Laxminarayan Temple

Overview

Also called Birla Mandir, this ornate Hindu temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1939 with the condition that people of all castes could enter. Dedicated to Lakshmi (goddess of wealth) and Narayana (Vishnu), it is built in the Orissan style.

Highlights

• Architecture: Multi-layered shikhara towers in yellow, red, and cream sandstone with ornamental carvings.
• Gardens: Terraced gardens with fountains and Buddhist-style prayer wheels.
• Geeta Bhawan: A side hall with verse inscriptions from the Bhagavad Gita.

History

Commissioned by industrialist B. D. Birla, the temple was designed by Sris Chandra Chatterjee and built between 1933 and 1939. Gandhi inaugurated it on the condition it would be open to Dalits and all communities without caste discrimination.

Visitor Tips

• No photography: Cameras and phones are not allowed inside.
• Midday break: The temple closes 1:00–2:00 PM.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.