Birla Mandir in Kolkata, West Bengal

At a distance of 11 km from Kolkata Railway Station, Birla Temple is a popular Hindu temple located at Ashutosh Choudhary Avenue (Just opposite to Ballygunge Post Office) in Kolkata, West Bengal. It is one of the popular Birla temples of India and one of the most visited places in Kolkata.

This iconic landmark, constructed by the industrialist Birla family, this temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha. The construction of the temple started in 1970 but it was completed in 1996. Since then, it has become a revered pilgrimage site and an integral part of Kolkata’s cultural heritage.

The consecration ceremony of the idols was performed by Swami Chidanand Maharaj. The magnificent Birla Temple of Kolkata is a standard piece of art and one of the finest architectural beauties of the city.

Throughout the year, Birla Mandir embraces the spirit of Hinduism by joyously celebrating various festivals and Janmashtami holds special significance as pilgrims from far and wide gather to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna. The temple comes alive with a vibrant display of lights, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that illuminates the surroundings with a divine glow.

Visitor Highlights:

• The temple follows specific timings for darshan (worship). It remains open in the morning from 6:15 AM to 11:30 AM and in the evening from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Plan your visit accordingly.
• Due to the hot weather in Kolkata, it is recommended to visit the temple during the cooler hours, which are from 5:30 AM to 11 AM or between 4 PM and 9 PM.
• As a place of worship, the temple expects visitors to dress modestly. Avoid wearing sleeveless shirts, shorts, or skirts above the knee.
• Footwear is not allowed inside the temple complex. There’s a designated shoe counter where you can leave your shoes before entering.
• Photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple premises. However, you can capture beautiful pictures of the temple’s exterior.
• Maintain silence and peace within the temple complex. Avoid loud conversations or using mobile phones inside the temple.
• Join for Evening Aarti: If possible, witness the mesmerizing evening aarti (prayer ceremony) for a truly spiritual experience.
• Birla Mandir is a beautiful example of modern Hindu architecture. The temple is built from white Rajasthani marble and features intricate carvings and sculptures.
• During the summer evenings, Birla Mandir comes alive with a mesmerizing light show. The vibrant colors illuminating the temple’s facade create a truly magical sight.
• After visiting Birla Mandir, you can explore other nearby attractions like the Birla Science Museum, Hussain Sagar Lake, and the Planetarium. These provide respite from the summer heat and offer educational and entertaining experiences.

A Majestic Blend of Tradition and Modernity of Birla Mandir Kolkata, WB

This temple presents a beautiful blend of traditional and modern art. This huge structure is at a height of 160 feet from the ground and is spread over 44 Kattha land. The architectural pattern of the temple is partly inspired by the Lakshmi Narayan Temple and Lingaraja Temple of Bhubaneswar. The entire temple is constructed of sandstone and white marble. The interior of the temple has wonderful marble carvings showing verses from the Bhagavad Gita and pictorial carvings.

The ceiling of the temple is decorated with attractive chandeliers and electric lamps that add amazing sparkle and shine to the interior. Apart from the beautiful Radha-Krishna idols, Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman, Lord Shiva, ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Durga are the other deities revered here. The most attractive feature of this temple is the evening aarti. The serene and sublime atmosphere of the temple provides immense peace and tranquility to the mind. A large number of devotees and tourists come here from all over the world, especially during Janmashtami, which is celebrated here with great enthusiasm.

10 Features of Birla Mandir Kolkata

The Birla Mandir Kolkata, also known as the Birla Temple, is a beautiful and serene place of worship. Here are its top 10 features:

• Devotion to Vishnu Avatars: The main temple houses the deities Krishna and Radha, who are avatars of Lord Vishnu.
• Architectural Marvel:Built from white Makrana marble, the temple’s architecture is a blend of traditional and contemporary styles, inspired by the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar.
• Engravings from Bhagavad Gita: The temple walls are adorned with intricate engravings depicting scenes from the Bhagavad Gita, a holy Hindu scripture.
• Rajasthani Influence: The temple showcases intricate Rajasthani temple architecture, with beautiful carvings and designs.
• Peaceful Ambiance: The serene atmosphere of the temple complex allows visitors to find peace and tranquility.
• Multiple Shrines: There are shrines dedicated to other deities like Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Goddess Durga within the temple complex.
• Sprawling Gardens:The temple is surrounded by lush green gardens, providing a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
• Free Entry: There is no entry fee to visit the temple, making it accessible to all.
• Convenient Timings: The temple is open for darshan (worship) in the morning and evening hours.
• Prime Location: It is Situated in Ballygunge, South Kolkata, the temple is easily accessible by public transport.

