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Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Kolkata
Locality/village : Kolkata
State : West Bengal
Country : India
Nearest City/Town : Kolkata
Best Season To Visit : All
Languages : Bengali& English
Temple Timings : 5.30 AM and 9.00 PM.
Photography : Not Allowed
Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Kolkata
Lakshmi Narayan Temple is also known as Birla Mandir. Birla Mandir is a Hindu temple on Asutosh Chowdhury Avenue, Ballygunge, built by the industrialist Birla family. This temple is open in the morning from 5:30 A.M. to 11 A.M. and in the evening from 4:30 P.M. to 9 P.M. On Janmashtami, the birthday of Krishna, devotees come from faraway places to pay their respect to the deities.
The Birla Mandir depicts the ideals of Hinduism as enshrined in the Vedas and Upanishads and their application to everyday life.
Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Kolkata;
- Temple History
- Architecture
- How To Reach The Temple
- Daily Poojas And Festivals
- Videos
- Additional Information
The Birla Mandir has been built by the ‘Birla family’, the famous industrialist family of India. The construction of the temple began in 1970. It took 26 years to complete the indelible structure. The temple was inaugurated on the 21st of February, 1996 by Dr. Karan Singh. The Pran Prathistha ceremony of the idols was done by Swami Chidananda Maharaj. The temple is dedicated to the consortium of Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha.
The magnificent Birla Mandir of Kolkata is an exemplary work of art. It is one of the finest architectural beauties of the city. The indigenous craftsmanship of the temple is the hallmark of its grandeur. It represents a beautiful blend of traditional and contemporary art.
The Temple is spread over 44 kathas of land. The height of the temple is 160 feet. It is designed by the architect Nomi Bose. The structure of the temple resembles the famous Lingaraj Temple of Bhubaneswar. There is a pictorial depiction of messages from Bhagavad Gita in its stone engravings and some intricate Rajasthani temple architecture. The exterior of the temple is built of sandstone, whereas the interiors are plated with white marbles. Sculptors were called from Agra, Mirzapur and Muzaffarpur to sculpt the beautiful and unique patterns on the walls. There are some artifacts in the temple which are made of silver and Belgian glass. The total cost incurred to build the temple was Rs. 180 million.
The sight of Birla Mandir in Kolkata at the dusk is amazing. It is lit up with electric diyas and sparkling chandeliers. Many people visit the temple in the evening. The temple is managed strictly by the care-takers. Visitors are not allowed to take photos or videos of the temple. Carrying bags and mobile phones inside the temple is strictly prohibited. Wandering around the verandah is also not allowed. This wonderful creation attracts a large number of people from all over India and abroad. It is one of the famous tourist spot in Kolkata that one must not miss.
By Road: The temple is situated on on Asutosh Chowdhury Avenue, Ballygunge. Birla Temple can be easily accessible by hiring auto, bus or taxi from anywhere in the Kolkata state or from neighboring state. Kolkata is connected with most of the Indian cities by road. The National Highway number 2 and 6 connect the city with other cities and states in India. Kolkata has a broad network of government and private buses. The Calcutta State Transport Corporation (CSTC), Calcutta Tramways Company (CTC) and West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation (WBSTC) run regulars bus service in the city. The Esplanade Terminus in the heart of the city is the main bus terminus.
By Rail: The nearest Railway Station to the temple is Howrah (13.7 km) and the closest Metro Station is Maidan.
By Air: The Temple can be reached through nearest Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport(20.6 km) which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai.
This temple Opening & Closing times are: Monday – Friday: 5.00 AM – 10.00 PM, Saturday: 5.00 AM -10.00 PM, Sunday: 5.00 AM – 10.00 PM, Public Holidays: 5.00 AM – 10.00 PM. During this period major part of the Lord Krishna rituals are performed.
The temple is a revered place of worship and devotion. Thousands of people from various parts of the country come here to offer their prayers especially on Janmashtami (Birthday of Lord Krishna). During the festive months when the temple and its surroundings are illuminated with lights, it provides for a spectacularly divine vision. The best time to visit this beautiful temple is in the evening during evening Aarti when the white marble temple is at its glittering best. The serene and sublime atmosphere of the temple offers much peace and tranquility to the mind.
Other places which are worth visiting in Kolkata are Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Kalighat Kali Temple ,Belur Math, Tipu Sultan Mosque, Nakhoda Mosque, St. Paul’s Cathedral, St. John’s Church, Greek Orthodox Church, St. James’ Anglican Church (Jora Girja), Guruduwara, Synagogues, Armenian Church, Parsi Fire TemplesJapanese, Buddhist Temple, And Badridas Jain Temple
