Laxmi Narayan Mandir, popularly known as Birla Temple devoted to Lord
Vishnu (Narayan) and to his consort Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth) is situated
atop Moti Dungri Hill just below the Moti Dungri Fort. Built in 1988 by
B.M. Birla Foundation (industrialists in India), this pure white marble
structure have rich carved pillars, large marble panel portraying mythological
events and attractive stained glass windows depicting scenes from Hindu
Mythology. The exterior of the temple are elaborately carved with beautiful
sculptures based on mythological themes. The three domes of the temple
represents three different approaches to the religion. Surrounded by verdant
green gardens, Birla Temple is an excellent design of modern architectural
marvel.
Besides the shrine of the main deity, the temple has many other small
shrines devoted to various Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The temple consists
of many idols of different deities and the masterpiece among them is the
marble idol of Ganesha. The idols of the presiding deity Vishnu and his
consort is carved out from a single piece of marble. Carvings of many
historic and religious figures like Socrates, Zarathustra, Christ, Buddha,
Confucius etc can also be seen here. Janmashtami (birthday of Lord Shree
Krishna) is the main festival and during that time the temple is beautifully
decorated with different coloured lights and varieties of flower. The
temple looks majestic during the night with its bright lighting.
Birla Mandir also houses a museum, which showcases the ancestral valuables
of the Birla family. Entry to the museum is free and it opens from 8 am
to 12 noon and from 4 pm to 8 pm.
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