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Laxmi Naryan temple a.k.a Birla Temple in New
Delhi was built by the Birlas, a noted industrialist family of
India.
Built in 1938, Laxmi Naryan temple is one of the first major Hindu
places of worship that allowed the lower caste Harijans inside. In
fact, Mahatma Gandhi made entry of Harijans as one of the conditions
for inaugurating the temple.
Sris Chandra Chatterjee designed the temple, which is built in
Orissa style sanctuaries and Mughal arcades.
The main shrine of the temple is dedicated to Lord Narayan and
Goddess Lakshmi. There are other small shrines dedicated to Lord
Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman and Lord Buddha. Krishna
Janmashtami and Deepawali are the |
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two major festivals that attract huge crowds to
the temple. The temple is located on Mandir Marg, west of Connaught
Place.
History
This temple was built over a six year period (1933 - 1939) and was
opened by Mahatma Gandhi.
Temple Architecture
The highest tower in the temple reaches a height of 165 feet while
the ancillary towers reach 116 feet. The Geeta Bhavan, a hall is
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.
Significance
This is one of the landmarks in the nation's capital New Delhi. It
was built in the 20th century by the Birla family of industrialists
known for its many other temples in India. It is modern in concept
and construction. It attracts several devotees and international
tourists. The presiding deity here is Lakshmi Narain (Vishnu).
Other Shrines in the Temple
Durga and Shiva are the other major deities housed in this temple.
Mention must be made of the Buddha temple in this complex. Access
and Accommodation: Accomodation is available in the temple guest
house for out of town travellers especially for international
scholars pursuing knowledge in Sanskrit or in the Hindu religion.
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