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This
enchanting temple is located west of
Connaught Place and was
build by Raja Baldev Das in 1938. The temple is dedicated to the goddess
of prosperity and good fortune & is commonly known as the Birla
Mandir.
It is modern in concept and construction and attracts several devotees
and international tourists. The presiding deity here is Lakshmi Narayan, a
manifestation of Lord Vishnu. The walls of the temple are decorated with
various Hindu symbols and quotes from the Gita and the Upanishads.
Historical Significance
This temple was built over a six-year period (1933 - 1939) and was
inaurgated by Mahatma Gandhi on the condition that people of all castes
especially untouchables would be allowed in. It was built in the 20th
century by the Birla family of industrialists known for its many other
temples in India. Architectural Splendour
Built in Orissan style, the highest tower in the temple reaches a height
of 165ft, while the ancillary towers reach 116ft. The Geeta Bhavan, a hall
adorned with beautiful paintings depicting scenes from Indian mythology.
There is also a temple dedicated to Buddha in this complex with fresco
paintings describing his life and work.
The entire complex, especially the walls and the upper gallery are full
of paintings carried out by artists from Jaipur in Rajasthan. The rear of
the temple has been developed as an artificial mountainous landscape with
fountains and waterfalls.
The festival of Janmashtami
is celebrated here with much goodwill and cheer. 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.
For many foreign tourists, this is the place in India where they are
confronted with the incongrogous sight of multiple 'swastikas'. The
original meaning of the sign, an ancient Aryan symbol of the striving for
perfection, as explained on one wall.
Other Shrines In The Temple Complex
Durga and Shiva are the other major deities housed in this temple.
Mention must be made of the Buddha temple in this complex.
Accommodation is available in the temple guesthouse for out of town travellers especially for international scholars pursuing knowledge in Sanskrit or in the Hindu religion.