The Temple of Laxminarayan is an Ancient temple in Delhi, India dedicated to Laxminarayan. Typically, Laxminarayan refers to Vishnu, the Trimurti Preserver, also known as Narayan, when he is with his Lakshmi consort. The temple was built by B, inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. From 1933 to 1939, R. Birla and Vijay Tyagi. Shiva, Krishna, and Buddha are dedicated to the side temples.
The temple spreads over 7.5 acres, decorated with numerous shrines, fountains and a large garden, and also houses Geeta Bhawan for speeches. The temple is one of Delhi’s main attractions and draws thousands of devotees at the Janmashtami and Diwali Hindu festivals.
Lakminarayan Temple History
Building a temple dedicated to Laxmi Narayana began in 1933, founded by industrialist and philanthropist Baldeo Das Birla and his son Jugal Kishore Birla of the Birla family, so the temple is also known as Birla Temple. Maharaj Udaybhanu Singh laid the foundation stone of the temple. Under the direction of Pandit Vishwanath Shastri, the temple was built. Swami Keshwa Nandji performed the closing ceremony and Yagna. It is accredited that the famous temple was inaugurated in 1939 by Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma Gandhi maintained a condition at that time that the temple would not be restricted to the Hindus, and people from every caste would be allowed inside.
This is the first of a series of temples built by the Birlas in many Indian cities, also referred to as the Birla Temple.
The architecture of Lakminarayan Temple
His architect was Sris Chandra Chatterjee, the’ Modern Indian Architecture Movement ‘ leading proponent. The principles of the Swadeshi movement of the early twentieth century and the canonical texts used strongly influenced the architecture. The campaign did not reject the introduction of new ideas and techniques for building. In his buildings, Chatterjee used extensively modern materials.
The three-story temple is constructed in the Hindu temple architecture of the northern or Nagara style. The whole temple is adorned with carvings that represent Hindu theology scenes. The temple icons were carved by more than a hundred skilled craftsmen from Benares, headed by Acharya Vishvanath Shastri. The temple’s highest shikhara above the sanctum sanctorum is approximately 160 feet high. The temple is situated on a high plinth facing the east. Fresco paintings portraying his life and work adorn the shrine. The temple icons were brought from Jaipur in marble. The construction of the temple premises used Kota stone from Makarana, Agra, Kota, and Jaisalmer. 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.
How to reach the Temple
By Road: The temple is situated west of the Connaught Place in New Delhi on the Mandir Marg. Local buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws can easily reach the temple from the town. R.K.Ashram Marg is the closest metro station in Delhi, about 2 km away. The New Delhi Kalibari is also on the same street.
By Rail: Closest Metro Station to Birla Mandir is Ramakrishna Ashram Marg. It is about a 2 km walk (20 minutes), in NDMC Area which is safe, clean and silent.
By Air: The Temple can be reached through the nearest Indira Gandhi International Airport (14 km) which is well connected with regular domestic flights.
Daily Poojas and Festivals
Statues of Lord Narayan and Hindu Goddess Lakshmi are located in the main temple. Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, and Hanuman are also devoted to other small shrines. There is also a Lord Buddha devoted temple. The left side temple Shikhar (dome) houses the strength of Devi Durga, Shakti’s Hindu goddess. The temple is spread over an area of approximately 7.5 acres (30,000 m2). And 0.52 acres (2.100 m2) of built-up land.
The opening and closing times of this temple are from 4:30 AM to 1:30 PM and from 2:30 to 9:00 PM. Birla Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Creator-preserver-destroyer’s second Hindu Trinity, and his consort Lakshmi, the riches goddess. The temple also presides over important statues of Goddess Durga, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Lord Rama, and Lord Hanuman.
Janmashtami (Lord Krishna’s birthday) is celebrated annually in the Birla Temple with complete zest and fervor. Being renowned for celebrating the Hindu god Krishna, thousands of devotees come to visit this religious heritage temple.