About Birla Mandir Delhi
The Laxminarayan Temple, popularly called Birla Mandir, is one of New Delhi's best-known temples, located on Mandir Marg near Connaught Place. It is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Narayan (Vishnu), with shrines to Shiva, Ganesha, Hanuman, Krishna and the Buddha as well. Its bright red-and-cream towers and peaceful gardens make it a favourite with both devotees and visitors. Janmashtami here is one of the largest celebrations in the city.
The temple was built between 1933 and 1939 by the industrialist Jugal Kishore Birla and the Birla family. It was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1939, who agreed on the condition that the temple be open to people of all castes, which was a powerful statement at that time. It was among the first large temples built in New Delhi. Next door, the Gita Bhawan hall serves as a space for discourses on the Bhagavad Gita.
Built in the Nagara style with influences from Odisha temple architecture, the temple has tall shikharas rising to about 50 metres. It is made of red sandstone and marble, with carvings and wall paintings showing scenes from Hindu scriptures. Gardens with fountains and sculptures surround the main shrine, and a small artificial hillock and waterfall add to the grounds.
Birla Mandir Delhi timings & aarti
Usually open about 4:30 AM – 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM – 9:00 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Mangala Aarti | Early morning, around opening |
| Evening (Sandhya) Aarti | Around sunset |
| Shayan Aarti | Before closing at night |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Birla Mandir Delhi
By air
Indira Gandhi International Airport, about 15 km away.
By train
New Delhi station is about 3 km away.
By road
RK Ashram Marg metro station (Blue Line) is about 1.5–2 km away; autos and cabs are easy to find around Connaught Place.
Festivals at Birla Mandir Delhi
- JanmashtamiAug/Sep
- DiwaliOct/Nov
- Ram NavamiMar/Apr
- HoliMar
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing recommended.
- Entry
- Open to all with no entry fee. Mobile phones, cameras and leather items are usually not allowed inside and can be deposited at counters.
- Deposit phones and cameras at the counter before entering.
- Visit early morning or evening for a calmer, cooler visit.
- Combine with Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and Connaught Place, both nearby.
- On Janmashtami, expect long queues late into the night.
Places to visit near Birla Mandir Delhi
- Gurudwara Bangla SahibHistoric Sikh gurdwara with langar, about 2 km away
- Connaught PlaceCentral shopping and dining hub, about 2 km away
- Hanuman Mandir, Connaught PlaceOld Hanuman temple, about 2 km away
- Jantar Mantar18th-century astronomical observatory, about 2.5 km away
Frequently asked questions
What are the Birla Mandir Delhi timings?
It is usually open about 4:30 AM to 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Check locally for changes.
Who inaugurated Birla Mandir Delhi?
Mahatma Gandhi inaugurated it in 1939 on the condition that people of all castes be allowed to enter.
Are phones allowed in Birla Mandir?
Phones and cameras are usually not allowed inside; deposit counters are available.
Which metro station is nearest to Birla Mandir?
RK Ashram Marg on the Blue Line is the closest, about 1.5–2 km away.
What is the aarti time at Birla Mandir Delhi?
Mangala Aarti: Early morning, around opening; Evening (Sandhya) Aarti: Around sunset; Shayan Aarti: Before closing at night. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Birla Mandir Delhi?
Modest traditional clothing recommended.
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