Birla Mandir Lakshmi Narayan - A woman in a yellow and red sari
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Birla Mandir Lakshmi Narayan

4.6
·17k reviews·Kolkata, India

A breathtaking white marble Hindu temple dedicated to Radha-Krishna, known for its intricate carvings and serene spiritual ambiance.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early Mornings

Peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Birla Mandir Lakshmi Narayan - A woman in a yellow and red sari

Birla Mandir Lakshmi Narayan

Best Time

Early Mornings

Peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A breathtaking white marble Hindu temple dedicated to Radha-Krishna, known for its intricate carvings and serene spiritual ambiance.

4.6
(17k reviews)

"A temple full of art. A beautiful moment like going to a temple and watching the evening aarti will make you happy."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders and knees. Avoid shorts or revealing clothing. :pray:

🚫 No Photography Inside

Photography is prohibited inside the temple. Respect the rules. :noentrysign:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Intricate Marble Architecture

Intricate Marble Architecture

Entire Temple Complex

Marvel at the exquisite white marble craftsmanship, adorned with detailed carvings and motifs.

Evening Aarti Ceremony

Evening Aarti Ceremony

Main Shrine

Witness the serene and devotional evening aarti, a truly spiritual experience.

Deities of the Main Shrine

Deities of the Main Shrine

Main Shrine

Pay homage to the beautifully crafted marble idols of Radha and Krishna.

Illustrative Wall Carvings

Illustrative Wall Carvings

Temple Walls

Admire the intricate carvings depicting scenes and shlokas from the Bhagavad Gita.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Serenity

To experience the full spiritual ambiance of Birla Mandir, aim for early mornings or late evenings. Avoid peak prayer times if you prefer fewer crowds. The temple is a popular spot, so planning your visit outside of major festival days will enhance your peaceful experience.

Respectful Attire and Photography Rules

Dress modestly when visiting this sacred site; cover shoulders and knees. While the exterior is stunning for photos, photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple premises. Be mindful of security guards' instructions to avoid any unpleasantness.

Best Times

When
Early Mornings
Why
Peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings (especially during Aarti)
Why
Mesmerizing lights & devotion
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

มาทำวีซ่า❌ มาเที่ยววัด✅ อินเดียเป็นเมืองแห่งจิตวิญญาณและศาสนา คนที่นี้เคร่งศาสนาจนไม่กล้าทำบาป เป็นอีกหนึ่งข้อดีของ ศาสนา อยู่นี้ไม่เคยโดนล้วงกระเป๋าหรือขโมยของเลย จากประสบการณ์ตัวเองนะคะ😊 แต่ถ้ามาก็ต้องระวังเพื่อป้องกันไว้ดีกว่า พวกเรามาวัดแล้วก็ไปทานอาหารจีนกันต่อค่ะ อีกวันที่มาพจญภัยกับครอบครัว เป็นเวลาดีดี และได้รับความสุขจากการทำบุญเต็มๆเลย เอาบุญมาฝากทุกคนนะคะ🙏🏻🙏🏻 นมัสเตตต😄 #สะใภ้อินดียตะวัน...
@ribbonsiri
16.5K likes • 219.2K views

🎯 Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders and knees. Avoid shorts or revealing clothing. :pray:

🚫 No Photography Inside

Photography is prohibited inside the temple. Respect the rules. :noentrysign:

The Laxminarayan Mandir is a Hindu temple located in New Delhi, India. The presiding deity in the temple is Laxminarayan i.e., Vishnu along with his consort Lakshmi. The temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi ensured that members of all castes would be allowed in the temple. It was built by Jugal Kishore Birla from 1933 and 1939. There are also small shrines on the sides dedicated to Shi...
magiclandindia
106 likes • 2.8K views
Birla mandir delhi - First large hindu temple in delhi🙏 Also called lakshmi narayan mandir Location - Mandir marg, near gole market, connaught place, new delhi Ramakrisha ashram marg nearest metro station Mandir timings - 4:30am to 1:30 pm & 2:30pm to 9pm Aarti timings - 5:30am to 7pm Mandir darshan free but photography not allowed inside . . #birlamandir #birlamandirdelhi #delhimandir #delhitempl...
worldofjasmeet
2.3K likes • 62.8K views

✨ Evening Aarti Experience

Attend the evening aarti for a truly spiritual and mesmerizing experience. :sparkles:

🚶‍♀️ Peaceful Exploration

Take your time to admire the intricate carvings and serene ambiance. :walking:

Birla Mandir, Jaipur || Lakshmi Narayan Temple || Trip To Jaipur || Travel Mini Vlog || Place To Visit In Rajasthan || Informative Reel of a Historical Place In Jaipur || Hinduism || Sanatan Dharam || Proud Hindu . . . . . . . #akshaykakkar #travelreels #travelvlog #minivlog #jaipur #rajasthan #placetovisit #jaipurtravel #jaipurtrip #ishqhai #birlatemple #birlamandir #birlamandirjaipur #hindu #h...
shezaadakakkar
15.3K likes • 292.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders and knees. Avoid shorts or revealing clothing. :pray:

