- Delhi
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Fri, 12/03/2010 - 21:30
Submitted by hareshsk on Wed, 23/08/2006 - 01:08
Also known as Laxminarayan Temple, Birla Mandir is located 2km west of Connaught Place, New Delhi. The temple is built in honor of Hindu goddess of wealth, Laxmi, and of her consort, Lord Vishnu - the Preserver of the Hindu Trinity. The temple encompasses many shrines, fountains and a large, beautiful garden. It is one of the most famous Vaishnavite temples in India.
History of the Temple
The temple was built in 1622 by Vir Singh Deo, and renovated by Prithvi Singh in 1793. Eminent industrialist Raja Baldev Birla built the present exotic structure of the temple in 1938. It took six years for the construction and renovation of the temple. Since then, Birla family has been supporting the temple. The great, Mahatma Gandhi, had inaugurated the temple with the condition that it will remain open for people of all castes and religions. He himself also would visit the temple regularly.
About the Temple
The temple comprises of number of towers, the longest being of height 165ft, the ancillary towers reaching about 116ft. The Geeta Bhavan hall in the temple is adorned with beautiful paintings depicting scenes from Indian mythology. Here religious discourses and group prayers are held every day. The entire complex, especially the walls and the upper gallery are fully covered with beautiful paintings of artists from Jaipur in Rajasthan.
The rear side of the temple has been developed into an artificial mountainous landscape with fountains and waterfalls. The gorgeous Birla Gardens are a sort of Eden on the earth - adored by the almighty.
Janmashtmi - the birthday of Lord Krishna, is celebrated here with much gaiety. Thousands of devotees from all over the country throng to the temple.
More shrines in the Temple
In the temple complex there is a temple dedicated to Buddha, which houses several fresco paintings depicting his life and teachings. Shrines of Durga and Shiva are also located in the temple.
Limited accommodations are available for people who come with special purposes like for international scholars who wish to gain knowledge of Sanskrit or Hindu religion.
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