The temple was built by the Birla family, one of India's most prominent industrial families, between 1933 and 1939. Mahatma Gandhi inaugurated the temple and laid down the condition that it must be open to all people regardless of caste, which made it one of the first truly public temples in India. The temple was a symbol of the modern, reformist Hinduism that emerged in the 20th century.
Sacred Heritage
Birla Mandir (Laxmi Narayan Temple)
New Delhi, Delhi
State:Delhi
District:New Delhi
Why This Temple Matters
Key Takeaways
- Dedicated to Lord Narayan and Goddess Lakshmi
- Nagara Style with Orissan Influences architecture
- Built by the Birla dynasty
- Located in New Delhi, Delhi
- Temple timings: 4:30 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM to 9:00 PM daily.
Quick Facts
- Location
- New Delhi
- Presiding Deity
- Lord Narayan and Goddess Lakshmi
- Architecture
- Nagara Style with Orissan Influences
- Dynasty
- Birla
- Timings
- 4:30 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM to 9:00 PM daily.
- Entry Fee
- Free
- Best Time
- October to March offers pleasant weather. The temple is beautifully lit in the evenings.
Overview
Inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1939, this masterpiece of Nagara style was one of India's first temples open to all castes.
History & Legacy
Architecture
Key Features
The temple is built in the Nagara style with Orissan influences. The main shikhara is 160 feet tall and is ornately carved. The sanctum houses idols of Lord Narayan (Vishnu) and Goddess Lakshmi. The complex includes shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna, and Lord Buddha. The walls feature paintings and carvings from Hindu scriptures.
Religious & Cultural Significance
The temple is historically significant as one of India's first major temples to welcome all castes. Its 160-foot shikhara is one of the tallest in Delhi. The temple represents the synthesis of traditional temple architecture with modern social reform values. It is a major landmark in New Delhi and a popular tourist destination.
Daily Rituals
Daily aartis are performed five times. Bhajan and kirtan sessions are held in the evenings. The temple follows Vaishnava traditions.
Festivals & Celebrations
Festival
Janmashtami, Diwali, and Holi are celebrated with great enthusiasm. Annual anniversaries of the temple's inauguration are also observed.
Interesting Facts
Inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi, first caste-free temple, 160-foot shikhara, Birla family patronage
How to Reach & Visitor Tips
The temple is located on Mandir Marg in central Delhi, accessible by metro (R K Ashram Marg station). Taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available. The temple is wheelchair accessible.
Nearby Attractions
Connaught Place (2 km) is Delhi's commercial center. India Gate (3 km). Rashtrapati Bhavan (4 km). Bangla Sahib Gurudwara (2 km). Jantar Mantar (2 km).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this temple historically significant?
A.
It was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1939 and was one of the first major temples in India to be open to people of all castes.
How tall is the temple's spire?
A.
The main shikhara (spire) is 160 feet tall, one of the tallest temple spires in Delhi.
Answers are based on verified information. Site rules may change — verify locally before visiting.
Sources & References
Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
"Ministry of Tourism — official destination information"
View SourceLinks Last Checked
30 September 2026
Related Temples
Same State
Akshardham Temple
A massive Hindu temple complex displaying millennia of traditional Indian and Hindu culture, spirituality, and…
Chhatarpur Temple
A massive marble temple complex dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, featuring both North and South Indian…
Kalkaji Temple
An ancient temple dedicated to Kalka Devi, believed to date back to the Satya Yuga…
Hanuman Mandir Connaught Place
One of the five ancient temples from the Mahabharata era in Delhi, famous for its…
Yogmaya Temple Mehrauli
One of Delhi's few surviving ancient temples, believed to be built by the Pandavas and…
Gauri Shankar Temple Delhi
Historic 18th-century Shaivite temple in Chandni Chowk founded by Maratha soldier Appa Gangadhar, enshrining a…
Same Tradition
Rasmancha Bishnupur
The oldest 17th-century brick structure in Bishnupur, unique for its massive pyramidal roof and arched…
Jor-Bangla Temple Bishnupur
Known for its 'twin hut' design and incredibly detailed terracotta panels depicting the Ramayana and…
Shyam Rai Temple Bishnupur
A five-towered terracotta temple famous for its circular friezes showing the Rasa-lila of Lord Krishna.
