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Lakshminarayain
Temple
 The
Laxmi Narayan Mandir (temple) built by B.D. Birla is a modern Hindu
temple dedicated to Laxmi (goddess of wealth) and Narayana (the
preserver). It was inaugurated by Gandhi with the stipulation that it
should be open to all castes (including the untouchables) and all
faiths, so it is more welcoming to foreigners than the average temple.
After visiting so many ancient Hindu temples, it was fun to see a
modern functioning one. The whole temple was quite garish, and noisy
with chants over the loud speaker system, but it was also strangely
peaceful. In the garden there was a tree wound with colored strings,
and two women were praying at the foot.
History
This temple was built over a six year period (1933 - 1939) and was
opened by Mahatma Gandhi.
Temple Architecture
The highest tower in the temple reaches a height of 165 feet while the
ancillary towers reach 116 feet. The Geeta Bhavan, a hall is adorned
with beautiful paintings depicting scenes from Indian mythology. There
is also a temple dedicated to Buddha in this complex with fresco
paintings describing his life and work. The entire complex, especially
the walls and the upper gallery are full of paintings carried out by
artists from Jaipur in Rajasthan. The rear of the temple has been
developed as an artificial mountainous landscape with fountains and
waterfalls.
Significance
This is one of the landmarks in the nation's capital New Delhi. It was
built in the 20th century by the Birla family of industrialists known
for its many other temples in India. It is modern in concept and
construction. It attracts several devotees and international tourists.
The presiding deity here is Lakshmi Narain (Vishnu).
Other Shrines in the temple
Durga and Shiva are the other major deities housed in this temple.
Mention must be made of the Buddha temple in this complex. Access and
Accommodation: Accomodation is available in the temple guest house for
out of town travellers especially for international scholars pursuing
knowledge in Sanskrit or in the Hindu religion.
Lotus
Temple
 Baha'i
Temple, is known as one of the most beautiful architectural temples in
India. Popularly called Lotus Temple as it is built in the shape of a
Lotus flower and reaches a height of more than 40m. It was completed
in 1986 and one can enjoy its exquisite beauty even from a kilometre
distance, at night. The House of Worship is surrounded by nine large
pools of water that not only enhance the beauty of the building, but
also play a significant role in the natural cooling system of the
prayer hall. An adjunct of the main building is its ancillary building
which houses offices, a conference hall, a library and an audio-visual
room.
The common characteristic of Bahá’i Houses of Worship is that they
are all nine-sided. Nine is the highest digit and symbolises
comprehensiveness, oneness and unity. Within the prayer hall only the
Holy Scriptures of the Bahá'í Faith and earlier Religions are read
or recited, according to arranged programmes. At other times, all are
welcome to meditate and pray in silence. No lectures are permitted,
nor any rituals performed in the prayer hall.
Rajghat
 4
km away from Janpath to the N-East of Feroz Shah near Delhi Gate at
Ring Rd on the bank of Jamuna situated Rajghat. Jawaharlal Nehru Rd
also ends opp. Rajghat. On 31st Jan. 1948, Mahatma Gandhi's last rites
was performed here. The memorial stone of Gandhi is square in shape
made of black stone. His last ward- 'Hey Ram' is inscribed on it.
Ordinary people, VIPs,
foreign tourists all come here at Rajghat to pay their homage to him.
On every Friday (the day of his death) a prayer is being held. Except
Monday, a regular feature of projecting Gandhi philosophy in picture,
sculpture and photos from 10-00 to 17-00 is being performed at
Rajghat. Besides, there is Gandhi Memorial Museum projecting his life
and the philosophy of Sarvodaya Movement in film from 9-30 to 17-30
except Thursday and on Sunday at 16-00 in Hindi and 17-00 in English.
Another Gandhi memorial
is Gandhi Balidansthal or assassinated spot at Tis January Marg of the
city. On 30 Jan. 1948 on his way to prayer at Biral Bhawan , he was
assassinated by bullets. Hence, this memorial.
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