The magnificent Birla Mandir in Jaipur, Rajasthan also called the Lakshmi Narayan Temple; is a Hindu temple built by the B.M. Birla Foundation in 1988. Located at the base of Moti Dungri Fort, Jaipur; the temple is a popular tourist spot and pilgrimage centre for Hindu devotees. Part of the Birla Group, one of India’s largest business houses; B.M. Birla Foundation has built several Birla Mandir also called Birla Temple across several states in India. The Birla Temple has beautiful Lakshmi Narayan statues in the temple’s sanctum that are delicately carved and maintained. The principal deities are worshipped daily at regular intervals.
Located at Tilak Nagar neighborhood of Jaipur near Moti Dungari hill; the Birla Mandir, was built solely using white marble is dedicated to Hindu Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu or Narayan. While Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu, are the principal deity in the temple, they appear alongside other Hindu gods and goddesses. Story goes that a Maharaja from one of the former royal families of Rajasthan; sold the land for Birla temple to Birla family for one rupee. Construction work for the temple made of white marble, started in 1977. The temple was consecration on 22nd February 1985, and was thrown open to general public on February 22, 1988.
The temple has four distinct parts; namely sanctum sanctorum, tower, main hall, and entrance. The temple has three towers, referring to the three main faiths that originated from India. huge stained-glass windows depicting traditional Hindu stories as well as marble sculptures depicting Hindu mythology are also present. Festivals such as Diwali and Janamashtami are celebrated with much pomp and gaiety at the temple. Besides Lakshmi and Narayan, the temple has figurines of Ganesh, Buddha, Zarathustra, Confucius, St. Peter, Christ, Virgin Mary, and Socrates on the outer walls.
Not just that statues of founders of Birla Temple, namely Rukmani Devi Birla and Braj Mohan Birla have also been erected in the courtyard outside the temple under a covered pavilion. The two statues face the temple with folded hands. The architectural style of the temple is considered to be modern; it has been built on a raised platform, which raises it above the Jaipur skyline; making it prominently visible at night. The temple grounds include a lush green garden and a small gift shop. The Sri and Smt. G. P. Birla Gallery and B. M. Birla Family Museum; are located below the temple. They contain photographs from the time when the temple was under construction; as well as photographs that chronicle the Birla family’s philanthropic contributions.
In one part of the museum family heirlooms belonging to the huge Birla family are kept. The temple is adorned with intricately carved pillars, as well as inscriptions on the walls, including mythological quotes and verses from Bhagwat Geeta, the holiest book for Hindus on the outside. In the inside walls various mythological events and happenings have been depicted via drawings. The Birla Mandir is open to visitors and devotees daily from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the morning, and again from 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM in the evening. Tourists and devotees can reach Birla Mandir, where entry is free; from any part of the city by hiring a bus, taxi, car, or autorickshaw.
During the evening time, when the whole temple compound is illuminated with lights, the temple really dazzles. The best time to visit the temple is during winter seasons for outstation tourist; however, during the major festivals like Dusshera, Janmashtami, and Diwali; large number of devotees throng Birla Mandir, to seek blessings of the lord. During the day; the best time to visit Birla Mandir is at sunset when sunlight falling on the white marble temple, makes the whole temple shine.
There are numerous restaurants near the temple, where tourists can enjoy delicious Rajasthani cuisine. There are also traditional Rajasthani handloom stores in the from where tourist can buy variety of souvenirs. Tourists can also visit nearby tourists’ attractions like Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Moti Dungri Temple, and the Dungri Fort.
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