The Khanna Tribe Story
- Parikshit Khanna
- Jan 24
- 9 min read
Updated: May 16

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Blog Section | Professional Blog Content |
Introduction | The Khanna clan story is not only about a surname. It is a story of family memory, Punjabi roots, Khatri identity, migration, faith, education, reform and continuity. Many Khanna families are connected with the broader Punjabi Khatri tradition, but every family branch has its own verified truth. Therefore, the most respectful way to write Khanna family history is to separate broad community history, oral tradition and family-specific records. For Parikshit Khanna’s branch, the known family thread is Jalandhar to Saharanpur, with a meaningful connection to Arya Samaj Mandir, Saharanpur. |
Meaning of the Khanna Surname | “Khanna” is widely understood as a Punjabi and North Indian surname often linked with the Khatri community. However, surname alone does not prove that all Khannas belong to one single ancestral line. Different Khanna families may have different gotras, kuldevis, kuldevtas, temple practices, marriage traditions and migration stories. This is why family records should always be treated as more reliable than general internet claims. |
Khanna and Khatri Identity | Many Khanna families are associated with the Khatri community. In community memory, Khatris are often connected with trade, scholarship, administration, education and professional work across Punjab and North India. The family record also notes that the Khanna name is often linked with Punjabi Hindu and Sikh cultural identity, while ritual strictness and household practices differ from branch to branch. |
Dhai Ghar Tradition | Khannas are often linked with the Dhai Ghar tradition, commonly described as a grouping of Kapoor/Kapur, Khanna and Malhotra/Mehra. This tradition is important in community memory, especially for marriage circles and social identity. However, it should be presented as a cultural tradition, not as a universal proof for every family branch. |
Gotra of Khanna Families | There is no single universal gotra for all Khannas. Gotra should be confirmed branch-wise through elders, bahi records, old marriage records, kul-purohit records, diaries and repeated family references. The safest professional wording is: “The gotra of a Khanna family should be verified from its own branch records.” |
Kuldevi Tradition: Hinglaj Mata | Many Khanna and Khatri branches traditionally revere Maa Hinglaj as kuldevi, but this is not universal. The family document clearly states that many branches revere Hinglaj Mata, while some follow other kuldevis, so every family should confirm its own kuldevi through elders and records. |
Hinglaj Mata Temple and Sacred Geography | Hinglaj Mata is traditionally associated with the Hingol region in Balochistan, now in Pakistan. Bhakti Bharat describes Shri Hinglaj Bhawani Mandir in Delhi as dedicated to Maa Hinglaj and notes the wider sacred connection of Hinglaj Peeth. It also lists the Delhi temple at E-7, Madhu Vihar, IP Extension, Patparganj, New Delhi. |
Kuldevta Tradition: Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji | A strong tradition among many Khanna and Khatri families reveres Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji as kuldevta. The uploaded family record describes Laloo Ji and Jas Rai Ji as protectors and remembers them as kuldevta in many families. It also connects this tradition with Raja Shri Chand, Dipalpur, Maa Hinglaj or Maa Bhawani and oral parampara. |
Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji: Khanna Kuldevta Tradition | The Jai Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji heritage website describes Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji as “Khanna’s Kul Devta” and says the name is connected with the kuldevta of Khatris and Khannas. The same source also states that the original Babaji temple stood in Dipalpur, Pakistan, and that Magh month rituals include Choti, Kadahi, Mundan and Janeu ceremonies. |
Why Delhi Is Important for Khanna Temple Tradition | Delhi, especially Old Delhi and Chandni Chowk, is one of the most important living temple centers for Khanna and Khatri families connected with Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji. Indian Express mentions Baba Lalu Jas Raiji Mandir in Old Delhi and describes Baba Lalu Jas Raiji as the family deity of the Khatri community. It also notes temples in Katra Neel and Chhipiwara in Old Delhi, along with Dipalpur in Pakistan as another prominent shrine in the tradition. |
Khanna Temple in Chandni Chowk, Delhi | One of the most searched Khanna-related temples in Delhi is Baba Laloo Jas Rai Mandir in Chandni Chowk. Justdial lists it as Baba Laloo Jas Rai Mandir, 2484, Chippiwada Kalaa, near Indraprasth Girls School, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Delhi 110006, with a strong public rating. |
Delhi NCR Temple Guide for Khanna Families | For families living in Delhi NCR, the most relevant temple references are in Delhi itself. The key places are Baba Laloo Jas Rai Mandir, Chandni Chowk, Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji temple tradition at Katra Neel, Chandni Chowk, and Shri Hinglaj Bhawani Mandir, Madhu Vihar, IP Extension, Patparganj. These are especially important for families researching kuldevta and kuldevi traditions in the Delhi region. |
Important Caution for Temple Claims | Not every Khanna family follows the same temple tradition. Many Khanna families revere Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji as kuldevta and many branches revere Hinglaj Mata as kuldevi, but this is not universal. Families should confirm their tradition from elders, old records, family priests and community references before making final ritual decisions. |
