Birla Mandir Or Lakshmi Narayan Temple Delhi

About Birla Mandir

The Lakshmi Narayan Temple or the Birla Temple as it is popularly known enshrines Lord Vishnu – the preserver of the Hindu Trinity. The Temple is one of the major attractions of the capital city – Delhi. Built in 1938, famous Birla Mandir in Delhi was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi (Father of the Indian Nation) on the express condition that people of all castes and especially untouchables would be allowed in. (Refer to section People).This is one of the landmarks in the nation’s capital New Delhi.

It was built in the 20th century by the Birla family of industrialists known for its many other temples in India. It is modern in concept and construction. It attracts several devotees and international tourists. The presiding deity here is Lakshmi Narain (Vishnu). The Birla Mandir in Delhi also has a small sub temple dedicated to Lord Buddha and it is decorated with frescoes themed with scenes from his life, just like the Ajanta and Ellora caves. Lakshmi Narayan Mandir is built magnificently, although with a modern touch.

Adorning the interiors of the temples are beautiful carvings depicting the scenes from mythology. Numerous Hindu symbols and quotes from the Gita and the Upanishads ornament the temple walls. The highest Shikara (tower) in the temple soars to an altitude of 165 ft, while the ancillary one is about 116 ft. Facing east and standing on an elevated platform, Birla Mandir of Delhi also enshrines the holy Vedas. Apart from the idol of presiding deity, the temple has remarkable idols of Goddess Durga, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman.

Geeta Bhawan is a huge hall that is embellished with striking paintings, derived from the scenes of Indian mythology. On the rear end, one can trace gardens and fountains in the temple complex. The two-storied verandahs, on the three sides, are overlooked by the interior court. The highest tower in the temple is 165 ft high.

The temple complex also has Geeta Bhavan, a hall adorned with paintings depicting Indian mythology and a Buddha temple, with fresco paintings on the life of Buddha. The walls of the entire complex exhibit paintings of the artists from Jaipur. An artificial mountainous landscape, with fountains and waterfalls, has been created as the backdrop of the temple. The festival of Janmashtami is celebrated with a special fervor here.

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 highest tower in the temple reaches a height of 165 feet while the ancillary towers reach 116 feet. The Geeta Bhavan, a hall is adorned with beautiful paintings depicting scenes from Indian mythology. There is also a temple dedicated to Buddha in this complex with fresco paintings describing his life and work.

The entire complex, especially the walls and the upper gallery are full of paintings carried out by artists from Jaipur in Rajasthan. The rear of the temple has been developed as an artificial mountainous landscape with fountains and waterfalls. 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 east facing temple is situated on a high plinth which leads to the ‘Garbha Griha’ or the sanctum sanctorum.

The Geeta Bhawan is an exhibition hall cum shrine in the northern side of Birla Mandir. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna and decorated with paintings depicting scenes from Indian Mythology on the rear end of the hall. There are many gardens, miniature temples and fountains in the temple complex. 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.

To the north of the Temple is the Geeta Bhawan, devoted to Lord Krishna. There is also a Buddha temple in this temple complex, adorned with murals describing his life and work. All the statues in the temple are made up of marble and were brought from Jaipur. Miniature rock temples, which dot the temple, hold a special attraction for the children. The profusion of sculptures, idols, spires and jalis, the Birla Mandir in Delhi is also considered as splendor in terms of its architecture.

Lakshmi Narayan Mandir is situated near Connaught Place area of New Delhi. It was built by Raja Baldev Das in 1938. Popularly known as Birla Mandir, it is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of prosperity and wealth and her consort, Lord Vishnu. Built in Orissan style, its walls are adorned with various Hindu symbols and inscriptions from the holy books of the Gita and the Upanishads.Accommodation in the form of a rest house is available for out of town travelers, especially for international scholars pursuing knowledge in Sanskrit or in the Hindu religion.

A canteen is also located in the temple premises.For tourists, temple authorities have made adequate arrangements of guest house in its complex. Many International scholars come here to learn about the Hindu religion and for the time, they usually stay in the guest house of Birla Temple. Every year, Janmashtami (birthday of Lord Krishna) is celebrated with full gusto and fervor in this temple.

Special Annual Event At The Birla Mandir

Devotees throng the temple during the Hindu festival of ‘Ram Navami’, which falls during the month of April. Friday is the best day to visit the temple, as that is the special day of the Goddess Vaibhav Laxmi.Also celebrate some hindu festivals at the temple.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

Rashtrapati Bhawan, India Gate, Jantar Mantar, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and Hanuman Mandir and many tourist attractions is very nearly from the temple.

Nearby Shopping Markets

Connaught Place offers everything from jewelry, books, art, leather goods and a wide choice of Indian and international clothes stores. Central Cottage Industries Emporium has Indian handicrafts and curios. Baba Kharak Singh Marg houses the emporia of all the states of India, dedicated to each state’s unique art and craft created by traditional and skilled artisans. Janpath offers clothes, low priced gifts and souvenirs and Palika Bazaar offers a wide range of electronic items also there are many big market in Indian capital delhi.

General Fact

Location:On Mandir Marg, west of Connaught Place.
Dedicated to: Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
Time to Visit: Open on all days.
Preferred Timings:During aarti in the morning or evening.
Day Closed:Open on all days.
Admission Fee: Free and open to all.
Photography Charges:nil (take permission from the local authorities).
Nearest Railway Station:New Delhi Railway Station.
Nearest Metro Station:Central Secretariat.
Nearest International Airport:Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Time required for sightseeing:½ an hour.
Famous As :The Lakshmi Narayan Temple or the Birla Temple as it is popularly known enshrines Lord Vishnu.
Constructed By: Raja Baldev Das.
Built by: B.D. Birla.
Built in: During 1933 – 1939.
Inaugurated by: Mahatma Gandhi.
Also known as: Laxmi Narayan Mandir.

Birla Mandir Or Lakshmi Narayan Temple Delhi