Birla Mandir Laxminarayan Temple - a very tall building with a clock on it's side
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Birla Mandir Laxminarayan Temple

4.6
·17k reviews·New Delhi, India

A grand Hindu temple dedicated to Laxminarayan, known for its stunning marble architecture, peaceful gardens, and inclusive spirit.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Serene atmosphere, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Birla Mandir Laxminarayan Temple - a very tall building with a clock on it's side

Birla Mandir Laxminarayan Temple

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Serene atmosphere, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A grand Hindu temple dedicated to Laxminarayan, known for its stunning marble architecture, peaceful gardens, and inclusive spirit.

4.6
(17k reviews)

"A truly blessed experience with a profound sense of peace washing over you the moment you step inside."

Vertical photo
TIP

📱 Phone & Camera Policy

Phones and cameras are generally not permitted inside the main temple. Embrace the moment!

👟 Comfortable Footwear

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the complex, so wear comfortable shoes. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Main Laxminarayan Shrine

Main Laxminarayan Shrine

Main Temple

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, this shrine boasts intricate marble carvings and a serene atmosphere.

Intricate Carvings & Murals

Intricate Carvings & Murals

Temple Walls & Pillars

Marvel at detailed depictions of Hindu mythology and scriptures adorning the temple's surfaces.

Peaceful Gardens & Fountains

Peaceful Gardens & Fountains

Temple Complex

Escape the city bustle in the well-maintained gardens, complete with fountains and tranquil seating areas.

Geeta Bhavan

Geeta Bhavan

Temple Complex

A space for discourses and religious events, often featuring cultural programs during festivals.

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Planning Your Visit

Phone Policy & Photography

While some visitors report taking photos, phones are generally not allowed inside the main temple. Embrace the moment and focus on the spiritual experience rather than capturing every shot. Reddit

Best Visiting Hours

Visit during festivals like Janmashtami or Radhashtami for a vibrant experience, but expect crowds. For a more peaceful visit, consider weekdays outside of major holidays. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Serene atmosphere, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
During festivals
Why
Vibrant decorations & events
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Birla Mandir

📱 Phone & Camera Policy

Phones and cameras are generally not permitted inside the main temple. Embrace the moment! Reddit

👟 Comfortable Footwear

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the complex, so wear comfortable shoes. :athletic_shoe:

reddit.com

Visiting Delhi Next Week

reddit.com

Peaceful places in Delhi

🙏 Respectful Attire

Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, out of respect for the religious site. :pray:

💧 Stay Hydrated

Especially during warmer months, carry water or take advantage of any available water stations. :droplet:

reddit.com

A peaceful place or mandir in Delhi where I can spend my evening?

Tips

from all over the internet

📱 Phone & Camera Policy

Phones and cameras are generally not permitted inside the main temple. Embrace the moment! Reddit

👟 Comfortable Footwear

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the complex, so wear comfortable shoes. :athletic_shoe:

🙏 Respectful Attire

Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, out of respect for the religious site. :pray:

💧 Stay Hydrated

Especially during warmer months, carry water or take advantage of any available water stations. :droplet:

🕰️ Check Festival Dates

Visiting during festivals like Janmashtami offers a unique, lively experience. :calendar:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(17k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Birla Mandir for its serene atmosphere, magnificent architecture, and well-maintained gardens, offering a peaceful escape in the heart of Delhi. While phones are restricted inside, many find this enhances the spiritual experience. The temple's inclusive history and its celebration of festivals add to its charm.

"My visit to Birla Mandir on Janmashtami was a truly special experience. Even with the festival crowds, the atmosphere was peaceful and well-managed, allowing us to have a wonderful darshan in just 15 minutes.

The temple was beautifully decorated for the occasion, adding to the festive mood. We were lucky to catch a cultural program in the Gita Mandir, which was a lovely way to see how the temple celebrates the festival. The highlight was how thoughtful the temple authorities were; juice was served to all the devotees, which was very welcome on such a busy day."

pallavi gayathri

"Birla Mandir, also known as Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, is a truly beautiful and positive place. The peaceful atmosphere makes the darshan experience serene, without long queues or unnecessary restrictions (apart from phones not being allowed inside, which actually adds to the joy of feeling the divine energy within the temple). The mandir also has a well-maintained garden with various attractions, making it friendly for kids as well. I was fortunate to visit on the occasion of Radhashtami, in pleasant weather, which made the experience even more memorable."

Sushma Yadav

"Visiting Birla Mandir (Laxmi Narayan Mandir) was a truly blessed experience. The moment I stepped inside, a profound sense of peace washed over me, a feeling that my photos can only begin to capture. The temple's magnificent architecture and beautiful idols create an atmosphere of deep reverence and devotion. Standing before the deities, surrounded by the scent of incense and the quiet hum of prayers, felt like a moment of true connection. It's not just a beautiful place to see, but a sacred space to feel the divine presence. Highly recommended for anyone seeking spiritual solace."

