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Temples in Delhi
General Information:
Built in: 1933 - 1939
Inaugurated by - Mahatma Gandhi
Constructed by - Raja Baldev Birla
Temple’s height –165 ft.
About Birla Temple:
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. The famous Birla temple patronized by Mahatma Gandhi, who inaugurated this temple in 1938 after Raja Baldev Birla constructed it, is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. The temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi on the condition that people of all strata of society be allowed to offer prayers there on account of the large scale prevalence of untouchables at that time. One of the most important festivals of the Hindus Janmashtami coinciding with the birth of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great fervor in the temple with more than lakh visitors. At the entrance is plaque- welcoming person of all faiths and religions.
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. Its architectural splendor is Orissan style; the highest tower in the temple reaches a height of 165 ft, while the ancillary towers reach 116 ft. 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.
Built over a span of ten years, by a Birla Foundation, the Birla Mandir is a beautiful modern temple overlooking the south end of Hussain Sagar, providing an excellent view over the city from the summit. One gets to view the intricate carvings of the temple, the ceiling and the mythological figures, which are a standing testimony to the dexterity and sculptural excellence of the craftsmen. Beautiful scenes from the great epics of Ramayana and Mahabharatha are finely sculpted in marble. A number of lofty steps lead the visitor to the sanctum sanctorum. Along the winding path are many marble statues of Gods and Goddesses of Hindu mythology located in the midst of some gardens, full of blossoms. The granite image of the presiding deity is about 11 ft. tall and a carved lotus forms an umbrella for this image. The brass flagstaff rises to a height of 42 ft.
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