Situated at the foot of a hilltop fort is Birla Temple, a white marble sanctuary surrounded by green gardens. The beautiful building is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the goddess Lakshmi and features carvings, reliefs and statues of the two deities and other gods.
This Hindu place of worship was constructed in 1988, one of several temples built around the country by the wealthy Birla family. Its architecture combines new-age styles with ancient Indian motifs.
Marvel at its resplendent marble exterior, which is adorned with sculptural depictions of Vishnu and Lakshmi in various forms. Note the three huge domes, which represent Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam, the three major religions of India. Visit during sunset to see the reflective façades bathed in golden light.
Around the temple entrances, look for carved depictions of other Hindu deities, including the elephant-faced god, Ganesh. As a celebration of global spirituality, reliefs of several historic figures from different ages also adorn the temple walls. See the faces of Socrates, Zarathustra, Christ, Buddha and Confucius, among others.
Inside the temple, wander through the spacious worship rooms. Study the large marble panels portraying mythological events. Around the walls, read quotes from both the Gita and the Upanishads. The former is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that teaches mysticism and philosophy, while the latter is a collection of fundamental Hindu teachings.
Once you are back outside the temple, spend a few serene moments exploring the lush green gardens. Then visit the museum within the temple complex to see the ancestral possessions of the Birla family.
The Birla Temple is situated in eastern Jaipur and is easy to get to by bus from many parts of the city. It is open daily and has no admission fee. While you are in the area, stop by one of the many street food stalls. After your snack or meal, tour the nearby Ganesh Mandir, a temple to Lord Ganesha.