Amit kumar Bhagat

What People Like

Peaceful atmosphere
Beautiful architecture
Well-maintained gardens

What People Dislike

Phone restrictions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Birla Mandir is easily accessible by public transport. The nearest metro station is RK Ashram Marg on the Blue Line. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are also readily available. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available at the temple complex, though it can get busy during peak hours and festivals.

The temple is typically open from early morning (around 4:30 AM) until late evening (around 9:30 PM), but it's always good to check for any specific holiday hours.

While the main temple complex has ramps, some areas might be challenging for wheelchairs. The gardens are generally more accessible.

Yes, auto-rickshaws and taxis can drop you off at the entrance of the temple complex.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Birla Mandir is free for all visitors, reflecting its inclusive philosophy. Reddit

Mobile phones are generally not allowed inside the main temple. You may need to deposit them at a designated counter. Reddit

Photography is usually restricted inside the main temple. However, you can often take photos in the gardens and outer areas. Reddit

Visitors are expected to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, as a sign of respect for the religious site.

Yes, you will need to remove your shoes before entering the main temple and place them in the designated shoe racks.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Despite being in a busy city, Birla Mandir offers a remarkably peaceful and serene atmosphere, perfect for spiritual reflection. Reddit

The main attractions include the central Laxminarayan shrine, smaller shrines for other deities, intricate carvings, fresco paintings, and beautiful gardens with fountains. Reddit

Yes, the well-maintained gardens and fountains make it a pleasant place for families and children to explore. Reddit

Yes, the temple hosts various religious ceremonies and celebrations, especially during Hindu festivals. The Geeta Bhavan is used for discourses and events. Reddit

A typical visit can range from 1 to 2 hours, depending on how much time you spend exploring the gardens and admiring the architecture.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While there are no formal restaurants inside the temple complex, you can find street food vendors and small eateries in the vicinity.

It's generally advisable not to bring outside food and drinks into the main temple area. Water bottles might be allowed in the gardens.

The areas around Connaught Place and Karol Bagh, a short drive away, offer a wide variety of dining options, from local street food to fine dining.

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is typically prohibited inside the main temple. Visitors can usually take photos in the gardens and outer courtyards. Reddit

The exterior architecture, the gardens with fountains, and the intricate carvings on the outer walls offer excellent photography opportunities. Reddit

Professional photography equipment might require special permission. For casual visits, a smartphone is usually fine for the permitted areas.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Birla Mandir is a great destination for families. The well-maintained gardens with fountains and open spaces provide a pleasant environment for children to explore and play. While phones aren't allowed inside the main temple, the gardens offer plenty of visual interest. Consider visiting during pleasant weather to make the most of the outdoor areas. Reddit

Bring comfortable shoes for everyone, as there's a good amount of walking involved. Pack water, especially during warmer months, to keep everyone hydrated. The peaceful atmosphere can also be a good way to introduce children to a different cultural and spiritual setting in a calm manner.

🧘 Spiritual Seekers

For those seeking spiritual solace, Birla Mandir offers a profound sense of peace and devotion. The serene atmosphere, even during festivals, is often highlighted by visitors. The magnificent architecture and beautiful idols create an environment conducive to prayer and meditation. Reddit

Take your time to absorb the divine energy within the temple. While photography is restricted, this can be an opportunity to disconnect from the digital world and immerse yourself fully in the spiritual experience. The temple's inclusive history and philosophy add to its unique spiritual appeal.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Marvels of Birla Mandir

The Birla Mandir Laxminarayan Temple is a stunning example of traditional Indian temple architecture, blending Nagara style with modern influences. Constructed primarily from white marble and red sandstone, its towering shikhara (spire) reaches approximately 160 feet. The intricate carvings and fresco paintings adorning the walls and pillars are a feast for the eyes, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, the Upanishads, and the Bhagavad Gita. The use of high-quality Jaipur marble for the main deities' icons adds to the grandeur. Reddit

Beyond the central shrine dedicated to Laxminarayan, the complex features smaller shrines for deities like Shiva, Ganesha, and Hanuman. Uniquely, it also includes a Buddha shrine, underscoring the temple's philosophy of inclusivity and spiritual harmony. The surrounding lush gardens with fountains and waterfalls create a serene ambiance, making the entire complex a harmonious blend of spiritual devotion and artistic expression. Reddit

Historical Significance and Inclusivity

The history of Birla Mandir is deeply intertwined with India's struggle for independence and Mahatma Gandhi's vision of equality. Construction began in 1933, and it was inaugurated in 1939 by Mahatma Gandhi himself. His condition for inauguration was that the temple must be open to people of all castes and creeds, a revolutionary stance at the time. This principle of spiritual unity and equality is a cornerstone of the temple's legacy and a testament to Gandhi's ideals. Reddit

As the first large-scale Hindu temple built in Delhi by the Birla family, it set a precedent for similar temples across India. This historical context adds another layer of significance to the visit, allowing one to appreciate not just the architecture but also the progressive values it represents. The inclusion of a Buddha shrine further emphasizes this commitment to a broader spiritual understanding. Reddit

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