Birla Mandir Jaipur, also known as Lakshmi Narayan Temple, is a beautiful and serene Hindu temple located in the pink city of Jaipur. It is one of the many Birla temples across India, built by the B.M. Birla Foundation. The temple is dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and Narayan, the supreme god of Vaishnavism. The temple is made of pure white marble and has a modern and elegant architecture. It is surrounded by lush green gardens and offers a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere for visitors.
If you are planning to visit Birla Mandir Jaipur, here is everything you need to know about this magnificent temple, including its history, significance, timings, entry fee, things to do, how to reach, and more.
History and Significance of Birla Mandir Jaipur
Birla Mandir Jaipur was built in 1988 by the B.M. Birla Foundation, a charitable trust founded by the industrialist and philanthropist B.M. Birla. The temple stands on a land that was given by the Maharaja of Jaipur to Birla for a token of one rupee. The temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi on the condition that people of all faiths would be allowed to enter and worship.
The temple is significant for its religious and cultural value, as well as its architectural beauty. The temple is dedicated to Lakshmi and Narayan, who are considered as the presiding deities of wealth and prosperity, and the supreme lord of the universe, respectively. The temple also has idols of other Hindu gods and goddesses, such as Ganesha, Shiva, Hanuman, Durga, etc. The temple has three domes that represent the three major religions of India: Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity. The temple also has carvings and paintings of various scenes from Hindu mythology, scriptures, and history.
The temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus, especially during festivals like Diwali, Janmashtami, Navratri, etc. The temple is also a major tourist attraction in Jaipur for its splendid marble structure that glows in the night with lights.
Timings and Entry Fee of Birla Mandir Jaipur
Birla Mandir Jaipur is open for visitors from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm every day. The temple may close during some puja ceremonies or special occasions.
There is no entry fee for visiting Birla Mandir Jaipur. However, visitors are expected to follow some rules and etiquette while entering the temple premises, such as:
1. Removing shoes and keeping them at the designated place
2. Wearing modest and respectful clothing
3. Maintaining silence and decorum
4. Not taking photographs inside the temple
5. Not carrying any leather items or alcohol
6. Not touching or disturbing the idols or offerings
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Things to Do at Birla Mandir Jaipur
There are many things that visitors can do at Birla Mandir Jaipur to enjoy their visit and experience the spiritual vibe of the temple. Some of them are:
Watch the mesmerizing aarti ceremony that takes place in the morning and evening at the main shrine. The aarti is a ritual of offering light and prayers to the deities with chants and music.
Admire the exquisite marble carvings and paintings on the walls and ceilings of the temple that depict various aspects of Hindu culture and philosophy. Some of them include quotes from the Bhagavad Gita, symbols of Om and Swastika, scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata, etc.
Explore the museum inside the temple complex that showcases the ancestral belongings and artifacts of the Birla family. The museum also has some rare photographs and documents related to Mahatma Gandhi and other national leaders.
Relax in the lush green gardens that surround the temple and enjoy the scenic views of the city skyline and the Moti Dungri Fort. The gardens also have some fountains and statues that add to the beauty of the place.
Visit the nearby attractions that are within walking distance from Birla Mandir Jaipur, such as Moti Dungri Temple, Ganesh Temple, Albert Hall Museum, etc.
How to Reach Birla Mandir Jaipur
Birla Mandir Jaipur is located at Tilak Nagar in Jaipur, Rajasthan. It is easily accessible by various modes of transport from different parts of the city. Some of them are:
By cab: Visitors can hire a cab from any part of the city to reach Birla Mandir Jaipur. The cab fare may vary depending on the distance and traffic.
By bus: Visitors can take a bus from the main bus stand or any other bus stop in the city to reach Birla Mandir Jaipur. The bus fare is nominal and the buses are frequent and comfortable.
By auto rickshaw: Visitors can also take an auto rickshaw from any part of the city to reach Birla Mandir Jaipur. The auto rickshaw fare is negotiable and the ride is quick and convenient.
By metro: Visitors can also take the metro from any metro station in the city to reach Birla Mandir Jaipur. The nearest metro station is Sindhi Camp, which is about 5 km away from the temple. From there, visitors can take a cab, bus, or auto rickshaw to reach the temple.
No matter how you choose to travel, you will find Birla Mandir Jaipur to be a worthwhile destination that will enrich your Jaipur trip with its beauty and spirituality.
The best time to visit Birla Mandir Jaipur
Well, it depends on various factors, such as the weather, the crowd, and the festivals. Here are some points to consider:
Weather:
Jaipur has an extreme climate, with very hot summers and cold winters. The summer season lasts from March to June, when the temperature can reach up to 45 degrees Celsius. The winter season lasts from November to February, when the temperature can drop to 5 degrees Celsius. The monsoon season lasts from July to September, when the city receives moderate rainfall. The best time to visit Birla Mandir Jaipur in terms of weather is from September to March, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable for sightseeing.
Crowd:
Birla Mandir Jaipur is a popular tourist attraction and a religious site, so it attracts a lot of visitors throughout the year. However, the crowd may vary depending on the day and time of the visit. The temple is open from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm every day. The temple may close during some puja ceremonies or special occasions. The best time to visit Birla Mandir Jaipur in terms of crowd is during the weekdays and in the morning or evening hours, when the temple is less crowded and more peaceful.
Festivals:
Birla Mandir Jaipur is a place of worship and celebration for Hindus, especially during festivals like Diwali, Janmashtami, Navratri, etc. The temple is decorated with lights and flowers and hosts various cultural programs and rituals during these festivals. The best time to visit Birla Mandir Jaipur in terms of festivals is during Diwali or Janmashtami, when the temple is illuminated with lights and offers a festive and spiritual atmosphere for visitors. However, one should also be prepared for more crowd and noise during these festivals.
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Best Places To Stay Near Birla Mandir Jaipur
There are many places to stay near Birla Mandir Jaipur, ranging from budget to luxury hotels. Here are some of the best places to stay near Birla Mandir Jaipur:
Grand Uniara: A Heritage Hotel: This is a heritage hotel that offers spacious and elegant rooms, a swimming pool, a restaurant, a bar, and a spa. The hotel is located near Trimurti Circle, about 0.5 km from Birla Mandir Jaipur. The hotel costs between Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 6,000 per night.
Sawai Man Mahal: This is a luxury hotel that offers comfortable and stylish rooms, a swimming pool, a restaurant, a bar, and a gym. The hotel is located on Bhawani Singh Road, about 0.5 km from Birla Mandir Jaipur. The hotel costs between Rs. 15500 to Rs. 25,000 per night.
Hotel Doda’s Palace: This is a budget hotel that offers clean and cozy rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel is located in Raja Park, about 1.2 km from Birla Mandir Jaipur. The hotel costs between Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 2,000 per night.
Hotel Rajasthan Palace Jaipur: This is a premium hotel that offers spacious and well-furnished rooms, a swimming pool, a restaurant, a bar, and free parking. The hotel is located in Peelwa Garden, about 0.9 km from Birla Mandir Jaipur. The hotel costs between Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 8,000 per night.
Narain Niwas Palace: This is a heritage hotel that offers charming and antique rooms, a swimming pool, a restaurant, a bar, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel is located in Kanota Bagh, about 0.5 km from Birla Mandir Jaipur. The hotel costs between Rs. 4,500 to Rs. 8,500 per night.
