Over View
Laxmi Narayan Temple, also known as Birla Mandir, is one of Delhi's major
temples and a major tourist attraction. Built by the industrialst G.D. Birla in
1938, this beautiful temple is located in the west of Connaught Place. The temple is dedicated to Laxmi (the goddess of prosperity) and Narayana
(The preserver). The temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi on the condition
that people of all castes will be allowed to enter the temple. The side temples are dedicated to Shiva, Krishna and Buddha. The temple
spread over 7.5 acres, is adorned with many shrines, fountains, and a large
garden, and also houses Geeta Bhawan for discources. The temple is one of the
major attractions of Delhi and attracts thousands of devotees on the Hindu
festivals of Janmashtami and Diwali.
History
The construction of temple dedicated to Laxmi Narayana started in 1933,
built by industrialist and philanthropist, Baldeo Das Birla and his son Jugal
Kishore Birla of Birla family, thus, the temple is also known as Birla Temple.
The foundation stone of temple was laid by Maharaj Udaybhanu Singh. The temple
was built under guidance of Pandit Vishwanath Shastri. The concluding ceremony
and Yagna was performed by Swami Keshwa Nandji. The famous temple is accredited
to have been inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1939. At that time, Mahatma
Gandhi kept a condition that the temple would not be restricted to the Hindus
and people from every caste would be allowed inside.
Architecture
The shikharas of the
temple
The three-storied temple is built in the northern or Nagara style of
Hindu temple architecture. The entire temple is adorned with carvings depicting
the scenes from Hindu mythology. More than hundred skilled artisans from
Benares, headed by Acharya Vishvanath Shastri, carved the idols of the temple.
The highest shikhara of the temple above the sanctum sanctorum is about 160
feet high. The temple faces the east and is situated on a high plinth. The
shrine is adorned with fresco paintings depicting his life and work. The icons
of the temple are in marble brought from Jaipur. Kota stone from Makarana,
Agra, Kota and Jaisalmer were used in the construction of the temple
premises.The Geeta Bhawan to the north of the temple is dedicated to Lord
Krishna. Artificial landscape and cascading waterfalls add to the beauty of the
temple.
Location:
he temple is located on the Mandir Marg, situated west of the Connaught
Place in New Delhi. The temple is easily accessible from the city by local
buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws. Nearest Delhi Metro station is R.K.Ashram
Marg, located about 2 km away. Also on the same road lies the New Delhi
Kalibari.
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please? Thanks
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