The Laxminarayan Temple or Birla Mandir is a clean temple up to large extent dedicated to Laxminarayan in Delhi, India. Laxminarayan usually refers to Vishnu, Preserver in the Trimurti, also known as Narayan, when he is with his consort Lakshmi. The temple, inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi, was built by B. R. Birla from 1933 and 1939. The side temples are dedicated to Shiva, Krishna and Buddha.
Shrine’s History
The construction of the temple dedicated to Laxmi Narayana started in 1933, built by industrialist and philanthropist, Baldeo Das Birla and his son Jugal Kishore Birla of Birla family, thus, the temple is also known as Birla Temple’. The foundation stone of the temple was laid by Maharaj Udaybhanu Singh. The temple was built under the guidance of Pandit Vishwanath Shastri. The concluding ceremony and Yagna were performed by Swami Keshwa Nandji.
The famous temple is accredited to have been inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1939. At that time, Mahatma Gandhi kept a condition that the temple would not be restricted to the Hindus and people from every caste would be allowed inside. This is the first of a series of temples built by the Birlas in many cities of India, which are also often called Birla Temple.
Architectural Relevance of This Shrine
Its architect was Sris Chandra Chatterjee, a leading proponent of the Modern Indian Architecture Movement. The architecture was influenced heavily by the principles of the Swadeshi movement of the early twentieth century and the canonical texts used. The movement did not reject the incorporation of new construction ideas and technologies. Chatterjee extensively used modern materials in his buildings.
The three-storied temple is built in the northern or Nagara style of temple architecture. 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
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
Buses from all the major places in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are available for getting to Delhi. During the summer months, air-conditioned coaches are recommended. Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) operates special services from railway stations to different parts of the city.
By Rail
Delhi is the hub of the Indian Railways network with Express trains to all parts of the country. The city has two major railway stations in New Delhi and Old Delhi. New Delhi station is within walking distance of Connaught Place and Main Delhi station is about 7km from Connaught Place. Delhi offers Express trains to all parts of the country. For the foreigners, tickets are available at the International Tourist Bureau (Ph: 011-3346804), located at New Delhi station. The main ticket office is at the IRCA building on Chelmsford Road, Pahar Ganj, between New Delhi station and Connaught Place
By Air
Delhi is the main gateway city for northern India with a modern airport. All major international airlines in the world fly through Delhi. Indira Gandhi International Airport is located at 23km south-west of Central Delhi and the domestic terminal at Palam is 5km away from the international terminal.
Shrine Timings
4:30am to 1:30pm & 2.30pm to 9.00pm. (best to visit during morning and evening aarti)
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Janmashtami, Diwali
Extra Information About this Shrine
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 shikhara (dome) houses Devi Durga, the goddess of Shakti, the power. The temple is spread over an area of 7.5 acres (30,000 m2) approximately. And built up area is 0.52 acres (2,100 m2).
