Radhe Krishna Birla Temple Kolkata
Radhe Krishna Birla Temple Kolkata is located on Asutosh Chowdhury Avenue in Ballygunge. The industrialist Birla family built it. It is dedicated to the Vishnu avatars Rama and Krishna. Birla Mandir is also a popular tourist destination worldwide, and it refers to various Hindu temples built by the Birla family in various cities throughout India. The famous industrialist family of India built the first Birla Mandir.
The Radhe Krishna Birla Temple in Kolkata is a magnificent structure from the twentieth century made of white marble and cream-coloured sandstone that reflects Rajasthani architecture. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Lord Krishna and his consort Radha. The temple’s style is a mix of modern and contemporary art, similar to the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubhaneshwar. Other gods, such as Shiva, Durga, and Shakti, are also represented in the temple.
History of Radhe Krishna Birla Temple Kolkata
The construction of the Radhe Krishna Birla Temple in Kolkata began in 1970 and took 26 years to complete. The temple was built by the ‘Birla Family‘, an illustrious and well-known Indian industrialist family. Dr. Karan Singh inaugurated the sanctum sanctorum on February 21, 1996, and Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj conducted the Pran Pratishtha ceremony for the idols.
The architecture of Radhe Krishna Birla Temple Kolkata
The Birla Temple in Kolkata is a magnificent structure from the twentieth century made of white marble and cream-coloured sandstone that reflects Rajasthani architecture. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Lord Krishna and his consort Radha.
The temple’s style is a mix of modern and contemporary, similar to the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubhaneshwar. Other gods, such as Shiva, Durga, and Shakti, are also represented in the temple. The left side dome of the temple houses Goddesses Durga and Shakti, while the right dome houses Lord Shiva in meditation.
Verses and Shlokas, as well as visually appealing pictorial depictions from the Bhagavad Gita, are engraved on the marble cravings’ walls. Exquisite chandeliers and electric diyas adorn the ceilings, demonstrating ultimate artwork and adding excellent lustre and shine to the interiors.
Nomi Bose designed the colossal structure, which stands 160 feet tall and covers approximately 2,940 square meters of land. The three corn-cob-shaped towers are more impressive for their size than their carvings, whereas the courtyards are ideal for quiet contemplation. The GD Birla Sabaghar Auditorium, located adjacent to the temple complex, is a cutting-edge venue for musical performances and other events.
Facts about Radhe Krishna Birla Temple Kolkata
- Birla Mandir is a popular Hindu temple located on Ashutosh Chowdary Avenue in Kolkata, West Bengal, about 10 kilometres from Kolkata Railway Station.
- It is one of India’s most popular Birla temples, located opposite the Ballygunge Post Office, and one of the most visited places in Kolkata.
- The temples have become a landmark in the city. It is a must-see destination in Kolkata for its creative architectural designs and extensive use of floral patterns. The floral fragrance at the temple revitalises every soul.
- The temple’s walls and railings contain references to Bhagwad Gita teachings. The temple’s spiritual atmosphere is enhanced by eye-catching portraits of famous deities illuminated by decorative lights.
- The main temple houses statues of the deities Krishna and Radha. The temple Shikhar (dome) on the left side houses Goddess Durga, the Hindu goddess of Shakti, or power.
- Aside from the beautiful Radha-Krishna idols, other deities revered here include Lord Ganesh, Lord Hanuman, Lord Shiva, ten avatars of Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Durga.
- The most fascinating aspect of this temple is the evening ‘Aarti’.
- The temple’s serene and sublime atmosphere promotes mental peace and tranquillity.
- Devotees and visitors from all over the world come here in large numbers, especially during Janmashtami, which is celebrated with great zeal.
- The temple’s right-side dome houses Shiva in meditation mode.
- This temple, built of white marble and spread over 44 kathas of land, resembles Bhubaneswar’s renowned Lingaraj Temple.
- Birla Mandir also features pictorial depictions of Bhagavad Gita scriptures in stone engravings, as well as intricate Rajasthani temple architecture, designed by architect Nomi Bose.
Famous Festivals In Radhe Krishna Birla Temple Kolkata
- Krishna Janmashtami – Lord Krishna was born on Ashtami, the eighth day of the Hindu month of Bhadra. The celebrations at the Temple begin early in the morning and continue until late at night.
- Dev-Jhulni Ekaadashi – On the 11th day of Bhadra- Shukla especially Dev-Jhulni Ekaadashi, a fair or mela is organized by the mandir mandal.
- Holi – This festival is celebrated in the month of Phalgun (Feb – March). During the celebration, people celebrate with colours and also celebrate and enjoy in temples complex.
Best Time to Visit Radhe Krishna Birla Temple Kolkata
This place is heavenly and spiritual; you can visit it all year. However, the best time to visit this temple is during the monsoon and winter seasons. During the monsoon season, this location receives moderate to heavy rainfall, making it appear heavenly with its greenery and bringing freshness elsewhere.
How to Reach Radhe Krishna Birla Temple Kolkata
By Air: The nearest airport to Radhe Krishna Birla Temple is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport which is 20 km from the temple. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the Radhe Krishna Birla Temple in Kolkata.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Radhe Krishna Birla Temple Kolkata is Kolkata Railway Station. The Radhe Krishna Birla Temple is 10 km from the Kolkata railway station.
By Road: Kolkata is well-connected by road to major cities in West Bengal and other parts of India. You can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach the Radhe Krishna Birla Temple from any nearby city.
Also Read – Shri Mahalaxmi Temple Kolkata
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Facilities
- Drinking Water
- Pooja Item Shops
- Prasad Shops
- Restaurants Nearby
- Resting Room