How to reach Birla Mandir Kolkata:

• From Howrah Station: You can take a public transport from Howrah Station to Birla Mandir Kolkata. It should take approximately 45 minutes and cover 8.5 kilometers.
• From Sealdah Station: Sealdah Station is the nearest railway station to Birla Mandir Kolkata, at a distance of 5.1 kilometers. You can cover this distance in around 30 minutes via public transport.
• From Kolkata Airport: Kolkata Airport is 20.1 kilometers away from Birla Mandir Kolkata. It takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to get there by public transport. See the directions here.
• If you follow Kolkata metro then the nearest metro stations to Birla Mandir Kolkata is Jatin Das Park.
• And if you follow Indian Railway then the nearest railway station to Birla Mandir Kolkata is Ballygunge Junction, located around 1 kilometer away.

Places to visit near Birla Mandir Kolkata:

• Birla Planetarium:Located right next to Birla Mandir, the Birla Planetarium is the symbol of science and enthusiasts. It houses a captivating sky show and various exhibits related to space exploration and astronomy. It’s open from 12 PM to 6 PM on weekdays and closed on Mondays.
• Netaji Bhawan:A 10-minute walk from Birla Mandir, Netaji Bhawan is the ancestral home of Subhash Chandra Bose, a prominent leader of the Indian independence movement. This museum showcases his life and perjuangan (struggle) for India’s freedom. It’s open from 11 AM to 5 PM on all days except Mondays and national holidays.
• Victoria Memorial:A 20-minute cab ride from Birla Mandir, Victoria Memorial is a stunning white marble monument dedicated to Queen Victoria, the Empress of India during the British Raj. It houses a museum with a vast collection of artifacts, paintings, and sculptures related to the British Raj period. It’s open from 10 AM to 5 PM on all days except Mondays.
• Maidan:A 15-minute walk from Birla Mandir, Maidan is a large, grassy field in the heart of Kolkata. It’s a popular spot for locals to relax, play sports, or simply enjoy the outdoors. You can find various landmarks around Maidan, including the Eden Gardens cricket stadium, the Indian Museum, and the National Library.
• Indian Museum (Jadu Ghar): A 15-minute walk from Birla Mandir, also located within the Maidan area, is the Indian Museum (Jadu Ghar), the largest and oldest museum in India. It houses a vast collection of artifacts, antiques, mummies, and treasures spanning thousands of years. The museum is open daily except Mondays from 10 AM to 5 PM.
• Alipore Zoological Garden (Chiriya Khanna):Explore the fascinating animal kingdom at Chiriya Khanna, a 20-minute cab ride away. It’s one of the oldest zoos in India and houses a diverse collection of animals from around the world. Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM (Mondays closed)

Positive Feedback of Visitor Regarding Birla Mandir Kolkata, WB

• Beautiful Architecture: Most of visitors praise the stunning architecture of the temple, often highlighting the intricate carvings and the blend of traditional and modern styles.
• Peaceful Atmosphere: Many visitors find the temple complex to be serene and peaceful, offering a welcome respite from the bustling city.
• Spiritual Significance: For devotees, the temple holds great spiritual significance. They appreciate the opportunity to worship Krishna, Radha, Shiva, and Durga.
• Free Entry: The fact that there’s no entry fee makes the temple accessible to all visitors.
• Convenient Location: Visitors call, the temple is well-connected by public transport, making it easy to reach.

Conclusion:

The Birla Mandir in Kolkata stands as a beacon of architectural magnificence, cultural richness, and spiritual inclusive. Its white marble splendor, combined with the spiritual energy that permeates the temple complex, creates an atmosphere of transcendence.

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