House Of Worship

JAIPURʼS BIRLA TEMPLE

At the foot of the ruined Moti Dungri Fort in Jaipur is the famous Birla Temple, originally known as Lakshmi Narayan Temple. It is a proud architectural landmark of the city.

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, this temple was built in 1988 by the B M Birla Foundation in pure white marble. B M Birla is one of the largest business tycoons of India.  The three huge domes of the temple represent three different approaches to the Hindu religion, reiterating its pragmatism, and mesmerises visitors who come from all over the globe when it glows at night. Stained glass windows depict scenes from Hindu scriptures. Lord Ganesha, the protector of households, is above the lintel, and the fine quality of marble is evident when you enter the sanctum.

Inside this magnificent shrine, beautifully sculpted idols of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, as well as other Hindu Gods and Goddesses, can be seen. Delicate carvings of Hindu symbols, and ancient quotes from the Gita and the Upanishads ornament the walls along with mythological events.  Apart from the sacred idols, pictures and figures of several religious saints, philosophers and historical achievers like Socrates, Buddha, Zarathustra and Confucius are also included in the engravings. A work of art, this temple truly represents architectural beauty, surrounded by lush green gardens that are impeccably maintained and highlight the splendour of the environs.

According to history, the Birla temple was built on land given to the Birla family by the Maharaja for  just a token sum of one rupee. The best time to visit this shrine is between the months of March and October.

ʻJanamashtamiʼ, the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, is celebrated here with great enthusiasm and gusto. Apart from the main temple, the complex incorporates a majestic museum that displays the ancestralpossessions of the Birla family and a shopping complex.

The Birla Temple has a calm and serene atmosphere that compliments this spiritual site and remains a major attraction for tourists.