Birla Mandir (Laxminarayan Temple), New Delhi

Birla Mandir was built between 1933 and 1939 by industrialist Baldeo Das Birla and his son Jugal Kishore Birla. It was inaugurated on 7 November 1939 by Mahatma Gandhi, who set the condition that people of every caste would be permitted entry, a historic and bold stand against untouchability that went on to shape the same open-entry tradition at every Birla temple built afterward.

The temple is built in the Nagara style across three storeys, using marble idols brought from Jaipur and stone sourced from Makrana, Agra, Kota, and Jaisalmer. Its main spire rises to about 49 metres (160 feet). Besides the principal Lakshmi-Narayan idol, the complex houses separate shrines to Shiva, Ganesha, Hanuman, Buddha, and Durga, while 'Geeta Bhawan', north of the main temple, holds an idol of Krishna and a hall for religious discourse.

The temple grounds span about 3 hectares, featuring landscaped gardens, artificial waterfalls, and fountains, a popular spot for families to visit and spend a relaxed afternoon.

Being close to Connaught Place, Birla Mandir is easily accessible to both tourists and devotees visiting Delhi, and sees special decorations and celebrations during Diwali, Janmashtami, and other major festivals.