India is a land filled with multiple religions and a healthy dose of mysticism and it’s capitol is a melting pot where they all run across each other. Because of this, New Delhi is filled with Churches, Temples, Mosques, and Gurudwalla’s representing India’s wide range of religious beliefs. However, because Hinduism is still the countries’ largest religion, you’ll find many Hindu temples (from tiny single rooms to palace sized compounds) dedicated to the vast number of gods and deities they worship. There is one Hindu temple that stood out to me though, not just for it’s beautiful architecture but because it was built with a core principle in mind that was quite radical for it’s time. The Laxmi Narayan (Birla Mandir) in Delhi is the only temple in India you’ll find that was inaugurated by Ghandi for one reason, it’s open to every caste level and was not restricted to only Hindus.
The Laxmi Narayan Temple is very easily accessible since it’s located just outside of Connaught Place in Delhi. It’s a short “auto” ride from there or a quick walk from the Ashram Marg metro station. As you near the temple it’s hard to miss as it’s 160ft domes stand out against the rest of the city.
The temple is dedicated to the godess of wealth and prosperity Laxmi also known as Mahalakshmi and her consort Naryana, one of the many forms of Vishnu, the supreme Vedic god of Hinduism. Some Hindu’s consider the Laxmi Narayan temple to be the holiest of the temples in all of Delhi.
As with all temples, there are prayers throughout the day and locals line up to purchase the requisite items for their puja.
The entire site is about 7 acres and features gardens filled with statues.
The gardens also house several smaller temples that are dedicated to Shiva, Krishna, and even Buddha. The temples in the gardens are open and the deities are fully exposed, one can even see the pundits go about their rituals.
There are countless substructures and other statues in the gardens as well, which is reflective of the temples commitment to openness.
The temple used more than a 100 craftsmen over the course of 7 years to be built. The details are a sight to see. Even the back of the temple is skillfully adorned.
Visitors to can enter the temple and participate in the prayers and rituals as well. There are three times of day (daybreak, afternoon, and evening) when rites are held. Visiting the Laxmi Narayan temple was absolutely fascinating and spiritual. I highly recommend it to anyone staying in New Delhi for a few days.
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It is hard not to appreciate any sacred space that is built on the founding principles of openness and inclusion! Visiting temples is such an amazing part of getting to know a country and culture and regardless of size, they are so often incredibly beautiful and brilliant examples of inspired architecture! Beautifully documented article!
Gardens, temples, a random monkey statue with poo on it….there’s always something to discover! =P
Sometimes I think people don’t understand the length of time and effort that goes into building something majestic. 100 men over seven years is a *massive* undertaking. Not the pyramids, mind you, but still…can you imagine trying to find 100 people who are willing to work together for 7 years on something these days?
Seriously! We’ve gotten to this point of instant gratification with everything. No one has long term vision any more. If you cant ahve something asap with instant ROI no one is interested. Depressing!
I’ve been wanting to visit India for a while now and your posts are just feeding my wanderlust even more! Beautiful scenes you captured here.
It’s really worth the trip, just plan on spending a good month there. Way to big to see on a short trip.
Your photos take me back… I went there on my first trip to India, about seven or eight years ago.
I love how photos can transport us to anywhere in our memories in an instant.
I have been to South India only so I haven’t been to Delhi yet; looking at your pictures makes me what to a book a flight there now! Thank you for sharing.
Ironically we have not been to the south and are itching to return to explore the rest of the country.
What a fascinating temple. India certainly is loaded with treasures.
The images of the temple and its grounds are incredible. Its a pity though not being able to understand or view its layout. I wonder if this temple compound is built according to the principles of Vastu Shatra. Further, literature regarding its architecture and guiding principles of construction is worthy of reviewing.
I sincerely wish that there is someone out there who can share knowledge on this.