We decided to spend the second half of the second day in Bhopal in an auspicious environment. Therefore we planned to go to the Lkshmi Narayan temple which is more commonly known as Birla Mandir in Bhopal. The Lakshmi Narayan tempe is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu. The Goddess of wealth and prosperity, Maa Lakshmi is the mother of all virtues. It is said that worshipping Goddess Lakshmi vanishes all the fear and brings good fortune. I was enthralled to visit this place as places having some cultural importance have always attracted me. Lakshmi Narayan temples are also found in Delhi, Kolkata and few other places, however; the temple I visited here at Bhopal had a different charm altogether. Apart from Lord Vishnu and Maa Lakshmi, I could also find images of Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman, Shri Krishna and Goddess Durga.
The ambience of the temple is very soothing and filled with tranquility. The worries and tautness seem to get washed away within few seconds within the temple compound. The temple’s architecture resembles Nagara style art and culture. The skilled artisans have painted masterpieces on the wall of temple in which each piece is different from the other. The entire temple is built with Kota stone brought especially from Makrana. The east-facing temple has a rich collection of thick lush green plantation all around the compound. One would also notice gurgling waterfall and artificial landscapes painted in lively manner in the temple vicinity. The temple is uniquely designed and marks a rich form of architecture in the midst of the city.
The temple gathers much crowd during Hindu festive seasons and festivals like Janmastami, Shiva Ratri and Dusshera. In these festivals, the Gods and Goddesses are adorned with pure colorful flowers and the entire environment becomes pious and sanctimonious. I and friends had been in the evening hours just to feel the beauty of the marvelous architecture and enjoy some quality time in solitude. The evening bells of the temple are so alarming that it brings good spirit and thought in every human listening to it. My trip to Birla temple in Bhopal was very satisfying. I enjoyed the beauty of he place to the core of my heart.