Birla Lakshmi Narayan Temple New Delhi is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Goddess Lakshmi and the God Vishnu (Narayan) located in Connaught Place, New Delhi. The temple was built by J.K. Birla in 1939 and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi. Mahatma Gandhi inaugurated the temple. Gandhi ensured that people of all castes were welcome in the temple. Jugal Kishore Birla built it between 1933 and 1939. Small shrines are on the sides dedicated to Shiva, Ganesha, Hanuman, and Buddha.

It was the first large Hindu temple built in Delhi and is commonly referred to as Birla Mandir due to its construction by the Birla family. The temple covers 3 hectares and features many shrines, fountains, and a large garden with Hindu and Nationalistic sculptures, as well as Geeta Bhawan for discourses. The temple is one of Delhi’s major attractions, attracting thousands of devotees during the Janmashtami and Diwali festivals.

History of Birla Lakshmi Narayan Temple New Delhi

The construction of the temple dedicated to Laxmi Narayana began in 1933, and it was built by industrialist and philanthropist Baldeo Das Birla and his son Jugal Kishore Birla of the Birla family, hence the temple’s name, Birla Temple. Jat Maharaj Udaybhanu Singh laid the foundation stone for the temple. The temple was built under the supervision of Pandit Vishwanath Shastri. Swami Keshavanandji performed the concluding ceremony and Yagna.

M.K Gandhi inaugurated the temple and ensured that all castes were welcome. This is the first of a series of temples built by the Birlas in various cities throughout India, known as Birla Temples.

The architecture of Birla Lakshmi Narayan Temple in New Delhi

It was designed by Sris Chandra Chatterjee, a prominent figure in the “Modern Indian Architecture Movement.” The principles of the early twentieth-century Swadeshi movement, as well as the canonical texts used, had a significant influence on the architecture. The movement did not oppose the adoption of new construction ideas and technologies. Chatterjee made extensive use of modern materials in his buildings.

The three-story temple was constructed in the northern or Nagara style of temple architecture. The entire temple is adorned with carvings depicting scenes from the current universe’s golden yuga cycle. More than a hundred skilled artisans from Benares, led by Acharya Vishvanath Shastri, carved the temple’s icons. The temple’s highest shikhara above the sanctum sanctorum is approximately 49 meters (160 feet) high. The temple faces east and is built on a high plinth.

The shrine is adorned with fresco paintings that depict Shastri’s life and work. The temple’s icons are made of marble that was brought from Jaipur. The temple was built with Kota stones from Makarana, Agra, Kota, and Jaisalmer. The Geeta Bhawan, located north of the temple, is dedicated to Krishna. The artificial landscape and cascading waterfalls enhance the temple’s beauty.

Facts about Birla Lakshmi Narayan Temple New Delhi

• Laxmi Narayan Temple, also known as Birla Mandir, is a major temple and tourist attraction in Delhi, India. This beautiful temple was built in 1939 by industrialist Sh. J.K. Birla is located in the western part of Connaught Place.
• The temple is dedicated to Laxmi, the goddess of prosperity, and Narayana, the preserver. Mahatma Gandhi inaugurated the temple with the condition that people of all castes be allowed to enter.
• The main temple features statues of Narayan and Lakshmi. There are additional small shrines dedicated to Shiva, Ganesha, and Hanuman.
• There is also a shrine to Buddha. Devi Durga, the goddess of Shakti (power), is housed in the temple shikhara (dome on the left side).
• The temple covers 3 hectares (7.5 acres) and features many shrines, fountains, and a large garden with Hindu and Nationalistic sculptures, as well as Geeta Bhawan for discourses.
• The temple is visited by a large number of tourists from all over the world every year.
• When visiting the temple, one will notice architecture that appears to have been influenced by the Nagara style.
• The temple is built of red sandstone and has tall spires, the tallest of which is 165 feet tall, and additional spires that reach 116 feet in length, which look magnificent.

Famous Festivals In Birla Lakshmi Narayan Temple New Delhi

• Chitra Poornima is a major occasion for celebration in the temple.
• Vaikuntha Ekadashi – Vaikuntha Ekadashi celebrated during the Hindu month of Aghan (December–January) is the major festival celebrated in the temple.
  
• Sri Ram Navami – On this day a special yatra is organised by the temple committee which takes part in the city rath yatra.
• Deepawali – This festival is a major Hindu festival that is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm.

Best Time to Visit Birla Lakshmi Narayan Temple New Delhi

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 Birla Birla Lakshmi Narayan Temple in New Delhi

Birla Lakshmi Narayan Temple is located west of the famous Connaught Place, New Delhi.

By Metro– The closest metro station to Birla Mandir is RK Ashram Marg Metro Station on the Blue Line. It is located 1.8 kilometres away from the temple and is easily accessible by car/taxi/auto.

By Air: Indira Gandhi International Airport is the nearest airport and the distance from the Airport to Birla Lakshmi Narayan Temple New Delhi is 13 KM.

By Rail: New Delhi Railway Station is the nearest railway station and the distance from Station to Birla Lakshmi Narayan Temple New Delhi is only 3 KM.

By Road: You can reach this temple by any mode of transportation. Regular bus and cab services are available in the city. Shivaji Stadium is the closest bus stand.

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