Search Indian Maps, Pincodes, Local Info and more...
West Bengal Lakshmi Narayan Temple
Location | |
Country: | India |
State: | West Bengal |
Location: | Kolkata |
Architecture and Culture | |
Primary deity: | Lakshminarayan[1] |
Architectural styles: | Mandir |
History | |
Date built: | 1970-1996 |
Kolkata boasts of a graceful culture, rich history and versatile future. The city is bestowed with so many honours like “Culture Capital of India,” “The city of processions”, “City of festivals” and “City of Joy.” A number of worship places of different Hindu sects & other religions have contributed towards these honours of Kolkata city. Lakshmi Narayan Temple which is also popularly known as Birla Mandir has become a landmark of Kolkata City.
History
Lakshmi Narayan Temple in Kolkata, is a Hindu temple on Asutosh Chowdhury Avenue, Ballygunge, built by the industrialist Birla family. The construction of the temple began in 1970. It took 26 years to complete the entire structure. On Wednesday, the 21st of February, 1996, the PranPrathistha was done by Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj in the morning. Dr. Karan Singhinaugurated the temple the same day. The total cost incurred for the construction was Rs. 180 million.The Lakshmi Narayan temple possesses 48 decimal areas as devottar property, and lays adjacent to a graveyard (kabristan). Messages from the Bhagavad Gita have been carved on marble. Inside this 48.7-m. high temple are idols of Radha, Krishna, Shiva and Durga.
Architecture
Built over twenty- two years of painstaking labour, it is an all marble structure with very high quality Rajasthani engravings. The total cost incurred for the construction was Rs. 180 million. Spread over an area of 44-katha land and extending to a height of 160 feet, the temple has been modeled on the Lingaraj Temple at Bhubaneshwar, popularly known as Laxmi Narayan temple. This marvelous and imposing structure in white attracts huge crowd’s everyday and is one of the best fascinating tourist spot of Kolkata. Sandstone has been used on the exterior of the temple, and marble for the interiors. Traditional artistry, coupled with modern technology, has lent uniqueness to the architecture. There are artifacts made of silver and Belgian glass. Messages from the Bhagavad Gita have been carved on marble. The temple has been built on a slightly higher ground and is beautifully decorated with lights.
The architecture of the temple draws mainly from the beautiful places of worship in neighboring Orissa. It might not have the historical feel of some of Kolkata's older temples, but this temple in Ballygunge is a visual delight.
How to Reach
Kolkata city has got an International Air Port connecting it to every country.
Howrah and Sealdah are two major railway stations in Kolkata. These stations are well connected to all major cities in India.
Metro rail system in Kolkata connects all the main junctions in Kolkata. It is the fastest way to reach the different parts of the big city. Travelling in and around the city of Kolkata is by no means a difficult task. There are various different modes of transport available for the tourists.
Important Shrines
- The main temple houses statues of deities Krishna and Radha.
- The left side temple shikhar (dome) houses goddess Durga, the Hindu goddess of Shakti, the power.
- The right side dome of the temple houses Shiva in meditation mode.
Significance of the Temple
Marbles slabs were used to adorn the surfaces of the temple. These slabs depict the teachings of Lord Krishna which were imparted to Arjuna during the Bhagavad-Gita epic.
Attractions
- Some intricate Rajasthani temple architecture. Designed by the architect Nomi Bose.
- The grand celebrations of Janmasthami.
Timings and other Important Information
Morning from 5.30 A.M. to 11 A.M.
Evening from 4 .30 P.M. to 9 P.M.
Weather and Time to Visit
Kolkata has a tropic wet and dry climate and the best time to visit the city is from October to March.
Accomodation
Kolkata is a perfect location where everyone is sure to come across with the hodgepodge of all the things that tourists look for including suitable accommodation to suit every pocket.
Tips for Devotees
- No pet is allowed.
- Keep place neat and tidy.
Photo Gallery