Khanna Kuldevta and Kuldevi Temple Table: Delhi NCR and India
Temple / Sacred Place | Location | Importance for Khanna / Khatri Families | Notes for Families |
Baba Laloo Jas Rai Mandir | Chippiwada Kalaa, near Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Delhi | Important Delhi temple connected with Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji, revered by many Khanna and Khatri families as kuldevta | Useful for darshan, family rituals and understanding Old Delhi Khanna/Khatri heritage. |
Baba Lalu Jas Raiji Mandir, Katra Neel | Katra Neel, Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi | Indian Express describes this temple as dedicated to Baba Lalu Jas Raiji, considered kuldevta or family deity of the Khatri community | A key Old Delhi reference for Khanna families researching Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji tradition. |
Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji Temple, New Delhi, Chandni Chowk | Pai Walan, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi | Listed by the Jai Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji heritage website as one of the temple locations in India | The site lists temple timings and contact details, but families should confirm before visiting. |
Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji Temple, New Delhi, Katra Neel | Katra Neel, Chandni Chowk, Delhi 110006 | Listed as another New Delhi location connected with Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji tradition | Important for Old Delhi heritage mapping of Khanna/Khatri temples. |
Shri Hinglaj Bhawani Mandir | E-7, Madhu Vihar, IP Extension, Patparganj, New Delhi | Important Delhi temple dedicated to Maa Hinglaj, who is revered as kuldevi by many Khatri and Khanna branches | Bhakti Bharat notes this as a major Hinglaj temple in North India and gives the Madhu Vihar address. |
Hinglaj Bhawani Mandir, Patparganj | E7 IP, Madhu Vihar, IP Extension, near Ahinsa Dham Jain Hospital, Patparganj, Delhi 110092 | Delhi NCR temple for devotees of Maa Hinglaj | Justdial lists it as a Hindu shrine with establishment year 2001 and public ratings. |
Original Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji Temple Tradition | Dipalpur, Pakistan region | Traditionally remembered as the original sacred location connected with Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji | The heritage website states the original Babaji temple stood in Dipalpur, Pakistan, and needs restoration. |
Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji Temple, Amritsar | Gali Babe Wali Khoo Sunarian, Katra Duloo, near Hindu College, Amritsar, Punjab | Major Punjab temple reference for Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji devotees | Listed by the Jai Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji heritage website with address and timings. |
Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji Temple, Jagraon | Pili Gate Mohalla, Jagraon, Punjab | Punjab temple connected with Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji worship | Listed by the heritage website with address and temple timings. |
Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji Temple, Jalandhar | Mandir Lahoria, Meetha Bazar, inside Mahira Gate, Jalandhar, Punjab | Important for Khanna families with Jalandhar roots, including branches that remember Jalandhar as an ancestral location | This is especially relevant for Parikshit Khanna’s family branch, which records Jalandhar to Saharanpur migration. |
Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji Temple, Patiala | Jandh Gali, near Sarhindi Bazaar, Patiala, Punjab | Punjab temple reference for Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji devotees | Listed with contacts and timings on the heritage website. |
Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji Temple, Mumbai | Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir, Gaodevi Road, Bhandup West, Mumbai | Maharashtra temple reference for Khanna/Khatri families living in Mumbai | The heritage website notes it opens only in the month of Magh, so families should confirm before visiting. |
Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji Temple, Kanpur | 33/84, Topi Bazaar, Chowk, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh | Uttar Pradesh temple reference for Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji tradition | Listed on the heritage website. |
Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji Temple, Lucknow | Sondhi Tola, Chowk, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226003 | Uttar Pradesh temple reference for Khanna/Khatri devotees | Listed by the Jai Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji heritage website. |
Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji Temple, Varanasi | C.K. 8/62 A, Garwasitola, Ghasi Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh | Temple reference for Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji tradition in Varanasi | Listed with timings and contact details on the heritage website. |
Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji Temple, Kolkata | 187, Mahatma Gandhi Road, near Bira Restaurant, Kolkata | East India temple reference for devotees of Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji | Listed on the heritage website. |
Temple Rituals and Family Practices
Ritual / Practice | Connected With | Meaning for Khanna Families | Professional Note |
Darshan | Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji / Maa Hinglaj | Families visit temples for blessings, gratitude and continuity of family tradition | Practice varies by family branch. |
