Lakshmi Narayan Temple – (Birla Mandir, Delhi)

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The Lakshmi Narayan Temple or the Birla Temple as it is popularly known enshrines Lord Vishnu – the preserver of the Hindu Trinity. The Temple is one of the major attractions of the capital city – Delhi. The divine tranquility of the temple is interrupted only by the melodious kirtans that echoes in the sanctum sanctorum. The temple enshrines almost all the deities of the Hindu Pantheon. Situated at the heart of the cit, this is one of the major tourist and pilgrim destinations of Delhi. Located in the heart of the city of New Delhi, the Lakshmi Narayan Temple is one of the major tourist attractions of the city. Enchantingly carved depicting some of the finest gems of Hindu theology, the Lakshmi Narayan Temple was built in 1938 by Raja Baldev Das and is situated on the western portion of Connaught Place, one of the most important areas of the city of New Delhi.

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The temple has an immense historical significance as well. Built after a period of 6 years, the temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi who laid down the condition, that the temple was not to be barred for entry to anyone on the basis of caste and every individual especially the untouchables would have as much a right of entry to its sacred grounds as people from other castes. Built by the Birla family of industrialists, one of the best-known families of India, the temple is also known as the Birla Temple.

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Vishnu, Hinduism’s emblem of wealth and prosperity. However, the Birla Temple is also home to a number of other shrines dedicated to deities like Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha and Hanuman. The Vedic texts are also enshrined in the temple which also houses a Buddha temple inside its premises. In the northern portion of the temple lies the Geeta Bhavan, dedicated to Lord Krishna. Though almost all the major Hindu festivals are celebrated with equal fervor in the temple yet even among these, Krishna Janmashtami and Deepawali are considered to be of immense importance.

Jama Masjid (Delhi)

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The Jama Masjid, the Friday congregational mosque, in Delhi is the largest and glorious mosque in India. It was the last architectural extravaganza of the Mughal Emperor, Shahjahan built in the year 1656 AD with the help of 5,000 craftsmen. It was made across the road from the Red Fort. The mosque is also known as Masjid-I-Jahanuma, which means ‘mosque commanding view of the world’. The measurement of the mosque is 65 m X 35 m while the courtyard is forms an area of 100 n square. The mosque has the capacity to hold as many as 25,000 devotees. The Lal Qila or the Red Fort stand towards the east of the mosque.

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The Jama Masjid was designed as the main mosque of Shahjahan, designed by Ostad Khalil, A brilliant Mughal Architecturer. It stands on one of the two hills, Bho Jhala in the Mughal capital, Shahjahanabad. The mosque has three gateways, four towers and two minarets. It is constructed with alternate use of vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble. The white marble has been used extensively in the three domes and has been inlaid with stripes of black. The structure was situated on a high platform so that its magnificent facade would be visible from all the neighboring areas. The main prayer hall on the west is decorated by a series of high cusped arches, which stand on 260 pillars. These pillars support 15 marble domes at various elevations. The imposing gateways are approached through a broad flight of steps in the north and the south. The hallmarks of this famous mosque are the wide staircases and arched gateways.

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The tower is made up of five distinguished storeys, each pronounced by a protruding balcony. Beautiful calligraphy embellishes its adjacent buildings. The first three storeys of the tower are made of red sandstone, the fourth one, while the fifth is again of sandstone. The closet in the North gate of the mosque contains a collection of Muhammad’s relics – the Quran written on deerskin, a red beard-hair of the prophet, his sandals and his footprint, embedded in a marble slab, all of which are still preserved.

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The premises of the south minaret are 1076 sq ft wide where the people assemble for the namaaz. The cost for building the mosque was approximately Rupees 10 crores. It was the replica of the Moti Masjid at Red Fort in Agra. It is said that the walls of the mosque were tilted at a certain angle so that at the time of an earthquake, the walls do not collapse in the courtyard but outwards. The Jama Masjid combines the best of he Hindu and Islamic styles of architecture. The main entrance on the eastern side was probably used by the emperors. It remains close on the weekdays.

Cathedral Church of the Redemption (Delhi)

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The story of the Cathedral Church of the Redemption India revolves around its journey from an Englishman’s congregation to a multicultural one. In its diversity and its community work, the present Church has come to fulfil the founders’ vision of a common home, a meeting place for all sects and creeds.

Situated to the east of Parliament House in New Delhi, the Cathedral Church of the Redemption was built in eight years and was completed in the year 1935. It was designed by architect, Henry Medd. Lord Irwin, the then Viceroy, was so impressed by its high curved arches and subtle domes that it came to be known as ‘Viceroy’s Church’. Later, when the Viceroy escaped a near fatal accident in 1929, when an attempt was made to blow up his train, he presented the picture at the east end and a silver cross to the church as a thanksgiving gesture to the God for saving his life.

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Tucked away from the bustle of New Delhi, in the quiet Church lane north of Jaipur Column and to the west of Parliament House at North Avenue, stands the Cathedral Church of the Redemption India. The Church’s centralized plan blends neatly with Sir Edwin Lutyens?s city plan. With Viceroy Lord Irwin’s keen support, the Church, built on Henry Alexander Medd?s (1892-1977) design, was opened for public worship on Sunday, 18 January 1931. H.A.N. Medd’s design was inspired by the Palladio Church of Il Redentore in Venice as well as Lutyens?, Hampstead church.

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The linear plain exteriors of the church are in contrast with the high rounded arches inside. The spiritual aura of the church is enhanced by the light streaming through its crescent windows and a group of angels that look down from the curved roof above the altar. Regular mass takes place at the Cathedral Church of the Redemption on Sunday mornings. Apart from this, the cathedral also hosts religious concerts on festivals such as Christmas and Easter. It also maintains a personal choir, called the Capital City Minstrels. You can catch these concerts of choral music and carol singing on religious occasions and festivals.

The Church, a witness to nearly eight decades of history, is a sanctuary of quiet meditation, prayer and generous giving. It is home to a vibrant parish and a wonderful tribute to Indian Christian life.