Birla Mandir

The Birla Temple is one of the well-admired temples and attractions in Delhi, is also known by the name Laxmi Narayan Temple. B.D. Birla, the famous business tycoons of India, built the shrine in 1938. Mahatma Gandhi, father of the Nation inaugurated the temple. The temple beholds its historical importance and is dedicated to the Goddess of wealth, Goddess Laxmi and the preserver of universe, Lord Shiva. The temple is frequented all the year round.

There was a belief behind the construction of this structure that it should be open to all, castes and faiths no bar, including the untouchables. A temple welcoming everyone with open arms. The temple is located in the Mandir Marg in Connaught Place.

The temple is the first religious monuments built by the Birla family. Its construction took about 6 years from 1933 to 1939. In the premises of the temple, there is Geeta Bhavan, having exquisite paintings representing events from Indian mythology. There is another temple in the temple housing Lord Buddha.

The walls of the temple are beautifully adorned with the paintings done by artists from Jaipur. These paintings reflect the rich culture of Rajasthan. The temple has been given a background of hills and mountains creating a landscape with fountains and waterfalls.

It is built in a real Orrian style with lofty towers capped by large amalakas, circular ribbed motif at the summit of a temple tower. The whole structure of temple is built with red sandstone and white marble and is encircled by gardens and fountains. A coordinated blend of sculptures, idols, spires and jalis, is another architectural amazing thing in the Birla Temple of Delhi. The Birla Temple is a landmark in the history of modern Indian architecture making a landmark in Delhi.