Lakshmi Narayan Temple

Situated in the heart of the City, it is a must destination for all the tourists who visit Delhi. This temple is also known as Birla Temple. It was built by philanthropist and industrialist Baldeo Das Birla and his son Jugal Kishore Birla. It was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1938. The architecture was influenced heavily by the principles of the Swadeshi movement of the early twentieth century. The central place of the temple is occupied by the glittering idols of goddess Lakshami and the Narayan (God) himself. Lakshami is goddess of wealth and Narayan, Lord Vishnu, who takes care of all living bodies in the Universe during their life time. The Hall in front of the deity can accommodate over 400 people for offering prayers and Aarati.

The left side of the central temple shikhar (dome) houses Devi Durga, the goddess of Shakti, the power and on the right is Lord Shiva. There are other small shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Hanuman in the courtyard, left and right to the entrance. There is also a shrine dedicated to Lord Buddha.  

The temple is spread over an area of 7.5 acres (30,000 m²) approximately and the built up area is 0.52 acres (2,100 m²).

The temple’s architecture gives a sense of modern Indian architecture. It was designed by Sris Chandra Chatterjee, a leading proponent of the "Modern Indian Architecture Movement. Over hundred skilled artisans from Banaras headed by Acharya Vishvanath Shastri were put to the task of making the idols for the temple, which was inspired by Nagara style of temple architecture. The entire temple is adorned with carvings depicting the scenes from golden era of the present universe cycle.

The highest shikhara of the temple above the sanctum sanctorum is about 160 feet high. The temple faces the east and is situated on a high plinth. The shrine is adorned with fresco paintings depicting Narayan’s life and work. The icons of the temple are in marble brought from Jaipur. Kota stone from Makarana, Kota, and Jaisalmer was used in the construction of the temple premises. The Geeta Bhawan to the north of the temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Artificial landscape and cascading waterfalls add to the beauty of the temple.

The temple is located on the Mandir Marg, situated west of the Connaught Place in New Delhi. The temple is easily accessible from the city by local buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws. Nearest Delhi Metro Station is R.K. Ashram Marg located about 2 km away.