The Laxmi Narayan Temple is one of the most popular Hindu temples in Delhi, also known as the Birla Temple. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is known as the preserver of the Hindu religion, and his wife, Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth. It also pays homage to other deities of Hindu mythology. Located in the heart of the city, it is a popular pilgrimage spot with fountains and a large garden. The divine serenity of the temple is only enhanced by the musical kirtans (songs devoted to Hindu deities) that fill every visitor with joy.
The main feature of this temple is that people of all religions and castes (including the untouchables) are welcomed here without any discrimination.
- Location: Mandir Marg, near Connaught Place, New Delhi
- Built In: 1622 (renovated in 1793, rebuilt in 1933)
- Built By: The Birla family
- Main Deities: Lord Vishnu, Lakshmi, Shiva, Durga, Ganesh, Hanuman
- Timings:
- Morning: 7 AM – 12 PM
- Evening: 2 PM – 9 PM
- How to Reach:
- 1.5 km from Connaught Place
- Auto-rickshaws from Shivaji Stadium or Talkatora Gardens
History
The temple was created in 1622 and was renovated in 1793. In 1933, it was rebuilt, which took six years, and was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of our Nation. Since 1938, the Birla family has provided financial support to this temple.
Temple – At a Glance
The temple occupies an area of approximately 7.5 acres (30,000 sq. m.). Among the three domes of the temple, the central dome houses statues of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. The left dome is dedicated to Goddess Durga, who is the goddess of Shakti (power), while the right dome is the home of Lord Shiva in a meditation pose, who is also known as the lord of classical dance.
On the right side of the front gate, there is a statue of Lord Ganesh, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, placed to bless people with the gift of right knowledge. On the left side of the front gate, there is a statue of Lord Hanuman, who is well known as the monkey-bodied devotee of Lord Rama.
The visiting hours of the temple are from 7 AM to 12 PM in the morning and 2 PM to 9 PM in the evening.
- Suggested to Read: Most Famous Temples in Delhi You Must Visit
Architecture
The temple is built in the Orissan style, with an exterior made of white marble and red sandstone, and elevated curved towers. The highest tower of the temple is 165 feet tall, while the subsidiary towers are 116 feet tall.
Attractions of the Temple
Apart from the deities, there are a few more attractions at the Laxmi Narayan Temple. You will enjoy walking through the airy corridors and will be impressed by the artistic sculptures that enhance the temple’s aesthetic appeal. You will also be amazed to know that 101 skilled pundits (those who take care of the temples) from Varanasi dedicated their days and nights to imbue serenity into these stones.
The Geeta Bhavan, a hall of attractive paintings, depicts various events from Indian mythology. Next, in the premises of the temple, there is a temple dedicated to Lord Buddha, with fresco paintings depicting his life’s events and work. The entire area, including the walls and gallery, features paintings carved by artists from Jaipur, Rajasthan. The rear part of the temple consists of an artificial rocky landscape, which includes natural-looking fountains and cascading waterfalls, simply adding to the peaceful atmosphere.
The Aarti, a custom of pleasing the deity using flowers, lamps, fragrances, and other sacred artifacts, is performed in the evening. It is worth attending, as it provides an amazing feeling of tranquility.
Days of Attraction
On weekdays, Friday is the ideal day to visit the temple, as it is the day dedicated to Goddess Laxmi. Regarding holidays, Janmashtami and Diwali are two important occasions during which you can experience the temple’s charm and make your visit memorable. The dates of such celebrations and occasions can be obtained from the temple office.
Janmashtami is the festival that marks the birth of Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. On this day, the echoes of spiritual hymns and sacred aromas fill the temple, making it a place of endless joy and devotion. You will see many devotees of Lord Krishna in colorful clothes, paying homage to infant Gopal (the childhood name of Lord Krishna).
During Diwali, the temple is decorated with multicolored lights that spread the message of awakening your soul and mind to every person, whether a local resident or a tourist.
Nearby Attractions
- Jantar Mantar
- India Gate
- Hanuman Mandir
- Palika Bazaar
- Janpath
Reaching the Temple
The sacred temple is located on Mandir Marg, which is 1.5 km away from Connaught Place (a shopping area). There are many transportation options, making it easy to reach the temple.
No matter which area of the city you are in, you can easily reach Shivaji Stadium or Talkatora Gardens and then take an auto-rickshaw to the temple. There is no entry fee, but you might need to pay a small amount if you wish to perform a ‘Puja’ (religious ritual) in the sanctum sanctorum.
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