Delhi is the largest metropolis in India, widely known for its cultural diversity and at the same time, it is the political and cultural center of India. New Delhi preserves many historical and traditional structures that can be seen as epitome of the craftsmanship of this prosperous nation. New Delhi’s rich culture and lifestyle are wrapped up in the city’s temples and shrines and spiced up with vibrant festivals throughout the year.
You can not only witness a wide variety of architectural styles but also experience the traditions and heritage of the locals during a tour of New Delhi. Come to the capital of India, New Delhi, and you can experience this diversity for yourself. One of the impressive architecture can be found in the New Delhi Laxminarayan Temple, which features an exotic façade with its contrasting hues and unique design.
The construction of the Laxminarayan Temple was commissioned by the renowned Indian industrialists called the Birla Family. Hence, the Laxminarayan Temple is also called the Birla Mandir or Birla Temple and is also the first Hindu temple built by the Birla family. There are many Birla temples built across India by this family, including temples in Hyderabad and Jaipur.
Based on its name, the Delhi temple is dedicated to Laxminarayan, which translates as Laxmi and Narayan. Laxmi is a deity and is also the consort of Lord Vishnu, a supreme Hindu god who is also known as Narayan. Lord Vishnu is also a Hindu Trinity god representing the title of Preserver. And so the name Laxminarayan is a collective term referring to the two deities Laxmi and Narayan.
The Laxminarayan Temple was completed in 1932. This temple is quite special for the locals as it allows devotees of all castes to enter and pay homage without discrimination. This was a condition set by the Father of India, Mahatma Gandhi. The temple was designed by Sris Chandra Chatterjee following the Orissan style of architecture immersed in Mughal splendor.
The striking façade of the Laxminarayan Temple is wrapped in carvings inspired by Hindu myths. They were meticulously carved by over a hundred artisans under the guidance of Acharya Vishvanath Shasthri. The temple’s contrasting shades of maroon and yellow beautifully highlight these carvings and add a fascinating landmark to the cityscape.
The Laxminarayan Temple has tall shikaras, mountain-shaped towers, with the tallest reaching a height of 160 feet. These are topped by beautiful amalakas, circular rib-like decorations. The vibrant facade of the temple is made of red sandstone and white marble, adding to the charm of Mughal architecture. In this Hindu sanctuary you will also find fountains and gardens as well as many sculptures as well as elaborate jalis, perforated screens with impressive designs.
The Laxminarayan Temple in New Delhi is located near the famous business and shopping center Connaught Place which rests on the road, Mandir Marg.