About Birla Temple :
Birla Temple is located in the Banaras Hindu University, campus in Varanasi and is known as the Birla Temple because it is built by the Birla Group of Industries as part of the CSR. The foundation of the temple was laid by the Raja Birla of the Birla family of industrialists. It was planned by the Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya, the founder of the Banaras Hindu University, as part of the Banaras Hindu University campus to provide a space for inspiration to those who believe in divinity of god. Temple is open to all the people of any caste and creed. It is often alleged that Pt. Malaviya was a staunch Hindu and promoted Hinduism,the sentiment is highly politicized by the politicians. But the bare truth was different. Pt.Malaviya gave space to temple construction because the British invasion over all spheres of Indians had given dimension to a new religious uprising, where Indians took pride in their spiritual heritage which can be better understood through religion.
Interior of the Birla Temple :
Birla Temple is devoted to the Lord Shiva and it is the exact copy of the old Vishwanath temple. The garbha griha of the temple has a Shiva lingam and the lines from Hindu scriptures are written on the walls of the temple.Birla Temple is constructed with white marble and its construction was completed in 1965. The tower of the temple is known as the tallest temple tower. Even it is taller to the Qutub Minar in New Delhi. Birla Temple is matchless temple in the Varanasi. Students often seeking solitude come here to study or meditate. There are nine temples in the premise of Birla Temple i.e. of Shiva Lingam, Nataraja, Goddess Parvati, Ganesha, Panchmukhi Mahadev, Hanuman, Goddess Saraswati, and Nandi, the bull of Lord Shiva. It is believed by devotees that Nandi fulfills their wishes who whisper their wish in its left ear. Students of the campus generally ask for good marks from Nandi. The unique thing about Birla Temple is that whole Ramcharitamanasa, composed by great Hindi poet Tulsi dasa, has been written on the walls of temple.
Location of the Birla Temple :
Birla Temple is located in the BHU premises about 7 km from Varanasi Cantt. railway Station. You can reach the temple by auto, taxi or rickshaw from any corner of the city. If need a private tour, then you can hire a private Cab/taxi. Click here to get taxi fare in Varanasi
Opening time of the Birla Temple :
Birla Temple opens on all days of a week from 4 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 9 pm.
Aarti time at Birla Temple :
Aarti timings are 4 am, 4.45 am, 10.30 am, 11.45 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 6.45 pm, 7.30 pm, 8 pm and 8.45 pm. On special occasions such as Shivratri, temple opens from 4 am to 12 pm midnight. On every Monday Rudrabhisheka, pouring water laced with fruits, milk and nuts is performed. In Hindu Mythology Monday is considered as the day of Lord Shiva. The temple is crowded in every season of the devotees. The temple gets decorated as well as attracts huge crowd on many auspicious occasions such as Mahashivaratri, Navaratri, Krishna Janmanshtami, ShravanMahotasva, Annakut, Deepawali and temple’s establishment day.