Lakshmi Narayan Temple is also known as Birla Mandir. Birla Mandir is a Hindu temple on Asutosh Chowdhury Avenue, Ballygunge, built by the industrialist Birla family. This temple is open in the morning from 5:30 A.M. to 11 A.M. and in the evening from 4:30 P.M. to 9 P.M. On Janmashtami, the birthday of Krishna, devotees come from faraway places to pay their respect to the deities.
The Birla Mandir depicts the ideals of Hinduism as enshrined in the Vedas and Upanishads and their application to everyday life.
Architecture
The magnificent Birla Mandir of Kolkata is an exemplary work of art. It is one of the finest architectural beauties of the city. The indigenous craftsmanship of the temple is the hallmark of its grandeur. It represents a beautiful blend of traditional and contemporary art.
The Temple is spread over 44 kathas of land. The height of the temple is 160 feet. It is designed by the architect Nomi Bose. The structure of the temple resembles the famous Lingaraj Temple of Bhubaneswar. There is a pictorial depiction of messages from Bhagavad Gita in its stone engravings and some intricate Rajasthani temple architecture. The exterior of the temple is built of sandstone, whereas the interiors are plated with white marbles. Sculptors were called from Agra, Mirzapur and Muzaffarpur to sculpt the beautiful and unique patterns on the walls. There are some artifacts in the temple which are made of silver and Belgian glass. The total cost incurred to build the temple was Rs. 180 million.
Legend / Local stories
Photo Gallery
How to Reach:
By Road: The temple is situated on on Asutosh Chowdhury Avenue, Ballygunge. Birla Temple can be easily accessible by hiring auto, bus or taxi from anywhere in the Kolkata state or from neighboring state. Kolkata is connected with most of the Indian cities by road. The National Highway number 2 and 6 connect the city with other cities and states in India. Kolkata has a broad network of government and private buses. The Calcutta State Transport Corporation (CSTC), Calcutta Tramways Company (CTC) and West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation (WBSTC) run regulars bus service in the city. The Esplanade Terminus in the heart of the city is the main bus terminus.
By Rail: The nearest Railway Station to the temple is Howrah (13.7 km) and the closest Metro Station is Maidan.
By Air: The Temple can be reached through nearest Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport(20.6 km) which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai.
Address
5/1A, Paddapukur Ln, Chakraberia, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019