The temple was built with the vision of promoting religious inclusivity and providing a space for devotees to worship in a grand yet serene environment. The motivation behind its construction was to establish a place of worship that would be accessible to all, including people from marginalized communities, a principle strongly advocated by Mahatma Gandhi. It was constructed by the renowned Birla industrialist family, particularly under the patronage of Jugal Kishore Birla, a prominent philanthropist and businessman. The foundation stone was laid by Jat ruler Maharaj Udaybhanu Singh in 1933, and after six years of dedicated craftsmanship under the supervision of the esteemed scholar Pandit Vishwanath Shastri, the temple was completed. The architect of Birla Temple in Delhi was Sris Chandra Chatterjee. Its consecration, marked by a grand Yagna and closing rituals, was carried out by the revered Swami Keshavanandji. Finally, it was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi on 18th March 1939. This temple marked the beginning of the Birla family's long-standing tradition of building temples across India.
Architecture: Laxmi Narayan Temple is an exquisite example of modern temple architecture, intricately combining elements of the Nagara (नागर) style with the Panchayatan (पंचायतन) layout. The Nagara style, predominant in North India, is characterized by its towering spires (shikharas) and curvilinear structures, which give the temple its grand and imposing appearance. The main shrine, crowned by a towering shikhara, rises to an impressive height of approximately 160 feet, making it one of the most visually striking temples in the city. The temple complex follows the Panchayatan style, meaning it has a central shrine surrounded by four subsidiary shrines, which are dedicated to other deities such as Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Durga. The entire structure is made of white marble and red sandstone sourced from Rajasthan, known for its durability and aesthetic appeal. The temple complex covers an area of nearly 7.5 acres and features expansive corridors, beautifully carved pavilions, and an expansive courtyard that enhances its architectural grandeur.
The temple’s pavilions are significant architectural highlights, offering shaded areas for meditation and prayer. These pavilions, with an average dimension of 30 by 20 feet, are constructed with intricately carved pillars and domed ceilings, creating a serene ambiance. The expansive courtyards within the complex, covering an area of approximately 12,000 square feet, serve as gathering spaces for religious discourses and cultural events. The temple corridors, extending to a total length of over 500 feet, connect various sections of the complex, allowing a seamless flow of devotees. These corridors, adorned with frescoes and inscriptions from Hindu scriptures, provide an immersive spiritual experience as visitors walk through. The integration of natural lighting and ventilation in these corridors enhances their architectural charm, making them not just pathways but significant elements of the temple’s grand design.
The temple is adorned with intricate carvings and frescoes depicting scenes from Hindu scriptures like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The sanctum sanctorum houses the idols of Laxmi and Narayan, enshrined with divine splendor, while the interiors are enriched with symbolic motifs, floral designs, and golden embellishments. The grand entrance of the temple leads visitors through ornately sculpted pillars and halls, further highlighting the artistry that went into its construction. One of the temple’s striking features is its serene artificial waterfalls and lush gardens, which add to its picturesque setting, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and devotion.
It is interesting to note that the Hindu Swastik (स्वास्तिक) is depicted in the temple at an angle inside a circle, exactly as on the German flag displayed at the time. One wonders if, on this occasion, the architect of the temple had been influenced by the Germans, thus bringing the iconographic process full circle. Only rarely in India is the swastika represented in its reverse form.
Facilities: The temple complex is designed to offer a comprehensive spiritual and cultural experience, equipped with several facilities that enhance its appeal as a religious and social hub. One of the key attractions is the large prayer hall, capable of accommodating hundreds of devotees at a time. The temple also features designated meditation halls, offering a peaceful retreat for those seeking spiritual solace and introspection.
For visitors and pilgrims, the temple complex provides clean and well-maintained rest areas, drinking water facilities, and public conveniences. The presence of a well-stocked library, housing ancient scriptures and religious texts, allows devotees to delve deeper into Hindu philosophy and teachings. An in-house museum showcases historical artifacts and rare collections related to Hindu traditions, temple construction, and the legacy of the Birla family.
The temple premises include a prasad distribution center, where devotees receive sanctified offerings, and an ‘annadan’ (food donation) section that serves free meals to the needy, emphasizing the temple’s role in social welfare.
Delhi tours , consisting two days of sightseeing, incorporate Laxmi Narayan Temple.