Birla Mandir kolkata

Birla Mandir Kolkata- the Bright and Beautiful Hindu Temple

Kolkata is the capital of west Bengal and is the palace of many pilgrimages masterpieces of old British times. There are huge numbers of temples in the city and Birla Mandir Kolkata is one such temple that has been designed to fulfill the lust of spiritual visitors of far-off places. It is one of the Hindu temples in Kolkata that stands on the Ashutosh Chowdhury Avenue of Ballygunge. The temple was built by the Birla family, the great industrialist. The temple glows with showers of lighting with a majestic aura all around on the occasion of Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna. Thousands of visitors from all over the country appear here to experience this divine vision. There are deities Krishna and his beloved Radha to whom the temple is mainly dedicated. Other gods are also worshipped in the temple like Lord Hanumana, Lord Bishnu, and Lord Ganesha. After 26 works of work, the temple got its complete structure and was open to the public in the year 1996. You can notice a beautiful combination of modern and traditional art on to the cravings of shining white marble.

History

Birla Mandir, also known as Shri Krishna Temple, is a Hindu temple located in Kolkata, India. It was built by the Birla family, a prominent Indian business conglomerate, in the late 20th century. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha and is constructed entirely of white marble. It is considered one of the most famous landmarks of Kolkata and attracts a large number of devotees and tourists every year. The temple architecture is a blend of traditional Hindu and modern styles and features intricate carvings and sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.

How to reach Birla Mandir Kolkata

Ballygunge is accessible by bus and trains from Sealdah station. You can avail of metered taxis and minibusses from any place in Kolkata to reach the famous Birla Mandir. There are there nearby metro stations namely, Kalighat, Rabindra Sadan, and Maidan from where reaching the temple is not at all a problem. You can avail taxis, autos, or rickshaws from any of these metro stations to reach there.

Description of the temple

• The main deity of the 160 feet height temple is the god of love, Radha and Krishna.
• The left dome is the home of Goddess Durga, the symbol of power, and the right part of the temple houses Lord Shiva.
• The structure of the temple is similar to the Lingaraj temple of Bhubaneshwar and it is inspired by the Laxmi Narayana temple of Orissa.
• Engravings of the Bhagwat Gita are presented on the inner marble wall of the mandir where you can find messages of Lord Krishna to live a life free of attachments.
• The temple is Spread over 44 kathas of land the architecture reveals Rajasthani style with intricate work. Electric diyas and chandeliers are attached to the ceiling which adds up to the luster of the interior.
• Silver and Belgian glass artifacts impart a positive vibration to the shrine.

Recommended tips

1. Photo and video shooting are not allowed inside the temple premise.
2. The evening Aarti is the most attractive sight that you should not miss if you are planning to be there.
3. Cameras and mobile phones are not allowed inside the temple, so better not to carry those accessories while you plan to visit there.
4. Do not make a loud noise as it echoes and disturbs the peaceful atmosphere.
5. If you want to sight the best appearance of the temple then it is recommended to visit there on the day of Janmashtami and Nanda Utsav when all the lights are lit up to create a huge divine glow.
6. You have to open and submit your shoes and belongings before you enter the temple.

Timing of Birla Mandir Kolkata

The visiting hours start from 5:30 to 11 a.m in the morning and continue from 4:30 to 9 pm in the evening. If you wish to view the glittering white marble then visiting in the evening would be the best. The temple remains on all days of the weak.

Soft music and continuous chanting increase the vigor of the temple and there is an area enclosed where you can sit and meditate and feel the divinity of the place as long as you can. The towering domes are beautifully decorated with intricate stonework. Once you reach the vicinity of Birla Mandir Kolkata it is hard to return from there due to its divine and attractive architectural pattern. Be it a holy visit or any leisure time pass, you would find a peaceful vibration in the atmosphere that would attract you to visit there again if you are in search of divine tranquillity.

Nearby attractions

Here are some of the nearby attractions to Birla Mandir in Kolkata:

1. Victoria Memorial: A grand marble structure and museum dedicated to Queen Victoria.
2. Paul’s Cathedral: One of the largest cathedrals in Kolkata and a fine example of Gothic architecture.
3. Science City: A large science museum with interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and a live science demonstration center.
4. Park Street: A popular shopping and dining area known for its colonial-era architecture and vibrant nightlife.
5. Howrah Bridge: A historic cantilever bridge over the Hooghly River, considered an iconic symbol of Kolkata.
6. Indian Museum: The largest and oldest museum in India, housing an extensive collection of antiques, fossils, mummies, and more.
7. Fort William: A large fort built by the British East India Company, now used as the headquarters of the Indian Army’s Eastern Command.

Activity

Here are some activities that one can do when visiting Birla Mandir in Kolkata:

1. Temple visit: Explore the temple and admire its architecture, sculptures, and carvings.
2. Puja and Aarti: Participate in the Hindu religious rituals and ceremonies held at the temple.
3. Photography: Take pictures of the temple, its surroundings, and the iconic landmarks of Kolkata.
4. Local shopping: Visit nearby shops and markets to buy souvenirs, traditional handicrafts, and other items.
5. Street food: Try local street food, such as puchkas, rolls, and sweets, available in the nearby areas.
6. Cultural events: Attend cultural programs, such as classical music and dance performances, held at the temple or nearby venues.
7. Museum visit: Explore the nearby museums, such as the Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum, and Science City, to learn about the history and culture of Kolkata.