The Lakshmi Narayan Temple, better known as Birla Mandir, is one of the major Hindu temples of Delhi. It stands west of Connaught Place and is dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and prosperity, and her consort Narayan (Lord Vishnu).
History:
The temple was built between 1933 and 1939 by the industrialist Baldeo Das Birla and his family. It was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1939, who agreed on the condition that the temple would be open to people of all castes – an important statement at the time. Today it is open to visitors of every faith.
Architecture:
The temple is built in the Nagara style of North India, with tall curved towers (shikharas), in red and cream stone. Besides the main shrine of Lakshmi and Narayan, there are shrines to Shiva, Krishna, Ganesha, Hanuman and the Buddha. Gardens with fountains and sculptures surround the complex, and the walls are decorated with scenes and verses from Hindu scriptures.
Good to know:
Entry is free. Shoes are left outside, and photography is not allowed inside the temple. The temple is busiest during the festival of Janmashtami (the birth of Krishna) and at Diwali, when it is beautifully lit. It fits easily into a New Delhi sightseeing tour together with Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and India Gate.
