Weather: 14 - 26°C
Tags: Temple
Timings: 5:30 AM - 11:00 AM, 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM (Open every day)
Time Required: 1-2 hours
Entry Fee: Free

Overview
Birla Mandir, located in Ballygunge, Kolkata, is an architectural marvel dedicated to Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha. This stunning temple blends traditional and modern architecture and took 26 years to complete, finishing in 1996. The temple features exquisite sculptures by artisans from Agra, Muzaffarpur, and Mirzapur. While Lord Krishna and Radha are the primary deities, the temple also honors Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu's ten avatars, Lord Hanuman, and Goddess Durga.

The temple’s white marble exterior, intricate stonework, and domes are complemented by silver and Belgian glass artifacts. At dusk, the temple glows with electric diyas and chandeliers, enhancing its spiritual ambiance. The temple is especially vibrant during Janmashtami.

History
Constructed by the Birla family, the temple’s construction began in 1970, and it was inaugurated on February 21, 1996. The Pran Prathistha ceremony was conducted by Swami Chidananda Maharaj, making this temple an important religious and cultural landmark in Kolkata.

Architecture
The temple’s exterior is made from sandstone, while its interior is adorned with white marble. Designed by Nomi Bose, the structure stands 160 feet tall and spans 44 kathas of land. Influenced by the Lingaraj and Laxmi Narayan temples, it features intricate carvings of scenes from the Bhagavad Gita and Rajasthani-style designs. Idols of Radha-Krishna, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Durga are housed within the sanctum.

Tips for Visiting

  1. Photography and videography are not permitted inside the temple.
  2. Avoid wandering around the verandah.
  3. For a mesmerizing experience, visit during the evening when the temple is illuminated.
  4. Attend the evening aarti for a spiritual experience.

How to Reach
Birla Mandir is easily accessible via local buses, taxis, and mini buses. The nearest metro stations are Rabindra Sadan, Maidan, and Kalighat, from where taxis or rickshaws can take you to the temple.