Dashavatara Temple
Dating to around 500 CE, this is the earliest known North Indian temple with a…
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir
A grand and historic temple marking the birthplace of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of…
Prem Mandir
A stunning modern white-marbled complex in Vrindavan dedicated to Divine Love, known for its life-like…
Visiting as an International Traveller
Foreign visitor information is being researched
Please verify with the official authority for this site before planning your visit.
Entry Status
Foreign Visitors
Verify Before VisitingVisitor Information
Entry policies are set by each site — confirm before travelling.
Entry rules for international visitorsWho can enter, permits, and what to expect at the gate.Dress Code
Modest clothing is expected — a sign of respect, not a restriction.
Shoulders covered
Knees covered
Shoes removed before entry
Head covering (women)
Rain gear available
Warm layers (winter)
Photography Guide
Outside
Inside
Flash
Drone
Tripod
Commercial
Best Time to Visit
Peak Season
October to March offers pleasant weather. The temple is beautifully lit in the evenings.
Moderate to High — comfortable weather
Summer
April — June
Low — hot plains, pleasant hills
Monsoon
July — September
Low — lush landscape, travel delays possible
Language & Communication
Understanding Temple Traditions
These short explanations help make sense of what you see and experience.
Tips for International Visitors
Temple vocabulary and ritualsDarshan, pradakshina, prasadam, aarti, hundi and mandapa.Currency, donations and queuesCash, UPI, donation etiquette and how long entry queues take.Photography etiquetteSignage, flash, selfie sticks and photographing other visitors.Festival crowds and safetyAdvance booking, road closures, belongings and offline maps.
Essential Contacts
Police / Ambulance / Fire: 112 (National Emergency Number)
Tourist Helpline: 1800-111-363 (Multi-lingual, Ministry of Tourism)
Women's Helpline: 1091
Travel Preparation Checklist
Packing Checklist for Birla Mandir (Laxmi Narayan Temple)
Continue Reading
Rules change — confirm current policies with the site's authority before you travel.
Site-verified visitor data pending. See our sources and methodology.
By Naveen singh negi
Updated: July 2026
Related:Delhi TemplesLord Narayan and Goddess LakshmiNagara Style with Orissan Influences StyleBirlaMethodology
Delhi
Birla
Vaishnava
Explore More Sacred & Heritage Sites
Related heritage monuments, regional traditions, and pilgrimage connections.
UNESCO Temple Heritage Sites
UNESCO 1987Cultural Heritage
Tamil Nadu
Great Living Chola Temples — Brihadeeswarar Temple
The principal temple of the Great Living Chola Temples UNESCO site, a masterpiece of Dravidian…
Explore Temple
UNESCO 1986Cultural Heritage
Madhya Pradesh
Khajuraho Group of Monuments
The largest and most ornate Hindu temple in the Khajuraho Group of Monuments.
Explore Temple
UNESCO 1984Cultural Heritage
Odisha
Sun Temple, Konark
A 13th-century Sun Temple built as a giant stone chariot with 24 wheels, drawn by…
Explore Temple
UNESCO 1986Cultural Heritage
Karnataka
Hampi Group (Virupaksha Temple)
The Virupaksha Temple is the most iconic monument of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site…
Explore Temple
Famous Temples You May Like
Delhi
Akshardham Temple
A massive Hindu temple complex displaying millennia of traditional Indian and Hindu culture, spirituality, and…
Explore Temple
Delhi
Yogmaya Temple Mehrauli
One of Delhi's few surviving ancient temples, believed to be built by the Pandavas and…
Explore Temple
Delhi
Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir
The oldest Jain temple in Delhi, built in 1656 and famous for its vibrant red…
Explore Temple
Delhi
Chhatarpur Temple
A massive marble temple complex dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, featuring both North and South Indian…
Explore Temple
Explore More in Delhi
Delhi
Kalkaji Temple
An ancient temple dedicated to Kalka Devi, believed to date back to the Satya Yuga…
Explore Temple
Delhi
Hanuman Mandir Connaught Place
One of the five ancient temples from the Mahabharata era in Delhi, famous for its…
Explore Temple
Delhi
Gauri Shankar Temple Delhi
Historic 18th-century Shaivite temple in Chandni Chowk founded by Maratha soldier Appa Gangadhar, enshrining a…
Explore Temple
Delhi
Jhandewalan Devi Mandir
One of Delhi's oldest and most revered Shakti shrines, named after the ritual flags (Jhandas)…
Explore Temple
Heritage Fact
"The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is famous for its Nagara-style architectural symbolism and intricate sculptures."