Birla Mandir
Also Known As Lakshmi-Narayan Mandir
¤ Also Known As Birla Mandir
Strictly speaking, this structure is not part of the New Delhi
Lutyens designed. Famous Birla Mandir in Delhi is essentially a Hindu
temple which came up alongside with New Delhi and has therefore been
pegged with it. Popularly known as the Birla Mandir, it is the first
of the temples built across the country by the industrial family of
Birla. Located just off Connaught Place on Mandir Marg, it is
dedicated to Vishnu, the second of the Hindu Trinity of
creator-preserver-destroyer, and his consort Lakshmi, the Goddess of
wealth.
¤ The Most Important Temples of Hindus
Built in 1938, famous Birla Mandir in Delhi was inaugurated by
Mahatma Gandhi (Father of the Indian Nation) on the express condition
that people of all castes and especially untouchables would be allowed
in. (Refer to section People). Consequently a plaque at the gate
reiterates that people of all faiths and classes are welcome. Till
date, it remains one of the most popular temples in Delhi.
¤ The Architectural Brilliance of The Birla Mandir (Temple)
Birla Mandir is also famous for the festival of Janmashtami (birth of
the Hindu deity Krishna). The festival is celebrated here with much
goodwill and cheer.
The temple is designed in the Orissan style, with tall curved towers
capped by large amalakas (circular ribbed motif at the summit of a
temple tower). The exterior is faced with the white marble and red
sandstone typical of Delhi’s Mughal architecture. The interior
court is overlooked by two-storey verandahs on three sides; there are
gardens and fountains at the rear. The profusion of sculptures, idols,
spires and jalis, the Birla Mandir in Delhi is also considered as
splendor in terms of its architecture.
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