History, Importance, Timings, Architecture, Activities, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Birla Temple, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the Birla Temple in Kolkata is a site of great reverence as it is visited by people all across the state. It historical as well as religious importance strikes the perfect balance of being a widely attracted visited spots by the travellers from other states.
History of Birla Temple, Ballygunge Road, Kolkata
Birla Mandir is a very famous temple located in Ashutosh Chowdary Avenue in Kolkata, West Bengal at just 10 km from Kolkata Railway station.
The Birla Mandir was built by the ‘Birla family’, the famous industrialist family of India. The construction of the temple began in 1970 and took 26 years to complete the indelible structure.
Opened on the 21 February, 1996, the temple's inaguaration ceremony was done by Dr. Karan Singh while Swami Chidananda Maharaj did the the Pran Prathistha ceremony of the idols. The temple is made as a consortium of Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha Rani.
Architecture of Birla Temple, Ballygunge Road, Kolkata
The temple represents a beautiful blend of traditional and contemporary art. The main shrine is a colossal structure that stands 160 ft above the ground, spread over 44 kathas of land. The patterns of the temple building is partly inspired by the Laxmi Narayan Temple and partly by the Lingaraj Temple of Bhubaneswar. Constructed is completed entirely out of sandstone and white marble. Idols of Lord Krishna and Radha are placed in the main shrine of Birla temple. Temple has the an idol of goddess Durga installed on the left side of the Shikhar. There are severla other idols placed in temple including the Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman, Dasha Avatars, and Lord Ganesh.
The temple interiors with exquisite marble carvings depict shlokas and pictorial engravings from the Bhagavat Gita. The engravings made on the walls and pillars are spectacularly built while the ceiling of the temple is beautifully adorned with chandeliers and electric diyas that add a marvelous luster and shine to it.
Inside the temple primese of Birla Mandir, the famous Lakshmi Narayan temple of Ballygunge is other key attraciton here. The white marble temple stands over acres of land and brings relief to the devotees and tourist. The pleasant look of the temple during sunrise and sunset appeals every eye. The monolithic statue of Laxmi Narayan is the most important part of this temple.
The temple become a landmark in the city due to its design and history. The creative architectural designs, rich use of floral patterns, it is one of the must visit place in Kolkata. The floral fragrance at the temple rejuvenates every individual. You can find mention of teaching from Bhagavad Gita carved in the walls and railings of the temple. Eye pleasing portraits of famous deities with decorated lights enhance the spiritual feel in the temple.
This temple resembles the famous Lingaraj Temple of Bhubaneswar in some way. The electric diyas and wonderful chandeliers enhance its beauty. The temple is a perfect example of excellence and devotion.
Popular Legend of Birla Temple, Kolkata
According to popular legend, the maharaja at the time sold the land for the temple to the Birla family for just one rupee. Temple construction started in 1977 under the guidance of Ramanuj Das and Ghanshyam Birla, utilised pristine white marble. The main four distinct parts of the temple are the sanctum, the tower, the main hall, and the entrance.
Festivals Celebrated here at Birla Temple, Kolkata
The temple celebrates various Hindu festivals but Janmashtami celebration is one of the most important ones as the temple witnesses a large gathering of pilgrims. On this day, this popular religious place in Kolkata is illuminated with lights and the festival holds a special reverence owing to its deep historical background. Hence, the festivals Radhashtami, Holi and Diwali are celebrated with great devotion.
How to Reach Birla Temple, Kolkata, The Capital of West Bengal, India
Kolkata being capital and district headquarter of Kolkata district and important city of West Bengal, it is very well connected with all major cities of India via road, rail and air network. Lots of people across the world visits here throughout the year which makes Kolkata more convenient in terms of travel, accommodation and other services. Kolkata has major internal airport from where you can get flight to all major cities of India. Kolkata has major rail junction from where you can get train to almost all part of country. Kolkata is located at 118 km from Ganga Sagar, 172 km from Durgapur, 138 km from Bishnupur, 212 km from Bankura, 64 km from Durgapur, 129 km from Mayapur, 89 km from Belur, 65 km from Tarakeshwar
