Birla Mandir

Why devotees come here

Birla Mandir is the Lakshmi Narayan Temple of Bhopal, in the Malviya Nagar area south of the lake near the Arera Hills. It stands on the highest point of the city. Mythological scenes carved in marble inside are the main thing to see.

Lakshmi Narayan Temple, popularly known as Birla Mandir, is still the main center of public faith. Idols of Vishnu and Lakshmi are installed inside. The temple sits on a hill at the highest point of the city, south of the lake and near the Arera Hills.

Dr. Kailashnath Katju, a former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, laid the foundation stone in 1960. Chief Minister Dwarka Prasad Mishra inaugurated the temple in 1964. A large Vishnu Mahayagya was held at the opening, with many scholars taking part.

Inside, marble carvings show scenes from mythology, and teachings from the Bhagavad Gita and Ramayana are inscribed on them. Hanuman and a Shivling are also established in the temple premises. A museum is built near the temple. It houses idols brought from Raisen, Sehore, Mandsaur and Shahdol in Madhya Pradesh. On Janmashtami, the main event here is the celebration of Krishna's birth. A large number of devotees take part and worship Vishnu.

Festivals

• JanmashtamiJanmashtami

  The birth of Krishna is the main event here, and large numbers of devotees come to worship Vishnu.

Tips for your visit

• The museum near the temple houses idols brought from Raisen, Sehore, Mandsaur and Shahdol in Madhya Pradesh.
• Hanuman and a Shivling are also established in the temple premises, alongside the idols of Vishnu and Lakshmi.
• Janmashtami brings a large number of devotees to worship Vishnu here.

Questions people ask