Located in Kolkata, India, Birla Mandir is a Hindu temple. It is specifically located in Asutosh Chowdhury Avenue, Ballygunge. It is built by the industrialist Birla family. It is spread over 44 acres of land and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The height of the temple is 160 feet. The temple is visited by a number of devotees, especially during Janmashtami which marks the birthday of Lord Krishna. Birla Mandir depicts the ideals of Hinduism as upheld in the Vedas and Upanishads and their application to everyday life.
History of Birla Mandir
The construction of the temple began in 1970. It took around 26 years to complete the construction of the entire sculpture. The construction was supervised by the Sompuras. On Wednesday, the 21st of February, 1996, the Pran Prathistha was done by Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj in the morning. Dr. Karan Singh inaugurated the temple the same day.
Deities of Birla Mandir
The main shrine of Birla Mandir houses the idols of Lord Krishna and Radha as the main deities. An idol of goddess Durga is located on the left side of the dome or shikhar. She is regarded as the Hindu goddess of Shakti or power. An idol of Lord Shiva is located on the right side of the dome. He is visualized and depicted as meditating. The temple also houses lord Hanuman, deities of Dasha Avatars and lord Ganesha. Birla temple thus successfully forwards the concept of unity in variety which is also the plan of the universe.
Architectural Design of Birla Mandir
Birla Mandir is a spectacular Lakshmi Narayan temple complex in cream-color. It has 3 corn-cob shaped towers. It is designed by an architect called Nomi Bose. The total cost incurred to build this temple is near about 180 million. Interior and exterior of the temple are engraved differently. The exterior of the temple is built of sandstone, whereas marbles decorate the interior of the temple. The unique patterns of the walls of the temple are meticulously designed by sculptors from Agra, Mirzapur and Muzaffarpur. Silver and Belgian glass decorate some of the artifacts in the temple. This temple is also graced by some intricate Rajasthani temple architecture. Stone engravings in the temple provide pictorial depiction of messages from Bhagavad Gita. This temple is said to resemble the famous Lingaraj Temple of Bhubaneswar.
Birla Mandir as a Tourist Spot
This white marble temple is seen glittering after dusk when the entire temple and its surroundings are illuminated. Electric diyas and sparkling chandeliers beautify this temple. Thus, many tourists coming to visit the temple after dusk rather than in the morning, is not subject to amazement. Spiritual, surreal and pleasant atmosphere is created by light music which is played in the background.
Visiting Information
Birla Temple can be easily accessible by auto, bus or taxi from anywhere in Kolkata in the state of West Bengal or from neighboring state. The closest metro station from Birla Temple is Maidan and the closest railway station from Birla Temple is Howrah Station and Sealdah Station. Birla Temple is well-connected by road network to nearby foremost places.
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