🚫 No Photography Inside

Photography is prohibited inside the temple. Respect the rules. :noentrysign:

✨ Evening Aarti Experience

Attend the evening aarti for a truly spiritual and mesmerizing experience. :sparkles:

🚶‍♀️ Peaceful Exploration

Take your time to admire the intricate carvings and serene ambiance. :walking:

🚗 Easy Access

Located on Ashutosh Choudhury Avenue, it's easily accessible by road. :car:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(17k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Birla Mandir for its stunning white marble architecture and serene, spiritual atmosphere, making it a highlight for both devotees and tourists. The evening Aarti is particularly noted for its devotional charm. However, some guests have expressed frustration with unclear photography rules and the way security guards enforce them.

"Birla Temple is located on Ashutosh Choudhury Avenue, Ballygunge, kolkata. It is also known as Laxminarayan Mandir.

Very beautiful architecture. A temple full of art.I went to visit with my family in the evening.The entire temple is adorned with beautiful handwork.A beautiful moment like going to a temple and watching the evening aarti will make you happy.A peaceful place. Although it is next to the road, it is not very populated.
Everyone, go and visit, your mind and soul will be better."

iam pattanayak

"Birla Mandir in Kolkata is truly mesmerizing. The white marble architecture is stunning and looks even more beautiful in the evening lights. The atmosphere is very peaceful, perfect for prayer and meditation. A must-visit spiritual place in the city for both devotees and tourists."

yoshita singh

"The temple is very beautiful. But I didn’t see any sign saying that photography is not allowed. When I went to take a photo of the idol, the security guard started shouting loudly. This is not the right way. If photography is not allowed, then please put a board like other temples do."

deep acharjee

What People Like

Beautiful marble architecture
Peaceful spiritual ambiance
Mesmerizing evening Aarti

What People Dislike

Strict photography rules
Inconsistent rule enforcement

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Birla Mandir (Lakshmi Narayan Mandir) is located on Ashutosh Choudhury Avenue in Ballygunge, Kolkata. It's easily accessible by road via taxi or ride-sharing services. The nearest metro station is Garcha, though it's a bit of a walk. Many visitors find it convenient to take an auto-rickshaw or bus to the Ballygunge area and then a short walk to the temple. Reddit

Yes, Birla Mandir is accessible by public transport. Several bus routes pass through the Ballygunge area. While the nearest metro station might require a short walk, it's a viable option for reaching the vicinity. Reddit

From Howrah Station, you can take a taxi or a pre-paid cab directly to Birla Mandir. Alternatively, you can take a local train to Sealdah Station and then a taxi or bus to Ballygunge. Reddit

Parking availability can be limited, especially during peak hours. It's advisable to check locally or consider using ride-sharing services to avoid parking hassles. Reddit

While the main prayer areas are generally accessible, some parts of the temple complex might have steps. It's recommended to inquire about specific accessibility for wheelchairs upon arrival. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no entry fee to visit Birla Mandir. It is a free-access temple for all devotees and visitors. Reddit

The temple is open daily from 5:30 AM to 11:00 AM and again from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Reddit

To experience a more peaceful visit, aim for early mornings (around 5:30 AM) or late evenings, just before closing. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. Reddit

The evening Aarti is a highlight and usually takes place around sunset, offering a serene devotional experience. Specific timings can vary slightly, so it's best to check upon arrival. Reddit

Yes, festivals like Janmashtami, Radhashtami, Holi, and Diwali are celebrated with great fervor. However, expect larger crowds during these times. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple premises. Security guards are present to enforce this rule. Reddit

Yes, you are generally allowed to take photos of the beautiful exterior architecture of the temple. Reddit

The prohibition on photography inside is a common practice in many religious sites to maintain sanctity and prevent distractions during prayer and worship. Reddit

While there are no designated spots for photography inside, the exterior offers many picturesque angles. Be respectful of worshippers when taking exterior photos. Reddit

If you are caught taking photos inside, security guards may ask you to delete them and may even escort you out. It's best to adhere to the rules. Reddit

🎫 🙏 Onsite Experience

The main shrine is dedicated to Radha and Krishna. There are also side shrines for Durga, Shiva, Hanuman, Ganesha, and the ten avatars of Vishnu. Reddit

The architecture is a blend of Nagara-style and Rajasthani temple design, with sandstone exteriors and white marble interiors, featuring intricate carvings. Reddit

Built by the Birla family, it's a significant religious and architectural landmark in Kolkata, known for its serene atmosphere and artistic beauty. Reddit

Yes, despite being near a busy road, the temple offers a very peaceful and spiritual environment, ideal for meditation and reflection. Reddit

Major Hindu festivals like Janmashtami, Radhashtami, Holi, and Diwali are celebrated with vibrant rituals and devotion. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

No, there are no food stalls or restaurants inside the temple premises. Visitors are expected to maintain the sanctity of the place. Reddit

