Birla Temple Jaipur

The Lakshmi-Narayan Temple, or the Birla Temple, as it is more popularly known as, is located at the base of Moti Dungari. Built on an elevated platform, this comparatively modern temple is built entirely of white marble and dominates the skyline of south Jaipur. The temple was commissioned and built by renowned Indian industrialists, the Birlas, in 1988. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, also called Narayan, and his companion, Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and good fortune. The temple is a work of art and has a marvellous display of exquisite carvings and sculptures covering many mythological themes. The eye is drawn to the images of Laxmi and Narayan, carved as they are, from one piece of marble. The top of the temple has three domes, each representing the three religions followed in India. This is designed to pay homage to secular India. The temple looks spectacular at night when it is lit up. Other than the main temple, the complex has a museum that exhibits the earlier belongings of the Birla family.

History of Birla temple
It was built by one of the famous business families of India, the Birla family, who were given this land by the Maharaja of Jaipur for a token sum of one rupee. The B.M Birla Foundation built the temple on this land in 1988.

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.

Best Time to Visit the Birla Temple
Rajasthan has a very hot and humid climate. Jaipur experiences pleasant weather during the Winter that is from September to March. The best time of the day to visit Birla temple is in the evening time when the sun is in the west, its rays fall on the temple which looks majestic. Apart from this one can visit the Birla Temple during Janmashtami, which also celebrated with lots of joy and excitement.