plan accordingly.
The nearest Metro station is Chandni Chowk (Yellow Line), a short walk from the Town Hall; Katra Neel opens off the main Chandni Chowk road nearby. As the lane is narrow and busy, it is best explored on foot. A visit pairs naturally with the famous landmarks a few steps away — the Gauri Shankar Temple, the Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir, Gurudwara Sis Ganj and Fatehpuri Masjid — making it part of a rich Old Delhi heritage walk.
A note on timings: the temple does not publish fixed darshan timings online, and hours can vary on festival days. We recommend confirming current darshan and aarti timings locally or via the temple’s official social media (the Instagram handle mandirshreeladlijidelhi) before you visit, rather than relying on unverified listings.
It is at 577, Katra Neel, Chandni Chowk, Delhi – 110006, in a historic lane that begins just past the Town Hall in Old Delhi.
The presiding deity is Shri Radha, lovingly called Ladli Ji, worshipped together with Shri Krishna in the Radha-centred Radhavallabh–Lalit tradition.
Its exact founding year is not formally documented, but traditional accounts link it to the era of Nadir Shah’s invasion of Delhi in 1739 CE, so it predates that event and is among Old Delhi’s oldest Vaishnava temples.
Chandni Chowk on the Yellow Line is the nearest Metro station, a short walk from Katra Neel.
Radha Ashtami, the appearance day of Shri Radha (Bhadrapada, August–September), is the temple’s most important and historically documented festival.
Shri Ladli Ji Mandir is a reminder that some of Delhi’s most soulful shrines are tucked away in its oldest lanes, waiting to be discovered. If you would like to explore the temples of Old Delhi or plan a Braj (Mathura–Vrindavan) pilgrimage in the land of Radha, see our Mathura–Vrindavan Braj Yatra and other pilgrimage tour packages, or contact The Temple Tours to plan a guided Delhi temple visit.