Lakshmi Narayan Temple (BIRLA MANDIR) - New Delhi

The Elegant Laxmi Narayan Temple

Lakshmi-Narayan MandirAlso Known As Birla Mandir

Strictly speaking, this structure is not part of the New Delhi Lutyens designed. Famous Birla Mandir in Delhi is essentially a Hindu temple which came up alongside with New Delhi and has therefore been pegged with it. Popularly known as the Birla Mandir, it is the first of the temples built across the country by the industrial family of Birla. Located just off Connaught Place on Mandir Marg, it is dedicated to Vishnu, the second of the Hindu Trinity of creator-preserver-destroyer, and his consort Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth.

The Most Important Temples of Hindus 

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). Consequently a plaque at the gate reiterates that people of all faiths and classes are welcome. Till date, it remains one of the most popular temples in Delhi.

The Architectural Brilliance of The Birla Mandir (Temple)

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.

Experience Beauty And Divinity Melt In The Heart of Stones

The architecture is amazing. Built in the Nagara style of architecture interspersed with modern influences, the Birla Mandir awakes from the womb of lush green Link Road reigning the whole terrain. The temple faces the east and is adorned with exquisite carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. The other awe-inspiring thing is apparently the soaring spires of the shrine. You will be amazed to see the main spire (shikhara), nestling above the sanctum sanctorum, soaring with its head high at almost 160 ft. Enjoy a leisure walk through the spacious corridors and you will be overwhelmed to see such beautiful friezes and artistic sculptures that only add to the aesthetic beauty of this temple. Do you know that 101 skilled pundits from Varanasi, headed by Acharya Vishvanath Shastri, were employed to create this magic in stones. Remember to visit the Buddha shrine, the rippleless walls embellished with fresco paintings depicting the Lord's life and work. Children can also enjoy their hearts out at the miniature rock temples nestling at the backyard of the temple. There is also an arena said to be the erstwhile gym of Bhima, the second Pandava of the Mahabharata fame. An artificial landscape complete with mountains and cascading waterfalls makes for a perfect solitude.