Laxmi Narayan Temple, also known as the Birla Mandir, is one of Dilli’s major temples and a major tourist attraction. Built by the industrialist G.D. Birla in 1938, this beautiful temple is located in the west of Connaught Place. Birla Mandir is dedicated to the goddess Laxmi (the goddess of prosperity) and Lord Vinshnu (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 architecture of the Temple looks imbibed from the Orissan Style. The temple has tall spires and it looks magnificent raised in red sandstone. The tallest spire of the temple extends to the height of 165 feet whereas the additional spires lengthen to 116 feet. The exotic structure of the temple comprises sculptures, tall spires and Jali work making it a remarkable to behold.
Apart from the idol of presiding deity, the temple has remarkable idols of Goddess Durga, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman. Geeta Bhawan is a huge hall that is embellished with striking paintings, derived from the scenes of Indian mythology. On the rear end, one can trace gardens and fountains in the temple complex. The two-storied verandahs, on the three sides, are overlooked by the interior court.
For tourists, temple authorities have made adequate arrangements of guest house in its complex. Many International scholars come here to learn about the Hindu religion and for the time, they usually stay in the guest house of Birla Temple. Every year, Janmashtami (birthday of Lord Krishna) is celebrated with full gusto and fervor in this temple. In fact, Birla Mandir is famous for its celebration of Janmashtami. People in large number come to visit this temple of spiritual legacy.
The whole complex, especially the walls and the upper gallery are decorated with paintings done by artists from Jaipur. These are remarkable and they reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Rajasthani Paintings. The background of the temple has been designed as a mountainous landscape with fountains as well as waterfalls. This certainly enhances the aesthetic beauty of the complex itself. The divine tranquility of the temple is interrupted only by the melodious kirtans that echoes in the sanctum sanctorium.
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