Birla Mandir
Rajasthani temple architecture·20th century·India
The Birla Mandir in Kolkata, India, is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu avatars like Rama and Krishna. Constructed by the industrialist Birla family, its building commenced in 1970 and took 26 years to complete, culminating in its inauguration in 1996. The temple is known for its white marble architecture, reminiscent of the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, and features intricate stone engravings depicting the Bhagavad Gita.
Key Facts
- ›Construction began in 1970 and concluded in 1996.
- ›The temple is dedicated to Vishnu avatars, primarily Rama and Krishna.
- ›It is built with white marble and designed by architect Nomi Bose.
- ›The architecture bears resemblance to the Lingaraj Temple of Bhubaneswar.
- ›It features stone engravings illustrating scriptures from the Bhagavad Gita.
Vishnu, Rama, Krishna, Radha, Durga, Shiva
- Architectural Resemblance To Lingaraj Temple
- Depiction of Bhagavad Gita Scriptures In Stone Engravings
- Major Pilgrimage Site For Janmashtami
Janmashtami
White Marble
Birla Family
- Pictorial Depiction of Scriptures of Bhagavad Gita
About Birla Mandir
Birla Mandir, Kolkata
The Birla Mandir in Kolkata, India, is a significant Hindu temple constructed by the prominent industrialist Birla family. Located in Ballygunge, it is primarily dedicated to Vishnu avatars, notably Rama and Krishna, with the main shrine housing statues of Radha and Krishna. The temple's construction began in 1970 and spanned 26 years, concluding with its inauguration in 1996 by Dr. Karan Singh. The supervision of its construction was overseen by the Sompuras.
Architecture and Design
Built of white marble, the Birla Mandir's architecture draws inspiration from the renowned Lingaraj Temple of Bhubaneswar. The temple's design, attributed to architect Nomi Bose, incorporates intricate Rajasthani temple architectural elements. Notably, its stone engravings present a pictorial depiction of the scriptures of the Bhagavad Gita. The temple complex also features shrines dedicated to Goddess Durga on its left side and Lord Shiva in meditation mode within its right-side dome.
Religious Significance and Accessibility
The Birla Mandir serves as an active place of worship and a significant pilgrimage destination, particularly during Janmashtami, the festival celebrating Krishna's birthday. Devotees from various places visit the temple to pay their respects. The temple is accessible via local transport, with Jatin Das Park and VIP Bazar metro stations being the nearest. It is situated approximately 16 km from Kolkata Airport and 5 km from Sealdah railway station.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Birla Mandir in Kolkata constructed?
Construction for the Birla Mandir in Kolkata began in 1970 and took 26 years to complete. The temple was officially inaugurated on February 21, 1996.
What deities are worshipped at the Birla Mandir?
The Birla Mandir is primarily dedicated to Vishnu avatars, including Rama and Krishna. The main temple houses statues of Radha and Krishna, while other sections are dedicated to Goddess Durga and Lord Shiva.
What is the architectural style of the Birla Mandir?
The Birla Mandir is built of white marble and its architecture bears resemblance to the Lingaraj Temple of Bhubaneswar. It also showcases intricate Rajasthani temple architectural elements and stone engravings.
Where is the Birla Mandir located?
The Birla Mandir is situated on Asutosh Chowdhury Avenue in Ballygunge, Ward Number 69, Kolkata, India. It is also known by the name Laxminarayan Mandir.
What are the visiting hours for the Birla Mandir?
The temple is open in the morning from 5:30 AM to 11:00 AM and in the evening from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
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