Birla Mandir

Birla Mandir in Kolkata, is a Hindu temple on Asutosh Chowdhury Avenue, Ballygunge, near Gariahat, built by the industrialist Birla family.

The construction of the temple began in 1970. It took 26 years to complete the entire structure. Spread on 44 kathas of land, this temple built of white marble bears resemblance to the renowned Lingaraj Temple of Bhubaneswar. Birla Mandir also showcases pictorial depiction of scriptures of Bhagavad Gita in its stone engravings and some intricate Rajasthani temple architecture.

A visit to this temple will reveal the intricate Rajasthani temple architecture, which is predominant. The manner in which the layering and decoration of the temple facades have been done is a pointer to the high degree of skill involved during the construction process.

The grandiose white marble temple is at its glittering best after dusk when the entire temple and its surroundings are illuminated. The sight of Birla Temple at night which is all decked up with electric diyas and sparkling chandeliers makes for a truly ethereal experience. No wonder, many tourists come to visit the temple after dusk, rather than in the morning.

The Birla Temple is one of the finest specimen of the greatness of Hindu religion and accordingly it has portrayed gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon, like Radha & Krishna, Shiva & Durga and even deities of Hanuman, the Dasha Avatars and Ganesha. The concept of unity in variety which is the plan of the universe is very well depicted at the Birla temple.

Source: Wikipedia

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