Birla Mandir, Delhi 

The Birla Mandir or Birla Temple popularly known as the Laxminarayan Temple is a temple dedicated to Laxminarayan. It is located at Connaught Place, New Delhi, and was built by the Birla family, which is why it is known as the Birla temple. Built-in the early 1900s and spread over a whopping 7.5 acres, the temple houses many shrines, fountains, and gardens along with sculptures and carvings.

The prime God of the temple is Lord Narayan with Goddess Laxmi. However, the temple has shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Shiva and Hanuman among other Gods. Famous for celebrating Diwali and Janmashtami, the temple attracts tourists from around the world making it one of Delhi’s most famous religious attractions.

History of Birla Mandir, Delhi

Birla Mandir also known as the Birla Temple, this majestic monument was built by the very popular industrialist Birla family. BD Birla, along with his son Jugal Kishore Birla started the construction of the temple in the year 1933. The foundation stone of this popular temple was laid by Maharaj Udaybhanu Singh. Pandit Vishwanath Shastri was the guide throughout the making of the temple.

Once the construction was completed, the concluding ceremony and Yagna was performed by Swami Keshav Nandji. Mahatma Gandhi is accredited to have inaugurated the temple with a unique condition that entry in the temple will not be defined by the caste of the devotees. He emphasised that devotees of all castes should be allowed to pray in the temple, whether he is a brahmin or a shudra.

Architecture of Birla Mandir Delhi

Its architect was Sris Chandra Chatterjee, a leading proponent of the ‘Modern Indian Architecture Movement’. The architecture was influenced heavily by the principles of the Swadeshi movement of the early twentieth century and the canonical texts used. The movement did not reject the incorporation of new construction ideas and technologies. Chatterjee extensively used modern materials in his buildings.

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 theology. More than hundred skilled artisans from Benares, headed by Acharya Vishvanath Shastri, carved the icons 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.

Tips to visit Birla Mandir

• Mobile phones, cameras and other electronic items are submitted at the entrance of the temple complex. Lockers are available for keeping the goods safely. These lockers are free of cost.
• There is no entry fees to enter the temple.
• One visit to the temple takes 30-45 minutes and it is good to go around the Arti time in the evening.
• Best time to visit the Birla temple is during Janmashtami, Diwali and Ram Navmi. One can see elaborate decorations in the temple during the festive times.

Birla Mandir Delhi Timings and Entry fee

Birla Mandir opening time is 4:30 AM. It is open till 1:30 PM in the afternoon. The temple is again open for visitors from 2:30 PM onwards. Birla temple closing time is 9:00 PM.

There is no entry fee to visit the temple. Cameras are not allowed inside the temple.

How to reach Birla Mandir

By Road: The 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.

By Train: 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 nearest Indira Gandhi International Airport (14 km) which is well connected with regular domestic flights.