Mystical Reasons To Visit The Birla Mandir
Built by one of
the noted industrialist families of India, the Birla family, the Laxmi Narayan
temple is one of the major Hindu places of worship, which allowed the
“untouchables” or the Harijans inside. Mahatma Gandhiji was instrumental in
making the temple let Harijans worship inside it.
Hinduism comes to life here
Designed by Shri
Chandra Chatterjee, this temple has been built in true Orissan style with
Mughal arcades. Made of red sandstone, this temple attracts thousands of
visitors during the Navratri festival from all over the country. The soaring
spire of this temple is what dominates the skyline of Central Delhi. Did you
know that the services of a 101 skilled pundit-artisans from Kashi were
deployed in the year 1938 to create this magic in stone? It is also said that
an open arena in this temple used to be the gymnasium of Bhīma, one of the
Pandavas of the Mahabharata fame. The whole temple pulsates with spiritual
aroma and sacred hymns during the festivities. The temple enshrines most of the
Gods from the Hindu Pantheon, the presiding ones being Narayan (or Vishnu) and
his wife, Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Good Fortune. Enjoy a visit to this
temple to savor the legends and the spirituality in a different flavor.
Experience the Divinity and beauty in stone
Interspersed
with the modern style of architecture is the traditional Nagara style of
architecture of this temple. The temple faces the East direction, which is one
of the most auspicious directions as per the Hindu culture. The temple has been
adorned with the depictions of Hindu Gods and Goddesses of the Hindu mythology.
You will be amazed to see the main spire of this temple (the Shikhara) rising
above the Inner Sanctum (Garbagriha). Also, remember to visit the Buddha shrine
inside this temple, which is dedicated to the Lord’s work and life. Plan your
trip during Gokulashtami or the birthday of the Lord Krishna.You will see
teeming thousands of people come to this temple to commemorate the birth of the
infant Gopala or Krishna. During Diwali, the entire temple is filled with
brilliantly colored lights that create a spell in the heart of every person
visiting the temple. It is indeed a magnificent vista to watch spiritual hearts
crowding in colorful clothes to see the celebrations in the temple. Also, do
not forget to see the “Arati” ceremony or the ritual that is performed with
lamps, flowers, scents, and other sacred artefacts. Portraying an alluring
blend of the two colors, cream and red, the temple affords a curious medley of
ancient Indian architecture and Hindu mythological figures.
Tourist information
The temple is
open from sunrise to sunset
Best time to visit
From October to
January
Places to visit
Qutub Minar,
Connaught Place, The Prachin Bhairon Mandir, the Aastha Kunj Park, ISKCON temple,
Kalkaji Devi Mandir, Ashokan Edict Rock, the Shrine Empire Art Gallery, the M.
F. Hussain Art Gallery, the Jai Bhawani Temple, Jantar Mantar, India Gate,and
the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara.