The Buddhist Birla Temple of Delhi

The Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Delhi stands as the first Birla temple, a testament to the family's legacy across North India. In a previous post, I delved into the intricate details of this temple's grandeur. Yet, adjoining this iconic structure is another temple, one devoted to Buddha. Though no longer widely recognized as a Birla temple, it can also be technically considered as one of the First Birla Mandirs across the nation.

This Buddhist Temple was granted its land by the British Viceroy of India, a gift entrusted to the Maha Bodhi Society. The entire construction cost was generously covered by Raja Seth Jugal Kishore Birla. In 1931, the foundation stone was laid by K. Yonewaza, the Japanese Consul General in India. Thus, the first Buddhist Temple of Delhi came into being, graced by the auspicious presence of Mahatma Gandhi at its reverential opening in 1939, alongside the Lakshmi Narayan Temple.

Since its inception, the Buddha Vihara has remained a venerable center of Buddhism in the heart of India's capital. Devotees from all walks of life, irrespective of faith, flock to this sanctuary to pay homage to Buddha and absorb his timeless message of peace and nonviolence.

Throughout the year, the Buddha Dharma's auspicious days are celebrated with fervor and devotion within these sacred walls.

As one enters the Buddha Vihara, a magnificent gold-polished Buddha murti greets visitors at the threshold. Inside, an exquisite gold-plated murti of Buddha another one of Burmese origin reside within the shrine, a symbol of serenity and divinity. Stepping into the adjoining garden, a newly installed Buddha icon sits gracefully under the shade of a tree, radiating tranquility.

Adorning the walls of the main shrine are mural paintings depicting the timeless stories of Buddha's life and teachings. Among these treasures is a beautiful picture of Buddha, a gift from Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, adding to the temple's rich tapestry of history.

The Buddha Vihara stands not just as a place of worship, but as a sanctuary of peace and wisdom, inviting all who seek solace and enlightenment.

Happy travelling.