The Lakshmi Narayan Temple, popularly called as Birla Mandir. It is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu. In this temple, the highest tower is 165 feet in height.
The Geeta Bhavan is a hall that is decorated with paintings of Indian mythology. The Buddha temple has some paintings related to the life of Buddha. In the entire complex, the walls display paintings that have been created by artists from Jaipur.
The backdrop of the temple is an artificial mountainous landscape that comprises of waterfalls and fountains. This red sandstone and white marble temple displays many swastikas (an equilateral cross that has arms bent at right angles).
It was inaugurated by the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi. People of all castes can visit this temple.

History

The temple was built in 1622 by Vir Singh Deo, and renovated by Prithvi Singh in 1793. This temple was built over a six year period (1933 - 1939) and was opened by Mahatma Gandhi.
During 1933-39, Laxmi Narayan Temple was built by Baldeo Das Birla of Birla family. Thus, the temple is also known as Birla Temple.
The Laxminarayan Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Laxminarayan in Delhi, India.
The temple is adorned with many shrines, fountains, and a large garden. The temple is one of the major attractions of Delhi and attracts thousands of devotees on the Hindu festivals of Janmashtami and Diwali.
Sris Chandra Chatterjee designed the temple, which is built in Orissa style sanctuaries and Mughal arcades.

Mahatma's spiritual & humanitarian anchorage
Birla Mandir is first of the temples made by Birlas across the country and till date, the funds to support this temple come from Birla family. The famous temple is accredited to have been inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1939. At that time, Mahatma Gandhi kept a condition that the temple would not be restricted to the Hindus and people from every caste would be allowed inside. In those times, the condition was really worked upon; still people visit this temple with full devotion.

The architectural splendor
The temple is built in the northern or nagara style of architecture. The entire temple is adorned with carvings depicting the scenes from Hindu mythology. More than hundred skilled pundits from Benares, headed by Acharya Vishvanath Shastri, carved the idols of the temple. The highest shikhara of the temple above the sanctum sanctorum is about 160 feet high. The temple faces the east and is situated on a high plinth. The shrine is adorned with fresco paintings depicting his life and work. The icons of the temple are in marble brought from Jaipur. Kota stone from Makarana, Agra, Kota and Jaisalmer were used in the construction of the temple premises.The Geeta Bhawan to the north of the temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna.
The holy Vedas are also enshrined in this temple. The shrine is adorned with fresco paintings depicting his life and work. The icons of the temple are in marble brought from Jaipur. Kota stone from Makarana, Agra, Kota and Jaisalmer were used in the construction of the temple premises.The Geeta Bhawan to the north of the temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temples premises are dotted with miniature rock temples, which are a craze amongst the children. An artificial landscape complete with mountains and cascading waterfalls add to the beauty of the temple.

Temple
The main temple houses statues of Lord Narayan and Hindu Goddess Lakshmi. There are other small shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha and Hanuman. There is also a shrine dedicated to Lord Buddha. The left side temple shikhar (dome) houses Devi Durga, the Hindu goddess of Shakti, the power. The temple is spread over an area of 7.5 acres approximately. And built up area is 0.52 acres.

Location
The temple is located on the Mandir Marg, situated west of the Connaught Place in New Delhi. The temple is easily accessible from the city by local buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws. Nearest Delhi Metro station is R.K.Ashram Marg, located about 2 km away.

Source: Wikipedia

Click here for Photo Features