Lakshmi Narayan Temple, also called Birla Temple commands a panoramic view of Bhopal, located on Arera Hills, the highest point in Bhopal District. The temple is built in the honour of Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu Goddess of wealth and her divine consort, Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, known as Narayana.
Location of Lakshmi Narayan Temple
This particular Birla Temple is located in Bhopal. Bhopal is the capital of the Madhya Pradesh state of India. Bhopal is also the administrative headquarters of Bhopal district and Bhopal division. Bhopal is often referred to as the "City of Lakes" for its natural as well as artificial lakes.
History of Lakshmi Narayan Temple
Lakshmi Narayan Temple is also called the "Birla Temple" due to the hand of one of the most influential industrial families in India. This influential family is renowned by the name of Birla family. There are various Birla Temples founded in different cities of the country. But all the temples are not fully built. The family believes that if they end the construction of temples, it will invite bad fortune. That"s why the construction at some locations is still going on, albeit at a slow pace.
Attractions of Lakshmi Narayan Temple
The temple mainly houses Lakshmi and Narayan deities. Apart from them, the temple also has a dazzling idol of a reposing Lord Shiva with his wife, Goddess Parvati. The temple is painted in sandy yellowish colour. On one side of the temple is a huge steeple. The entrance to it is through a beautiful archway.
Attached to the temple at Bhopal is the Birla Museum that houses a collection of sculptures from the Mandsaur, Shahdol, Sehore and Raisen districts of Madhya Pradesh. The collection dates back to the 12th century era of the Paramaras when the art and culture prospered in the state. The sandy-yellowish temple has an old-worldly charm about it, with a huge turret on one side of the building. As one enters the temple through a glorious archway, the sprawling lawns lend it a pretty appeal.
Bhopal can easily be accessed by air, rail or road ways. The temple is open to all the visitors irrespective of caste and creed.
