Mayur Vihar - Mayur Vihar Phase I

Mayur Vihar Phase I

It is situated between Pandavnagar, Old Patparganj, Trilokpuri, Chilla Village, Chilla DDA Janata Flats and River Yamuna. Phase-I has DDA flats (organized into Pockets I-V) and Housing Co-Operative Society Buildings (e.g., Hindustan Apartments, CGHS Apartments). First immigrants to Phase I were mainly in Pocket III and Pocket I in early 1980s. Later, Pocket II, Pocket IV (near metro station) and Pocket V were developed. The nearest village is known as Chilla Gaaon that is now surrounded by housing societies' apartment buildings. Sadar Apartments is one of the oldest apartments in the locality.

Mayur Vihar Phase I has many places of worship. Sri Ram temple is one of the first temple in Pocket I where community events (e.g., Dussera, Janamashtami and Ramlila) take place. The famous Uttara Guruvayoorappan Temple which is built on the exact lines of the most famous shrine of Kerala. This is a landmark which on its own, lends the Phase I a unique character. People from all over Delhi visit this temple in Pocket III. The temple also offers charity medical attention for the needy.

Another excellent Hindu temple is Shri Subha Siddhi Vinayaka Mandir Society (http://www.sssvm.in) which was registered in June 1990 in Pocket - IV, Mayur Vihar, Phase-1, Delhi - 110091. In 1996, action was taken to construct a proper permanent Sannadhi for housing Lord Vinayaka, as the Principal Deity. Thus the primary structure came into being, having First Floor and Vimanam (Panch-Dala) erected thereon. Kumbabishekam was performed in February 1997. In 1991, 2 more Sannadhis, one for Navagrahas and the other for Lord Hanuman were added. In 1997, in keeping with the general sentiments of the devotees, one more Sannadhi for Shiv Parivar was added to commence regular Pradosh-Kala Pujas for Lord Shiva. In the same year, the temple was sanctified with the venerable presence of Great Spiritual Gurus (3 Sankaracharyas) simultaneously who performed Abhishekam for the deity, by their own hands. In 2005, another important decision was taken to construct an exclusive Sannadhi for Lord Subrahmanya (Murugar) for which construction was commenced.

Other places of worship includes a Sikh Gurdwara and Shirdi Sai Temple. The Sikh Gurdwara on the east side of Pocket III near police station was burnt during the 1984 anti-sikh riots. The Gurdwara has been repaired and restored now. The Bengali Community perform Durga Puja which is well known in Delhi.

Some parts of Mayur Vihar Phase I however have been crassly commercialized. The most popular market area is the 'Acharya Niketan' market which houses brands of various commodities. One day of the week (typically a day when shops are closed), an evening market is organized where local residents can buy vegetables and other day-to-day things. More contemporary shopping mall (Star City) has various clothing stores (Reliance Retail) and restaurants as the major attraction.

Mayur Vihar Phase I is a green area with many parks and gardens. Local residents can be seen doing exercises in the morning, playing cards (by senior citizens) and cricket by youngsters during the day. One can find a large number of retired people living in this place. Prior to 1985 the people came here and bought houses at a very low cost; now the prices have gone up due to the coming of Metro and other amenities in the area.