Birla Temple, New Delhi
Overview
Laxmi Narayan Temple, also known as Birla Mandir, is one of Delhi's major temples and a major tourist attraction. Built by the industrialst G.D. Birla in 1938, this beautiful temple is located in the west of Connaught Place.
The temple is dedicated to Laxmi (the goddess of prosperity) and Narayana (The preserver). The temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi on the condition that people of all castes will be allowed to enter the temple.
Architecture of Birla Temple
The architecture of the temple seems to be inspired from the Orissa style. The temple has tall curved towers, the highest tower reaching a height of 165 feet while the auxiliary towers reach 116 feet. The exterior is faced with white marble and red sandstone while the interior is overlooked by two-storey verandahs on three sides and gardens and fountains at the rear. The plethora of sculptures, idols, tall spires and Jali work make Birla Mandir incredible to behold.
The Geeta Bhawan in the Birla Temple is an exhibition hall cum shrine, dedicated to Lord Krishna. The entire hall is embellished with paintings depicting scenes from Indian Mythology. There is another temple within the complex housing Lord Buddha. The walls and the upper gallery reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Rajasthani paintings.
The Birla Temple is a landmark in the history of modern Indian architecture. One must not miss this site while on a tour to Delhi.
Birla Mandir is also famous for the festival of Janmashtami (birth of the Hindu deity Krishna). The festival is celebrated here with much goodwill and cheer.
The temple is designed in the Orissan style, with tall curved towers capped by large amalakas (circular ribbed motif at the summit of a temple tower). The exterior is faced with the white marble and red sandstone typical of Delhi’s Mughal architecture. The interior court is overlooked by two-storey verandahs on three sides; there are gardens and fountains at the rear. The profusion of sculptures, idols, spires and jalis, the Birla Mandir in Delhi is also considered as splendor in terms of its architecture.
Temple Timings
Devotees can pay their reverence to the deities from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. Please note that photography is not allowed in the prayer hall.
Birla Temple Photo Gallery
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