Durga and Shiva
are the other major deities housed in this temple. Mention must be made
of the Buddha temple in this complex. Access and Accommodation:
Accomodation is available in the temple guest house for out of town
travellers especially for international scholars pursuing knowledge in
Sanskrit or in the Hindu religion.
The highest tower in the
temple reaches a height of 165 feet while the ancillary towers reach 116
feet. The Geeta Bhavan, a hall is adorned with beautiful paintings
depicting scenes from Indian mythology. There is also a temple dedicated
to Buddha in this complex with fresco paintings describing his life and
work. The entire complex, especially the walls and the upper gallery are
full of paintings carried out by artists from Jaipur in Rajasthan. The
rear of the temple has been developed as an artificial mountainous
landscape with fountains and waterfalls. The beautiful Birla Gardens are
a real Eden on earth as they have been grafted with the adoration for
the almighty.
The temple is built in the Nagara style of
architecture interspersed with modern influences. The entire temple is
adorned with relief carvings depicting the scenes from mythology. 101
skilled pundits from Benares, headed by Acharya Vishvanath Shastri,
carved the idols of the temple. One can find a number of friezes and
artistic sculptures add to the aesthetic beauty of this temple.
The
highest Shikara of the temple above the sanctum sanctorum soars 160 feet
high. The temple faces the east and is situated on a high plinth. It
leades to a platform from where a few more steps lead to sanctum
sanctorum. This chamber is dedicated to Lord Narayan and Goddess
Lakshmi. There are other small shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord
Ganesha and Hanuman. The holy Vedas are also enshrined in this temple.
There is also a shrine dedicated to Lord Buddha. The shrine is adorned
with fresco paintings depicting his life and work.
The icons of
the temple are in marble brought from Jaipur. Kota stone from Makarana,
Agra, Kota and Jaisalmer were used in the construction of the temple
premises.The Geeta Bhawan to the north of the temple is dedicated to
Lord Krishna. The temples premises are dotted with miniature rock
temples, which are a craze amongst the children. An artificial landscape
complete with mountains and cascading waterfalls add to the beauty of
the temple.
largescale
prevalence of untouchability at that time. Built by the well-known
industrialist, R.D. Birla, the temple is dedicated to Laxmi ( the
goddess of wealth) and Narayana( the preserver). One of the most
important festivals of the Hindus Janamashtami coinciding with the
birth of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great fervour in the temple
and the occasion is visited by lakhs of devotees.At the entrance is
a plaque which welcomes people of all faiths and religions to visit
the temple and that there would be no ostracisation of any kind.
