User:CStickel8/Birla Mandir, Jaipur

History[ edit]
Tradition states that a Maharaja sold the Birla family the land for the temple for one rupee. Construction began in 1977 under the direction Ramanauj Das and Ghanshyam Birla. It opened on February 22nd, 1988.

Architecture[ edit]
The temple is made of white marble. It has three towers, referencing the three main faiths of India, as well as stained glass windows depicting traditional Hindu stories. Marble sculptures also reference Hindu mythology. It features Hindu deities inside - particularly Lakshmi, Narayan, and Ganesh - and figures such as Christ, Buddha, Confucius, and Socrates on the outer walls. Its architectural style is considered to be modern. It was built on a raised platform, which lifts it up into the Jaipur skyline; at night, it becomes covered in light. In addition to the temple itself, the grounds include gardens, a museum that houses some of the Birla family's treasures, and a small gift shop.