Spread over 7.5 acres, in the heart of the city, the Laxminarayan or Birla Mandir of Delhi is adorned with many shrines, fountains, a large garden, and also houses Geeta Bhawan for discourses. The temple is one of the major attractions of the city of Delhi and attracts thousands of devotees on the festivals of Janmashtami and Diwali.
History of Birla Mandir Delhi
The construction of Laxminarayan temple, whom we popularly call Birla Mandir temple begun in 1933. The temple was envisioned by industrialist and philanthropist, Baldeo Das Birla and his son Jugal Kishore Birla. It is said that the foundation stone of the temple was laid by Maharaj Udaybhanu Singh. The temple was built under guidance of Pandit Vishwanath Shastri. The religious ceremony and Yagna were performed by Swami Keshwa Nandji. The famous temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in the year 1939. At that time, Mahatma Gandhi kept a condition that the temple would not be restricted to the Hindus and people from every caste would be allowed inside.

Laxminarayan mandir of Delhi is the representative of temples built by the Birlas in many cities of India, which are also often called Birla Temple.
Architecture of Birla Mandir Delhi
Sris Chandra Chatterjee, a leading architect of his time designed the temple complex.] It is said that his architecture was influenced by the principles of the Swadeshi movement of the early twentieth century. The movement did not reject the incorporation of new construction ideas and technologies. Chatterjee extensively used modern materials in his buildings.
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The temple is built in the northern style of temple architecture. It is adorned with carvings showing the scenes from golden yuga of the present universe cycle. More than hundred skilled artisans from Varanasi, led by Acharya Vishvanath Shastri, carved the icons of the temple. The peak 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 extensively used in the construction of the temple complex.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.

The temple houses statues of Lord Narayan and Goddess Lakshmi. There are other small shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha and Hanuman. A shrine is dedicated to Lord Buddha in the temple. The left side temple shikhar (dome) houses Devi Durga, the goddess of power.
Location , Timings and nearest Metro
Mandir Marg, Connaught Place
Nearest Metro Station: RK Ashram Marg
Timings:
4:30am to 1:30pm
& 2.30pm to 9.00pm.
Entry: Free
Photography, Mobiles and cameras are prohibited in the Temple premises.
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