Birla Mandir Jaipur

The magnificent Birla Mandir in Jaipur is a Hindu temple that forms a part of one of the several Birla temples located all around the country. Also known as the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, the shrine is situated on the Moti Dungari Hill. The temple was built in the year 1988 by the Birlas when the Maharaja of Jaipur gave the land away for a token amount of one rupee. Built purely out of white marble, the edifice of the Birla Temple is an amalgamation of ancient Hindu architecture styles and modern design. The walls of the temple are embellished with intricate carvings of Gods and Goddesses and words of wisdom from the Puranas and Upanishads. The pictures of historical achievers, legends, philosophers and spiritual saints like Socrates, Christ, Buddha, Confucius are also displayed in the temple. Do visit the Birla Temple during Janmashtami, as the temple is abuzz with activity during this time.

As the name suggests, Laxmi Narayan Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Narayan), the preserver and his wife Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. The commemorated deity of Laxmi Narayan gets a special attention since it is carved out from a single piece of stone. Besides all other idols, the idol of Ganesha is a magnum opus that appears almost-transparent. The walls of the temple bear illustrations of important events and revelations that have been mentioned in Hindu sacred texts, which add to the aura of serenity in the temple. The gentle chanting of the holy mantras, the diffused fragrance of incense sticks and the occasional ringing of the temple bells will certainly transport you into your own version of higher consciousness. Visit Birla Temple for a rendezvous with the Divine.

History of Birla Mandir Jaipur
In accordance with the popular historical belief, Birla Mandir at Jaipur in Rajasthan is built on the land that was handed over to the country’s reputed Birla family by the respected Maharaja of that time in exchange for just INR 1. The construction of the temple began back in the year 1977 by the B.M. Industrial Foundation. The structure was developed over a total time period of around eight years and the construction work finally ended in the year 1985. In reference to historical facts, Mahatma Gandhi was invited to inaugurate Birla Mandir. However, Gandhi stated that he would only accept the invitation if the temple would be open to devotees of all the castes of society. The temple’s consecration ceremony finally happened on February 22, 1985. Since then, Birla Temple is open for visitors irrespective of the caste and creed they belong to.

Architecture of Birla temple
Built with white marble, the architecture of this temple reflects a modern style with traces of the traditional features you would find in a temple. The walls and the pillars of this temple are adorned with intricate carvings depicting quotes from scriptures, mythological events, and symbols, figurines of gods and goddesses and Hindu symbols. The temple celebrates the cultural and religious diversity of India so you will find figures of several saints from other religions, historians, and philosophers existing side by side with those from the Hindu religion. The teachings of Buddha, the work of legendary teachers like Socrates and Confucius are a great sight to look at. The temple is a mélange of all the philosophies and religious teachings passed down to mankind since ages.

Three domes in the temple which represent the different religions in India stand out prominently in the structure of this temple. These domes are also a symbol of secularism prevalent in India. The entrance to the temple is adorned by an image of Lord Ganesha, who is worshipped foremost in all Hindu religious festivals and proceedings. The white marble of the temple is inlaid with a golden color and it gives the façade a magnificent look. Outside the main temple structure, there are stained glass windows that have been beautifully adorned with Hindu mythology scenes. Just outside the main temple, there is another small temple with the idol of Lord Shiva in white marble and gold. People come here to pay homage and to admire its beauty.