Birla Mandir : A Cultural and Architectural Marvel in Delhi
The Birla Mandir, commonly referred to as Laxmi Narayan Temple, is a significant place of worship in Delhi and a popular destination for tourists. Constructed by industrialist Sh. J.K. Birla in 1939, this splendid temple is situated to the west of Connaught Place.
All About the Birla Mandir
Birla temple is one of the largest Hindu temples in the city. The temple is devoted to Lord Laxminarayan, also known as Lord Vishnu, the preserver in the Trimurti, which consists of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh.
The temple is named after Lord Narayan and his consort Goddess Laxmi, who represents prosperity. Industrialist BaldeoDas Birla and his sons constructed the temple from 1933 to 1939. It is more than just a religious destination, as it is open to people of all castes, following the condition set by Mahatma Gandhi, who inaugurated the temple.
The Laxminarayan Temple is situated to the west of the Connaught Place area and is a popular tourist attraction. It covers an area of 7.5 acres and includes many fountains, shrines, and sculptures of religious and national significance. The temple also houses a GeetaBhavan, used for discourses. During the Janmashtami and Diwali festivals, the Laxminarayan Temple is a significant draw for locals and tourists alike.
History of Birla Mandir
The renowned Birla family was responsible for the construction of the magnificent Birla Temple. The temple’s creation was initiated in 1933 by BD Birla and his son Jugal Kishore Birla. MaharajUdaybhanu Singh laid the foundation stone, while PanditVishwanathShastri guided the temple’s construction.
Upon completion, Swami KeshavNandji presided over the concluding ceremony and Yagna. The temple was officially inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi, who laid down a unique condition that entry into the temple should not be restricted by the devotees’ caste. Gandhi emphasized that individuals of all castes, whether brahmin or shudra, should be permitted to worship in the temple.
Architecture of Birla Mandir
The Birla Mandir or Laxminarayan Temple is a remarkable architectural masterpiece, which is not only significant for its religious value but also for its stunning design. The temple was designed by Sris Chandra Chaterjee, a prominent figure of the Modern Indian Architecture Movement during a significant period in the country’s history when the Swadeshi movement was gaining momentum.
The architecture of the Birla Temple reflects the essence of the early twentieth century’s Swadeshi movement, evident in the extensive use of canonical texts throughout the monument. Chaterjee, who had a modern outlook, seamlessly incorporated modern technologies and materials in the temple’s construction, while preserving its religious and national significance.
The three-storeyed Birla Temple is built in the Nagara style of temple architecture and showcases exquisite carvings depicting scenes from the golden yuga of the present universal cycle on its walls. The icons carved around the temple were created by hundreds of skilled artisans from Benaras, led by Acharya VishwanathShastri, using marble stone sourced from Jaipur. Kota stone, sourced from places like Makarana, Agra, Jaisalmer, and Kota, was also used in the temple’s construction.
The temple’s Shikara, standing at a height of 160 feet above the sanctum sanctorum, is one of its major highlights. The temple faces east and looks breathtaking during sunrise. It is situated on a high plinth and features fresco paintings that enhance its beauty.
The GeetaBhavan, located towards the north of the temple, is dedicated to Lord Krishna, and there are also side temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Buddha, and Krishna. The temple’s artificial landscape and cascading waterfalls add to its scenic charm, making it a must-visit for anyone who appreciates architectural beauty.
How to Reach
The Laxminarayan temple is situated on Mandir Marg, towards the west of Connaught Place in New Delhi. It is conveniently located and easily accessible through various modes of transportation:
Buses: DTC buses such as numbers 216, 610, 310, 729, 966, 990A1, 871, and RL77 pass through the temple from 6 AM to 10 PM.
Metro: The nearest metro station to Birla Mandir is RK Ashram Marg Metro Station on the Blue Line. It is located 1.8 km away from the temple and can be easily reached by an auto-rickshaw.
Auto-rickshaw and Taxi: Delhi has a well-connected network of auto-rickshaws and taxis. Ola and Uber cabs can be booked from any part of the country.
All you need to know
| Location | Mandir Marg, near Gole Market, Gole Market, New Delhi, Delhi 110001 |
| Timing | 4:30 am – 1:30 pm, 2:30 Pm- 9:00pm |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Nearest metro station | RK Ashram Marg |
| Dress code | For men, the dress code is Shirt & Trouser, Dhoti or Pyjamas with upper cloth. For women the preferred dress code is saree or half-saree with a blouse or churidar with pajama and upper cloth. |
| Photography | from outside and entrance staircase |