Laxminarayan Temple, Birla Temple, Delhi

New Delhi, New Delhi, New Delhi

Situated on Mandir Marg near Connaught Place in New Delhi, the Laxminarayan Temple is a famous temple dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, and her consort Lord Vishnu or Narayana. Built by Jugal Kishore Birla, the industrialist, the temple is also known as Birla temple. The temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. It was the first large Hindu temple built in Delhi. The temple also houses the shrines of Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna and Lord Buddha.

Legend

According to the legends, Baldeo Das Birla and his sons (including Ghanshyam Das) built this temple. Baldeo Das Birla was an Indian entrepreneur and philanthropist. Known as the Birla Mandir, the temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1939.

Architecture

The three-storied temple is built in the northern or Nagara style of temple architecture. The architect of the temple was Sris Chandra Chatterjee, a leading proponent of the Modern Indian Architecture Movement. The entire temple is adorned with carvings depicting the scenes from golden yuga of the present universe cycle. More than hundred skilled artisans from Benares, headed by Acharya Vishvanath Shastri, carved the icons of the temple. The highest shikhara of the temple above the sanctum sanctorum is about 160 feet high. The temple faces the east and is situated on a high plinth. The shrine is adorned with fresco paintings depicting his life and work. The icons of the temple are in marble brought from Jaipur. Kota stone from Makarana, Agra, Kota and Jaisalmer were used in the construction of the temple premises.The Geeta Bhawan to the north of the temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Artificial landscape and cascading waterfalls add to the beauty of the temple.The main temple houses statues of Lord Narayan and Goddess Lakshmi. There are other small shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha and Hanuman. There is also a shrine dedicated to Lord Buddha. The left side temple shikhar (dome) houses Devi Durga, the goddess
of Shakti, the power. The temple is spread over an area of 7.5 acres approximately and the built up area is 0.52 acres.

Picture courtesy : wikipedia

Darsan Info

Temple timings :

4:30 AM to 1:30 PM & 2.30 PM to 9.00 PM (best to visit during morning and evening aarti)

Darsan Dresscode

Avoid shorts for men while visiting temple

Famous Festival

Diwali and Janmashtami

Culture

Delhi has always been a major attraction is terms of fairs and festivals observed in the city. Lohri, Holi and Diwali are the main festivals celebrated in the city. Chhat Puja, Durga Puja, Eid-ul-Fitr are some other festivals of Indian region celebrated with pomp and splendor in Delhi. Besides, Delhi is also influenced by the culture of its bordering states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. Not only this, the famous monuments like the Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Jama Masjid, etc add to the charm of the capital city.