Birla
Mandir in Delhi, also known as Laxmi Narayan Temple, was built by
industrialist G. D. Birla and inaugurated in 1938 by Mahatma Gandhi.
This is one of the first temples allowing entry to people of any faith,
religion or cast for worship. The temple is constructed in Orissa style
of architecture with red sandstone and white marble used at strategic
places. The temple's presiding deities are Lakshmi-Narayan. Durga,
Ganesha, Hanuman and Shiva are the other major deities gracing the
place.Location
Birla Mandir in Delhi is situated on Mandir Marg near Connaught Place and only 4 kms from New Delhi Railway Station.
Multiple Faiths
The Birla Mandir in Delhi also has a small sub temple dedicated to Lord Buddha and it is decorated with frescoes themed with scenes from his life, just like the Ajanta and Ellora caves.
Interesting Fact
A wall the Birla Mandir in Delhi has a first person inscription that on 27 May 1942 a man called Krishna Pal Sharma turned 11.66 grams of mercury into 11.66 grams of gold in full view of four very prominent witness. Performing similar feat, 18 kg mercury turned gold was donated to the temple.
Architecture
The
highest tower in the temple reaches the height of 165 feet while the
ancillary towers reach 116 feet. The temple has influences of modern
architecture. The whole temple is adorned with carvings depicting
stories from the Hindu mythology. The white marble used in the temple
was brought from Jaipur. Kota stone brought from Makarana, Agra and
Jaislamer were also used in the temple construction. The idols of the
temple were carved by 101 skilled craftsmen from Benaras, headed by
Acharya Vishvanath Shastri. The highest tower of the temple soars 165
feet high, while the ancillary towers are 116 feet high. The east facing temple is situated on a high plinth which leads to the 'Garbha Griha' or the sanctum sanctorum. The Geeta Bhawan is an exhibition hall cum shrine in the northern side of Birla Mandir. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna and decorated with paintings depicting scenes from Indian Mythology on the rear end of the hall. There are many gardens, miniature temples and fountains in the temple complex.
Facilities
Accommodation in the form of a rest house is available for out of town travelers, especially for international scholars pursuing knowledge in Sanskrit or in the Hindu religion. A canteen is also located in the temple premises.