The temple is located in the Ballygunge area, which has numerous eateries, cafes, and restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. You can find options ranging from local Bengali food to international fare. Reddit

It's best to consume any food outside the temple premises. Bringing food inside is generally not permitted to maintain cleanliness and sanctity. Reddit

Yes, Kolkata offers a wide array of vegetarian dining options, and you'll find many restaurants in the Ballygunge area serving delicious vegetarian dishes. Reddit

Many visitors prefer to eat before or after their visit to fully immerse themselves in the spiritual atmosphere of the temple. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Birla Mandir offers a serene environment that can be a calming experience for families. While photography is not allowed inside, the beautiful architecture and the peaceful ambiance can be appreciated by all ages. The main shrines dedicated to Radha-Krishna and other deities can be a good way to introduce children to Hindu traditions in a respectful setting. Reddit

It's advisable to visit during less crowded hours, perhaps early morning, to ensure a more comfortable experience for children. Ensure everyone in the family dresses modestly to adhere to temple etiquette. The temple is easily accessible, making it a convenient outing for families exploring Kolkata. Reddit

🧘‍♀️ Spiritual Seekers & Devotees

For those seeking spiritual solace, Birla Mandir is a highly recommended destination. The temple's tranquil atmosphere, especially during the evening Aarti, provides an ideal setting for prayer, meditation, and reflection. The intricate carvings depicting scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita add a profound layer to the spiritual experience. Reddit

The presence of multiple deities, including Radha-Krishna, Shiva, and Durga, caters to a wide range of devotional practices. Many visitors find the temple to be a place that truly rejuvenates the mind and soul, offering a deep sense of peace and connection. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts (Exterior)

While photography is forbidden inside, the exterior of Birla Mandir is a photographer's delight. The pristine white marble architecture, especially when illuminated in the evening, offers stunning visual opportunities. Capture the intricate carvings, the grand facade, and the overall majestic presence of the temple. Reddit

Look for unique angles and lighting conditions to showcase the temple's beauty. The surrounding area also provides context for your shots. Remember to be respectful of worshippers and avoid any intrusive photography that might disturb the sanctity of the place. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Marvel of Birla Mandir

The Birla Mandir in Kolkata, also known as the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, is a testament to exquisite Indian craftsmanship. Constructed primarily from white marble with sandstone exteriors, its design is a harmonious fusion of Nagara-style and Rajasthani temple architecture. The temple's height reaches 160 feet and it occupies approximately 2 acres of land. Its construction, a project undertaken by the Birla family, spanned 26 years, from 1970 to its inauguration in 1996. Reddit

The walls are adorned with intricate carvings that illustrate scenes and shlokas from the Bhagavad Gita, adding a layer of spiritual narrative to the visual splendor. The ceiling is a dazzling display of chandeliers and electric diyas, enhancing the divine ambiance. The temple's design also draws inspiration from motifs found in the Lingaraj Temple of Bhubaneswar and the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, showcasing a rich heritage. Reddit

Designed by Nomi Bose, the temple's aesthetic appeal is further amplified by its serene surroundings. The meticulous attention to detail in every carving and structure makes it a significant landmark for both art enthusiasts and devotees. Reddit

Spiritual Significance and Worship

The Birla Mandir is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Narayana) and his consort Goddess Lakshmi, the deities of wealth and prosperity. The main shrine houses beautifully crafted marble idols of Radha and Krishna, often richly adorned, creating a focal point for devotion. Reddit

Beyond the main deities, the temple complex features several side shrines dedicated to other important Hindu gods and goddesses, including Durga, Shiva, Hanuman, Ganesha, and the ten avatars of Vishnu. This multi-deity presence makes it a comprehensive place of worship for various spiritual inclinations. Reddit

Daily worship hours are from 5:30 AM to 11:00 AM and 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM. The evening Aarti is particularly renowned for its serene and devotional atmosphere, drawing many visitors seeking spiritual solace. The temple actively celebrates major Hindu festivals like Janmashtami, Radhashtami, Holi, and Diwali with vibrant rituals, music, and great devotion, making it a lively spiritual hub during these times. Reddit

Visitor Experience and Etiquette

Visitors often describe the Birla Mandir as a peaceful and artistic sanctuary amidst the bustling city of Kolkata. The serene atmosphere, even though located near a main road, is frequently highlighted as a major draw for those seeking tranquility and spiritual connection. Reddit

It's crucial for visitors to adhere to the temple's etiquette. Modest dress is essential, meaning shoulders and knees should be covered. While the exterior offers ample opportunities for photography, photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple. This rule is enforced by security guards, and visitors are advised to comply to avoid any unpleasant interactions. Reddit

Many reviewers suggest visiting in the evening to witness the temple illuminated, especially during the Aarti. The overall sentiment is that a visit to Birla Mandir offers a rejuvenating experience for both the mind and soul, making it a must-visit for those exploring Kolkata. Reddit

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