Laxminarayan Temple
Another name of Laxminarayan temple is Birla mandir. It is a holy place of Hindus.It is positioned at mandir marg, which is sited at the west of the Connaught Place in New Delhi.This temple is devoted to Goddess Lakshmi (goddess of wealth and property) and Narayan (her husband and preserver of Trimurti). It is one of the beautiful temples of Delhi. The construction of this temple was completed in 1939 by G.D. Birla. The inauguration of this temple is done by Mahatma Gandhi with that condition that people of all castes will be allowed to enter into this temple. This mandir occupies the area of 7.5 acres. Thousands of visitors are attracted to visit this temple due to its flowers, fountains, and a large garden. It is the centre of attraction in Delhi. This temple is surrounded by small shrines of Krishna, Shiva, Ganesh, Hanuman and Buddha.
Getting There
One can reach the temple of Laxminarayan by mean of three modes of transport i.e. local buses, taxis and auto rickshaws and these three modes can be hired from the different stoppage of the city (Delhi). For reaching Delhi there is a facility of buses, railways and airplane.
Security and Tips
There are so many security arrangements are made at the Laxminarayan temple. 16 CCTV cameras are installed to put an eye on each and every activity of devotees. Two metal detectors are also made functional so as to restrict the entry of unwanted elements like knife, gun, bomb etc. For security purpose bag, camera and mobile phones are not allowed to be taken in the temple premises. Visitors should not carry cash and ornaments with them.
When To Visit
The best time to visit this temple is in the month of February and April or from August to November during the morning and evening aarti. The timings of this temple are4:30 AM to 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM to 9:30 PM. People from far off places flocked towards this temple to have a holy visit. There is no entry fee of this temple.
What To See And Do
Visitors can take an entry into the temple of Laxminarayan by mean of stairs. After entering into the temple its interior (Gita Bhawan) is observed where scenes from the Hindu mythological epics are carved out. The walls of the temple are engraved with symbols and quotes from the holy book of ‘Bhagavad Gita' and the ‘Upanishads'. The architecture of this temple follows Oriyan style. The temple consists of prayer hall, dharamshala and park. The park consists of idols of Lt. Sir B. R. Birla and horses and rath which are made up of marble. This temple has gained the highest level of beauty by artificial landscape and flowing waterfalls. The main temple consists of the deities of Laxminarayan and other god and goddesses which are made up of marble on the order from Jaipur. The process of puja and aarti use to be taken place at prescribed timings with the distribution of prasad (makhane, misri, khopra and charnamrut with tulsi leaves). After having prasad the yatri use to take an exit.
Where To Stay
There is a dharamshala within the temple yatri can take stay at that dharamshala as it is cheap if compared to other hotels. Yatri can place their luggage here as it proves to be safe and convenient. Accommodation is also available in the guest house of temple for the scholars gaining knowledge in Sanskrit or in the Hindu religion.
Where Else to Stay
Yatri can also stay at hotels which provide luxury and are located near Lakshminarayan temple. These hotels are: Radisson BLU Hotel, Hotel Western King, Hotel Grand Westend, R.R. Residency and Hotel City Park.
Festivals
A large number of yatris rushed towards this temple during Janmashtami, Diwali, Ram Navami and navratri. The festivals are celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm. These festivals represent the true devotion of the people towards the god.
Side Trips
The other places near Lakshminarayan temple which are also meant to visit and enjoy are Jantar Mantar, India Gate and Hanuman Mandir. These places are also very enthusiastic and memorable. People use to get in touch with the ancient beauty.
Travel tips
Although the camera, bag and mobile phones are not allowed to be taken into the temple premises, so yatri can take a personnel diary with him/her so as to keep a complete record of the journey along with his/her feelings at that moment.
Therefore, a visit to this temple is not only the holy tour but it is a best way to trap the ancient beauty.
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