Birla Mandir Delhi, also known as Laxminarayan Temple is one of the most beautiful and revered temples in India. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, and his consort Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
The temple was built by the Birla family, one of the most prominent industrialists in India, in the 1930s. It was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, on the condition that people of all castes and religions would be allowed to enter it. The temple is a masterpiece of architecture, art, and culture, and attracts millions of visitors every year.
What is Birla Mandir Delhi?
- Constructed between 1933 and 1939 under the guidance of Pandit Vishwanath Shastri
- Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, incorporating Nagara, Orissan, and Mughal styles and covers an area of 7.5 acres
- Three main shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi, Lord Shiva and Parvati, and Lord Ganesha
- Smaller shrines for deities such as Hanuman, Durga, Narayan, Rama, Sita, and Krishna
- Also serves as a cultural hub showcasing various aspects of Hinduism
- Museum displaying rare paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, and artifacts related to Hindu mythology and history
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Things To See Inside Birla Mandir Delhi
Birla Mandir Delhi is a stunning temple that offers a lot to see and admire. Some of the highlights of the temple are:
Shrine of Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi: This is the largest and most prominent shrine in the temple complex. The shrine has a dome-shaped roof that is adorned with a golden kalash (pot). It is made of white marble and has intricate carvings and sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu epics such as Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Other Shrines: The temple complex has several other shrines dedicated to different deities such as Lord Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, Hanuman, Durga, Narayan, Rama, Sita, and Krishna. Each shrine has its own unique design and features. For example, the shrine of Lord Shiva has a shivalinga (phallic symbol) made of white marble and a Nandi (bull) statue made of brass.
Gardens and fountains: The temple complex is surrounded by lush green gardens and fountains that add to its beauty and serenity. These are especially illuminated at night and create a mesmerizing effect.
Museum: The museum has four sections: the Geeta Bhawan, the Buddha Temple, the Shiva Temple, and the Krishna Temple. The Geeta Bhawan has paintings depicting the verses from the Bhagavad Gita. The Buddha Temple has statues and relics of Lord Buddha. The Shiva Temple has sculptures and images of Lord Shiva, the destroyer of evil. The Krishna Temple has paintings and models of Lord Krishna, the playful god.
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Festivals Celebrated At Birla Mandir Delhi
Janmashtami: This is the birthday of Lord Krishna, which falls in August or September. The temple celebrates this festival with great pomp and fervor. The temple is decorated with flowers, lights, and flags. The temple also organizes a special ceremony called Dahi Handi (pot of yogurt), where young men form human pyramids to break a pot filled with yogurt hung from a height.
Diwali: This is the festival of lights, which falls in October or November. The temple is illuminated with thousands of lamps, candles, and fireworks. The devotees offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity. The temple also distributes sweets and gifts to the visitors.
Ram Navami: This is the birthday of Lord Rama, which falls in March or April. The temple is adorned with flowers, banners, and pictures of Lord Rama. The idol of Lord Rama is placed on a chariot and taken out in a procession around the temple. The devotees chant the name of Lord Rama and listen to his stories.
Navratri: This nine-day festival dedicated to the goddess Durga is celebrated with devotion at Birla Mandir. Special ceremonies, including the recitation of holy scriptures and devotional songs, are held during Navratri. The timings for Navratri vary each year but typically fall in the months of September or October.
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Places To Visit Near Birla Mandir Delhi
Connaught Place: This is a circular market that has many shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, cinemas, etc. You can shop for various items such as clothes, books, handicrafts, etc. You can also enjoy delicious food from different cuisines such as Indian, Chinese, Italian, etc.
Jantar Mantar: This is an astronomical observatory that was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II, a Rajput king and an avid astronomer, in the 18th century. It has various instruments that measure time, sun, moon, planets, and stars.
India Gate: This is a war memorial that was built to birla Mandir Sakurahonor the Indian soldiers who died in World War I and the Afghan Wars. It is a 42-meter high arch that has the names of the martyrs inscribed on it. It also has an eternal flame that burns in their memory.
National Museum: This is one of the largest and oldest museums in India that showcases the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the country. It has over 2 lakh artifacts that span across 5,000 years of history.
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Places To Eat Near Birla Mandir
Zing: Located at The Metropolitan Hotel & Spa, this restaurant offers Chinese, Indian, Asian, and International cuisines. It’s about 0.9 km from Birla Mandir.
Must Try - Khau Suey, a Burmese dish & Burgers and Chicken Club Sandwiches
Chutney Bar + Tandoor: Also close by, this place serves Indian and Asian dishes and is known for its great service.
Must Try - Shahi Paneer Firdoushi & Roganjosh Biryani
Sakura: If you’re in the mood for Japanese cuisine, including sushi, Sakura is a great choice and is situated 0.9 km from the temple.
Must Try - Gyoza also called Japanese dumplings & Sushi
Shri Balaji Restaurant: For those who prefer South Indian food, this restaurant is only 0.5 km away from Birla Mandir.
Must Try - Dal Tadka & Chana Masala
Moti Mahal Delux: Famous for its Chinese, Indian, and soup options, located 0.5 km from the temple.
Must Try - Chicken Tikka & Garlic Naans
Timings & Entry Fee Of Birla Mandir Delhi
- Open for visitors from 4:30 am to 1:30 pm and from 2:30 pm to 9:00 pm every day.
- Closed between 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm for cleaning and maintenance.
- Entry to the temple is free for everyone. However, you may have to pay a nominal fee for using the locker facility or visiting the museum.
There is a security check at the entrance with a metal detector and a baggage scanner. Prohibited items include weapons, explosives, alcohol, tobacco products, or any other objectionable items.
How to Reach Birla Mandir Delhi?
Birla Mandir Delhi is easily accessible by different modes of transport such as metro, bus, car.
By Metro: The nearest metro station to Birla Mandir Delhi is R.K. Ashram Marg on the Blue Line. From there, you can take an auto-rickshaw or walk for about 10 minutes to reach the temple.
By Bus: The nearest bus stop to Birla Mandir Delhi is Gole Market on Baba Kharak Singh Marg. From there, you can take an auto-rickshaw or walk for about 5 minutes to reach the temple.
By Car: You can drive your own car or hire a taxi or cab to reach Birla Mandir Delhi. The temple has a parking facility for visitors. However, you may face traffic congestion during peak hours or festive seasons.
