Birla Mandir Temple (Lakshmi Narayan)

Birla Mandir Temple, also called Lakshmi Narayan, is one of central Delhi’s best temples to visit. Located near Connaught Place, the temple is dedicated to Narayan, an aspect of the Hindu god Vishnu along with his consort Lakshmi.

Built in 1938 by wealthy entrepreneur and philanthropist BD Birla, the temple was inaugurated in 1939 by Mahatma Gandhi under the condition that people of all faiths and castes be allowed to enter. Since most Hindu temples do not allow non-Hindus to enter, Birla Mandir Temple has become one of the most popular stops for visitors to Delhi. It’s particularly worthwhile in the morning and evening hours, when devotees come for aarti, a traditional Hindu ritual.

Practical Info

The red and beige Orissan-style temple, free to enter, is covered with carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. Inside the main temple, you’ll find statues of Narayan and Laskshmi, while smaller temples throughout the complex contain shrines to other deities in the Hindu pantheon, including Shiva, Krishna and Buddha.