Choti Ceremony | Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji | Connected with the sacred tradition of Baba Ji and children’s rituals | The heritage website lists Choti as a special Magh month ritual. |
Mundan Ceremony | Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji | First hair-cutting ritual for children in some families | Should be performed only as per family tradition and temple guidance. |
Janeu Ceremony | Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji | Sacred thread ritual followed by some families | The heritage website lists Janeu among the main rituals. |
Kadahi Prasad | Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji | A special offering made by devotees | Families should confirm local temple rules before offering. |
Bhandaara | Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji / Maa Hinglaj | Community feast or offering of gratitude | Commonly associated with devotion and mannat fulfillment. |
Kuldevi Puja | Maa Hinglaj | Performed by many branches that revere Hinglaj Mata as kuldevi | Not universal, confirm from family elders. |
Kuldevta Puja | Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji | Performed by many Khanna/Khatri families that follow Baba Ji as kuldevta | Not universal, confirm from family tradition. |
Delhi NCR Guide for Khanna Families
Family Need | Recommended Temple Reference | Why It Matters |
Kuldevta darshan in Delhi NCR | Baba Laloo Jas Rai Mandir, Chandni Chowk / Katra Neel | Strongest Delhi NCR reference for Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji tradition. |
Kuldevi darshan in Delhi NCR | Shri Hinglaj Bhawani Mandir, Madhu Vihar, IP Extension, Patparganj | Important Delhi temple dedicated to Maa Hinglaj. |
Old Delhi heritage visit | Chandni Chowk, Chippiwada, Katra Neel | Connects family history with older Khatri/Khanna temple geography. |
Family archive research | Ask temple priests, elders and family record keepers | Useful for verifying rituals, gotra, kuldevi and kuldevta tradition. |
Children’s family-history visit | Chandni Chowk temple plus Hinglaj Bhawani Mandir | Helps younger generations understand both kuldevta and kuldevi traditions. |
Jalandhar-linked family visit | Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji Temple, Mandir Lahoria, Meetha Bazar, Jalandhar | Specially meaningful for families with Jalandhar ancestry. |
Blog FAQ: Khanna Temples, Kuldevi and Kuldevta
Question | Professional Answer |
Which temple is known as Khanna temple in Delhi? | Baba Laloo Jas Rai Mandir in Old Delhi, especially the Chandni Chowk, Chippiwada and Katra Neel tradition, is strongly associated with Khanna and Khatri families. Justdial lists Baba Laloo Jas Rai Mandir at Chippiwada Kalaa, Chandni Chowk, and Indian Express mentions Baba Lalu Jas Raiji temples in Katra Neel and Chhipiwara. |
Who is the kuldevta of Khanna families? | Many Khanna and Khatri families revere Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji as kuldevta, but this is not universal for every Khanna branch. Families should confirm from elders and family records. |
Who is the kuldevi of Khanna families? | Many branches revere Maa Hinglaj as kuldevi, but some families may follow other kuldevis. The correct answer is branch-specific and should be verified through family tradition. |
Where can Khanna families visit in Delhi NCR for kuldevi darshan? | Shri Hinglaj Bhawani Mandir in Madhu Vihar, IP Extension, Patparganj, New Delhi is a major Delhi NCR reference for Maa Hinglaj devotees. |
Where can Khanna families visit in Delhi NCR for kuldevta darshan? | Baba Laloo Jas Rai Mandir in Chandni Chowk and Katra Neel, Old Delhi, is the key Delhi NCR reference for Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji devotees. |
Is Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji worship only for Khannas? | The heritage website states that while Baba Ji is the family deity of the Khatri community, anyone can seek his blessings. |
Is every Khanna family required to follow these temples? | No. These are important and widely referenced traditions, but each family must confirm its own kuldevi, kuldevta and ritual practices from elders and records. |
Why is Dipalpur, Pakistan important in this tradition? | Dipalpur appears in Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji tradition as the original sacred location. The heritage website states that the original Babaji temple stood in Dipalpur, Pakistan. |
Which temple is relevant for Khanna families with Jalandhar roots? | The heritage website lists a Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji temple at Mandir Lahoria, Meetha Bazar, inside Mahira Gate, Jalandhar. This is especially relevant for families whose branch records mention Jalandhar roots. |
Conclusion
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Family Legacy and Temple Continuity | The Khanna family story becomes stronger when it is preserved with both devotion and accuracy. Many Khanna families remember Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji as kuldevta and Maa Hinglaj as kuldevi, but every branch must verify its own truth. Delhi NCR has important temple references in Old Delhi and Patparganj, while Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and West Bengal also have temple references connected with Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji tradition. For Parikshit Khanna’s branch, the known thread of Jalandhar to Saharanpur, combined with Arya Samaj values and family records, creates a dignified and meaningful legacy for future generations. |



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