Did you know that Birla Mandir Mathura is one of the few temples in India that has the entire Bhagavad Gita inscribed on its walls? If you are looking for a place to experience the beauty, culture, and spirituality of Mathura, then you should not miss this magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narayan. The temple, also known as Gita Mandir, is famous for its exquisite carvings, paintings, and idols, as well as the Gita Stambh, a tower that has the verses of the Bhagavad Gita engraved on it.
In this article, we will explore the Birla Mandir Mathura in detail, covering its history, architecture, timings, entry fee, parking, location, and nearby attractions. We will also provide you with some useful tips and tricks to make your visit to the temple a memorable and rewarding experience.
History of Birla Mandir Mathura
The Birla Mandir Mathura was built by the industrialist and philanthropist Shri Ghanshyam Das Birla, who was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's vision of a united and independent India. The temple was inaugurated by Gandhi himself on February 25, 1946, and was dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narayan, the presiding deity of the Birla family. The temple was designed by the renowned architect Shri Sris Chandra Chatterjee, who blended the elements of ancient and modern Indian architecture. The temple was meant to be a symbol of harmony and unity among all religions and sects, and to spread the message of peace and love through the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.
Architecture of Birla Mandir Mathura
The Birla Mandir Mathura is a splendid example of art and craftsmanship, built with red sandstone and white marble. The temple has a spacious hall, a dome, and a shikhara (spire), adorned with intricate carvings of floral and geometric patterns. The temple also has beautiful paintings of various gods and goddesses, depicting scenes from the Hindu epics and mythology. The temple houses the idols of Lord Lakshmi Narayan, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman, and Goddess Durga, made of marble and brass. The main attraction of the temple is the Gita Stambh, a 18-meter high tower that has the 700 verses of the Bhagavad Gita inscribed on it in Sanskrit, Hindi, and English. The tower also has the symbols of all major religions of the world, representing the universal appeal of the Gita. The temple also has a museum, a garden, and a planetarium, where visitors can learn more about the history and culture of Mathura and Vrindavan.
Timings, Entry Fee, and Parking of Birla Mandir Mathura
The Birla Mandir Mathura is open to the public from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM in summer, and from 6:30 AM to 12:00 PM and from 2:30 PM to 8:30 PM in winter. The temple also performs aarti (worship ceremony) twice a day, at 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM, which is a sight to behold. The Birla Mandir Mathura does not have any entry fee, and anyone can visit the temple for free. However, donations are welcome and appreciated, and can be made at the temple office or online. The Birla Mandir Mathura has a spacious and secure parking lot, where visitors can park their vehicles for a nominal charge. The parking lot can accommodate cars, buses, bikes, and cycles, and is located at a walking distance from the temple.
Location and How to Reach Birla Mandir Mathura
The Birla Mandir Mathura is located on the Mathura Vrindavan Road, about 5 km from the Mathura Junction Railway Station and 6 km from the Mathura Bus Stand. The temple is easily accessible by road, rail, and air, and can be reached by taxi, auto-rickshaw, cycle-rickshaw, or bus. The nearest airport to the temple is the Agra Airport, which is about 60 km away.
Nearby Attractions of Birla Mandir Mathura
The Birla Mandir Mathura is surrounded by many other places of interest, where visitors can enjoy the beauty and culture of Mathura and Vrindavan. Some of the nearby attractions are:
- Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple: The birthplace of Lord Krishna, the most revered deity in Mathura and Vrindavan, and one of the most sacred places for Hindus. The temple complex has a prison cell, where Krishna was born, a shrine, where he was worshipped, and a museum, where his life and teachings are displayed.
- Dwarkadhish Temple: The main temple of Mathura, dedicated to Lord Dwarkadhish, another name of Lord Krishna. The temple is known for its grand architecture, colorful festivals, and lively atmosphere, where devotees sing and dance in praise of Krishna.
- Vishram Ghat: The most important ghat (river bank) of Mathura, where Krishna is believed to have rested after killing his uncle Kansa, the tyrant king of Mathura. The ghat is also the site of the evening aarti, where hundreds of lamps are floated on the Yamuna river, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
- Government Museum: A museum that showcases the rich history and heritage of Mathura, with a collection of sculptures, paintings, coins, pottery, and inscriptions, dating back to the Mauryan, Kushan, Gupta, and Mughal periods.
- Vrindavan: The town where Krishna spent his childhood and youth, playing with his friends and beloved Radha. The town is dotted with hundreds of temples, ashrams, gardens, and ponds, where Krishna performed his divine leelas (pastimes). Some of the famous temples in Vrindavan are Banke Bihari Temple, ISKCON Temple, Prem Mandir, and Radha Raman Temple.
Tips and Tricks for Visiting Birla Mandir Mathura
To make your visit to the Birla Mandir Mathura a smooth and enjoyable one, here are some tips and tricks that you should keep in mind:
- The best time to visit the temple is during the morning or evening hours, when the weather is pleasant and the temple is less crowded. You can also witness the aarti, which is a beautiful and spiritual experience.
- The temple is open throughout the year, but the best time to visit is during the festivals, such as Janmashtami, Holi, Diwali, and Radhashtami, when the temple is decorated with lights, flowers, and flags, and the atmosphere is festive and joyous. You can also participate in the celebrations, such as singing, dancing, and playing with colors.
- The temple is located near many other attractions, so you can plan a day trip or a weekend getaway to Mathura and Vrindavan, and explore the other places of interest, such as Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, Dwarkadhish Temple, Vishram Ghat, Government Museum, and Vrindavan. You can also book a tour package or a hotel near the temple, and enjoy the convenience and comfort of your stay.
- The temple is a place of worship and respect, so you should dress modestly and cover your head, shoulders, and knees. You should also remove your shoes and socks before entering the temple, and keep them in the shoe rack provided. You should also avoid taking photos or videos inside the temple, and maintain silence and decorum.
- The temple is a source of inspiration and enlightenment, so you should try to learn more about the Bhagavad Gita and its teachings, which are inscribed on the walls and the tower of the temple. You can also visit the museum, the garden, and the planetarium, where you can find more information and exhibits related to the temple and its history.
- The temple is a destination for all types of travelers, whether you are a family, a solo traveler, a couple, or a group. You can find something for everyone at the temple, whether it is the beauty, the culture, or the spirituality. You can also meet and interact with other visitors and locals, and share your experiences and stories.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article and found it useful and informative. If you are planning to visit the Birla Mandir Mathura, then you should definitely follow these tips and tricks, and make the most of your trip. You will surely have a divine and unforgettable experience at the temple, and feel closer to Lord Lakshmi Narayan and the Bhagavad Gita. Happy traveling! ๐
