Travel: DARSHAN @ BIRLA TEMPLE, JAIPUR

Birla Temple, Jaipur

Wiki says: Birla Temple is at the foot of Moti Dungri fort. This temple forms one of the major attractions of Jaipur. Birla Temple of Jaipur looks stunning, when it is brightly lit in the night. The enormous temple was built during the year 1988, by Birla Group of Industries. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Narayan), the preserver and his consort Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. It is also known as Laxmi Narayan Temple. Birla Mandir is constructed in the finest quality of white marble. 

Ganesh Temple @ Moti Dungri Fort; the stairs in the front lead to Birla Mandir

The three huge domes of the temple represent three different approaches to the religion. Stained glass windows depict the scenes from Hindu scriptures. Ganesh the protector of households, is above the lintel. Many of the deities of the Hindu pantheon are depicted inside the temple, and on the outside walls great historical personages and figures from all religions are shown, including Socrates, Zarathustra, Christ, Buddha and Confucius. 

While walking up the gentle slope to the temple, I turned around and clicked this picture. The temple is behind me

The Laxmi Narayan Mandir is a modern architectural marvel, surrounded by lush green gardens. The fascinating exteriors of the temple are carved splendidly with beautiful sculptures based on mythological themes, while the interiors have a large marble panel portraying mythological events.

A peep at the temple through the lush greenery

I took a rickshaw from Hotel Anuraag Villa to take a half-day tour of a few places in Jaipur all by myself. I enjoyed the ride as we went to Birla Temple first.

Birla Mandir, Jaipur

What caught my eye when I reached the area was an ancient structure that sat atop a hill to the left of Birla Mandir. I believed it was probably the original Laxmi Narayan Temple as the ancient tower on the hill looked similar to Birla Mandir’s tower. I later got to know on Google that its call Moti Dungri Fort with a Ganesh Mandir there.

It was a hot and bright walk to the temple

On the right, Birla Mandir sat majestically on top of a hillock. I climbed up a set of wide stairs and walked on a gentle slope before reaching the temple. Leaving my slippers at the counter on the left, I entered the prakaar that was fully done up in white marble. It was a beautiful structure while photography was allowed only from the outside. Luckily, the floor had not heated up too much despite the hot weather.

Another angle to Moti Dungri Fort

I walked into the sanctorum that has 15-foot tall idols of Narayan and Laxmi that were clothed in red. They were beautiful. I went and sat in the large hall that was not too crowded and prayed for a while. It was so peaceful there. Then I got up to check out the stained glass paintings of various Gods and Goddesses – Lord Ganesha, Lord Karthikeya, Lord Krishna, Goddess Saraswathi and others. I walked out and thought of perambulating the shrine. But the marble floor was too hot to walk around barefoot. Not having much of a choice, I hung around for a few more minutes in the cool area and left the temple.

Birla Temple entrance and Moti Dungri Fort in the same frame

I walked around the garden for a few minutes before going down another set of staircase and left the place happy after a lovely darshan.