The Laxminarayan Mandir is a Hindu temple located in Delhi, India. The presiding deity in the temple is Laxminarayan i.e., Vishnu along with his consort Lakshmi. The temple, inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi ensured that members of all castes would be allowed in the temple. It was built by Jugal Kishore Birla from 1933 and 1939. There are also small shrines on the sides dedicated to Shiva, Ganesha, Hanuman and Buddha.
It was the first large Hindu temple built in Delhi and is often called Birla Mandir due to being constructed by the Birla family. The temple is spread over 3 hectares (7.5 acres), adorned with many shrines, fountains, and a large garden with Hindu and Nationalistic sculptures, and also houses Geeta Bhawan for discourses. The temple is one of the major attractions of Delhi and attracts thousands of devotees on the festivals of Janmashtami and Diwali.
History
Gandhi inaugurating the Laxminarayan Temple with members of the Birla family, Delhi, 1938
The construction of the temple dedicated to Laxmi Narayana started in 1933, built by industrialist and philanthropist, Baldeo Das Birla and his son Jugal Kishore Birla of the Birla family, thus, the temple is also known as Birla Temple. The foundation stone of the temple was laid by Jat Maharaj Udaybhanu Singh. The temple was built under guidance of Pandit Vishwanath Shastri. The concluding ceremony and Yagna were performed by Swami Keshavanandji.
Gandhi inaugurated the temple and ensured that it allows members of all castes.
This is the first of a series of temples built by the Birlas in many cities of India, which are also often called Birla Temple.
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