Birla Mandir
The Spiritual Landmark: Birla Mandir in Kolkata is one of the most beautiful and serene places of worship in the city. Dedicated to Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha, the temple was built by the industrialist Birla family. The construction began in 1970 and took an incredible 26 years to reach completi on, finally opening its doors to the public in February 1996. Built with white marble and cream-colored sandstone, the temple is a masterpiece of modern craftsmanship. It stands as a symbol of the city's religious diversity and the Birla family's commitment to cultural heritage. The temple complex is impeccably maintained, offering a peaceful retreat from the surrounding urban noise. As the sun sets, the entire structure is illuminated with thousands of lights, making it look like a glowing jewel in the night sky. The main sanctum houses the beautifully adorned idols of Radha-Krishna, while other shrines are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga, and Lord Hanuman. The walls of the temple are engraved with shlokas from the Bhagavad Gita and scenes from the Puranas. The atmosphere inside is one of deep spirituality, enhanced by the soft chanting of hymns and the smell of fresh incense. It is not just a place for Hindus but a destination for anyone who appreciates fine architecture and a calm environment. The temple is especially crowded during festivals like Janmashtami, when it is decorated with flowers and lights. Unlike many older temples, Birla Mandir is known for its discipline and cleanliness. A visit here is often described as a meditative experience. It has become an inseparable part of Kolkata’s skyline and a must-visit for tourists looking for beauty and peace in the city of joy.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 to 2 HoursPlace Type:
Religious and Architectural SiteEntry Fees:
Free Entry: Entry to the temple is free for everyone. There are no charges for darshan. Please note that phones and cameras are usually not allowed inside the main temple. ...Free Entry: Entry to the temple is free for everyone. There are no charges for darshan. Please note that phones and cameras are usually not allowed inside the main temple.Timing:
Regular Timings: 5:30 AM to 11:00 AM and 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM to see the temple transition into its illuminated night form. ...Regular Timings: 5:30 AM to 11:00 AM and 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM to see the temple transition into its illuminated night form.Special Events:
Janmashtami: The birthday of Lord Krishna is the biggest event here, attracting thousands of devotees.
Inauguration Day: Special prayers are held on February 21st to mark the anniversary of the temple's opening. ...Janmashtami: The birthday of Lord Krishna is the biggest event here, attracting thousands of devotees.
Inauguration Day: Special prayers are held on February 21st to mark the anniversary of the temple's opening.Best Photo Spots:
Night Lighting: The temple looks most majestic after 6:00 PM when the electric diyas are lit.
The Main Gate: The grand entrance with the temple towers in the background is the best spot for a photo.
Sandstone De...Night Lighting: The temple looks most majestic after 6:00 PM when the electric diyas are lit.
The Main Gate: The grand entrance with the temple towers in the background is the best spot for a photo.
Sandstone Details: Close-up shots of the exterior carvings highlight the craftsmanship.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Offering Prayers: Participate in the morning or evening prayers to experience the spiritual energy.
Admiring the Carvings: Take a slow walk around the temple to see the intricate details of the stone work.
Evening Photography: Wait until the lights come on; the view from the street is iconic.
Listening to Bhajans: Sit in the main hall and listen to the devotional music that plays throughout the day.
Exploring the Shrines: Visit the separate sections dedicated to Shiva and Durga.
Reading the Gita Shlokas: Even if you don't understand Sanskrit, the engravings are a visual treat.
Attending Janmashtami: If visiting in August or September, witness the grand celebrati...
Information
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Why Famous:
Famous for Architectural Beauty: The temple is famous for its intricate marble carvings and its stunning appearance when illuminated at night. It is also famous for being one of the most prominent "Birla Temples" in India, known for its strict adherence to Vastu and traditi...Famous for Architectural Beauty: The temple is famous for its intricate marble carvings and its stunning appearance when illuminated at night. It is also famous for being one of the most prominent "Birla Temples" in India, known for its strict adherence to Vastu and traditional aesthetics. -
Architecture:
Nagara Style and Marble Craftsmanship: The architecture of Birla Mandir is primarily based on the Nagara style, with significant inspiration from the Lingaraj Temple of Bhubaneswar. The temple is approximately 160 feet tall and covers 44 kathas of land. The exterior is cra...Nagara Style and Marble Craftsmanship: The architecture of Birla Mandir is primarily based on the Nagara style, with significant inspiration from the Lingaraj Temple of Bhubaneswar. The temple is approximately 160 feet tall and covers 44 kathas of land. The exterior is crafted from Rajasthani sandstone, while the entire interior is made of high-quality white marble. The three towering domes (Shikharas) are covered in intricate stone carvings that depict various mythological stories. The dimensions of the main hall are designed to create a sense of vastness and divinity. Artisans from Agra, Mirzapur, and Muzaffarpur were specially commissioned for the stone-cutting and engraving work. The use of Belgian glass and silver artifacts inside the sanctum adds to its splendor. -
How To Reach:
By Air: 21 Kms from the airport. A taxi through the EM Bypass or VIP Road is recommended.
By Train: Howrah and Sealdah are the main railheads. Ballygunge Station is very close.
By Road: Located on Ashutosh... -
Near Tourist Places:
BITM (0. 6 km), Quest Mall (0. 4 km), Gariahat Market (1. 5 km), Birla Academy (2. 5 km), South Park Street Cemetery (2. 2 km), Kalighat Temple (3. 0 km), Science City (4. 0 km), Mother House (2. 8 km), Victoria Memorial (4. 0 km), Rabindra Sarobar (3. 0 km).
Tourism Tips
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Health and Safety: Follow the queue system. Keep your footwear in the designated shoe stand.
Packing: Dress modestly as it is a place of worship. No photography inside the main hall.
Accommodation: Many ho...
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